ZZ Top have paid an emotional tribute to their late drummer Frank Beard, describing him as a "great friend and collaborator" following his death at the age of 77.
Billy F. Gibbons, the band's guitarist, primary songwriter and lead vocalist, shared the heartfelt statement on social media on Tuesday, alongside photographs of Beard.
"Today, Elwood [Francis] and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," Gibbons wrote.
He went on to pay tribute to Beard's distinctive playing style, adding: "His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top."
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Beard died on August 17 following a stay in hospice, according to the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner's Office in Rosenberg, Texas.
He was 77.
The medical examiner has said that Beard's cause of death remains unclear and that an autopsy will not be carried out.
Following the news, ZZ Top announced that several dates on their current The Big One! Tour would be cancelled.
The band cancelled its scheduled show in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, as well as Wednesday's performance in Colorado Springs.
However, the group has confirmed that it will return to the stage this weekend with two performances at Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas.
The venue holds a particular significance for Beard, with ZZ Top describing it as one of his favourite places to perform and noting that Austin had become something of a second home to him.
Beard's death comes just weeks after ZZ Top were forced to cancel their Hollywood Bowl show on August 5, only hours before they were due to take to the stage.
At the time, the band said the cancellation was due to "unforeseen personnel matters".
Gibbons later referred to "insurmountable obstacles" behind the decision and thanked the band's fans for their patience.
Beard had been a member of ZZ Top for more than five decades and was part of the iconic trio alongside Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill.
Gibbons formed ZZ Top in 1969 and brought Beard into the group at the suggestion of Hill.
The trio went on to become one of the most recognisable acts in rock music, remaining together for more than 50 years.
Hill died in 2021 at the age of 72. Elwood Francis, who had worked as ZZ Top's longtime guitar tech, subsequently joined the band as bassist in accordance with Hill's wishes.
News of Beard's death has also prompted tributes from musicians across the rock world.
Former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum remembered Beard as "the backbone of ZZ Top for 57 years with the best shuffle known to man."
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Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk also recalled seeing ZZ Top perform during the Eliminator tour when he was in high school.
"My mind was BLOWN!" he wrote. "Watching his two hand shuffle live was immense."
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Foghat also paid tribute to Beard, describing him as "an incredible drummer and great guy".
The band remembered the many shows they had shared with ZZ Top over the years, adding that it had "always [been] a pleasure to share the stage with them."
They sent their "thoughts and love" to Gibbons, Francis, Beard's family and friends, before adding: "Thank you Frank for your solid presence all these many years."
Despite the loss of their longtime drummer, ZZ Top have confirmed that they will continue with their current tour, beginning again this weekend in Austin.
