ZZ Top are officially beardless as founding drummer Frank Beard (the only member without a beard) has, according to their spokesman, "temporarily stepped away from the current tour to attend to a health issue requiring his focus in the near term."
As they did in 2021 when bassist Dusty Hill died and his tech Elwood Francis filled the void, the band has turned to longtime tech member, percussionist and drummer John Douglas to fill in.
The spokesman says, "Mr. Douglas has maintained a close relationship with Beard and the bandmates, having served with the group in the past, having filled in in 2002 when Beard underwent an emergency appendectomy in Paris."
He adds, "Beard is looking forward to a speedy recovery."
ZZ Top's Elevation tour moves to Hiawassee, Georgia tomorrow.
Check out the original post about it here from ZZ Top's official Instagram page.
Also dealing with health issues is Dave Mason..
Dave Mason has canceled his spring tour due to another medical condition.
A statement was released Friday that reads:
"Hello to all our Dave Mason fans. We want to share that Dave has been hospitalized due to a serious infection that developed quickly. The entire Dave Mason family, band and crew deeply appreciate your love and prayers during this time. Tickets for all March, April and May shows will be refunded at the point of purchase. We’re all hoping for a swift recovery!"
The tour, which was set to start this coming Thursday, March 20th, in Augusta, Georgia, was to be his first since last summer.
He postponed two shows on his fall tour due to vocal issues, and five days later he canceled the rest of the tour due to a heart condition. Then in November he underwent heart valve replacement surgery. Mick Jagger underwent the same surgery in 2019.
The 78-year old Mason's summer tour is still on the books with the first date scheduled for July 11th in Kansas City, Missouri..with a stop at the Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory on July 20th, along with Kansas and .38 Special.