We now know why ZZ Top canceled their show last week in Los Angeles, and what singer and guitarist Billy Gibbons meant when he said it was due to “unforeseen personnel matters."
Drummer Frank Beard, the only member without a beard, is once again dealing with health issues. The band's spokesman says Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis will continue the tour with Michael Monahan who filled in for Beard last summer when he took a leave of absence due to a leg issue.
In early 2025, Beard was sidelined due to foot and ankle issues, and he also missed dates in 2002 after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Beard is not a founding member of the band, but he's been behind the kit for 55 years and has played on all their albums. Dan Mitchell was their first drummer, playing on their first single, 1969's “Salt Lick.”
ZZ's tour continues Tuesday night in Redmond, Washington followed by Central Point, Oregon Thursday, and Ridgefield, Washington on Friday.