Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top and the man whose understated groove helped define one of rock's most recognisable sounds, has died aged 77.

For 56 years, Frank Beard sat behind the drum kit of ZZ Top, helping create a sound that became instantly recognisable around the world.

Beard died in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born in Frankston, Texas, Beard became part of the classic ZZ Top lineup alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill. The three musicians first performed together in 1970, creating one of the longest-running partnerships in rock music.

And then there was the joke that followed him throughout his career.

Frank Beard was the one member of ZZ Top who didn't have the famous beard.

But behind the humour was a seriously accomplished drummer.

His tight, powerful and often deceptively simple playing provided the foundation for songs including La Grange, Tush, Gimme All Your Lovin', Sharp Dressed Man and Legs.

When ZZ Top exploded onto MTV in the 1980s, the band's image became almost as famous as its music. The sunglasses, cars, guitars and enormous beards became part of rock folklore.

Frank, meanwhile, just kept the beat.

Billy Gibbons paid tribute to his longtime bandmate, describing Beard as a great friend and collaborator and one of the most naturally innovative drummers. Gibbons also said Beard's signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ Top at the top.

Frank Beard was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with ZZ Top in 2004. At the ceremony, he reflected on a career he had never expected to become quite so extraordinary.

The death of Beard follows that of Dusty Hill, who died in 2021. After Hill's death, Elwood Francis joined Gibbons and Beard in the touring version of ZZ Top.

The music, however, remains.

Those opening drums on La Grange.

That unmistakable groove of Tush.

The enormous 1980s sound of Sharp Dressed Man.

The rhythm underneath Legs.

For generations of rock fans, Frank Beard wasn't simply the drummer in ZZ Top.

He was the beat.

And when you hear those songs again, you won't just hear ZZ Top.

You'll hear Frank.