New Delhi, Aug. 19 -- Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top and a member of the celebrated Texas rock trio for more than half a century, has died aged 77, the band announced on Tuesday.

Beard died on Monday, according to the announcement shared by bandmate Billy Gibbons on social media. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed in the initial announcement. Reuters reported that Beard died in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family.

ZZ Top singer Billy said, "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. "His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of which he ...