India, Aug. 19 -- For more than five decades, Frank Beard sat behind the drum kit and helped give ZZ Top its unmistakable Texas rock sound. Now, the longtime drummer has died at the age of 77, leaving Billy Gibbons as the only surviving member of the band's classic trio. Beard died Monday, August 17, at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while receiving hospice care, according to reports. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

The news came just after Beard stepped away from ZZ Top's current tour because of health problems. The band had already used replacement drummer Michael Monahan during recent shows after Beard took medical leave. His death has now forced ZZ Top to cancel upcoming performances in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs b...