ZZ Top Performs First Concert Since Frank Beard’s Death

ZZ Top is back on the road ... taking the stage in Austin Saturday night for its first concert since longtime drummer Frank Beard died earlier this week.

We broke the news of Beard\u2019s death last week. Frank died at 77 while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Texas with loved ones by his side. No official cause of death was released.

As we reported, the band scrapped two shows in the immediate aftermath, but kept its scheduled dates at Austin\u2019s Moody Theater -- a venue the group said was especially close to Frank\u2019s heart in a city that felt like a second home.

Billy Gibbons addressed the loss early in the show, introducing drummer Michael Monahan, who has stepped in behind the kit amid Beard\u2019s recent health struggles. Gibbons recalled receiving a call from Beard, who joked that Monahan\u2019s strong work filling in worried him.

However, Gibbons made clear Saturday night was meant to honor his late bandmate with the kind of energy Frank would\u2019ve wanted ... telling the crowd they were there for a celebration and promising a good time.

Beard had played with ZZ Top for more than five decades, laying down the beat on classics including \u201cLa Grange,\u201d \u201cSharp Dressed Man,\u201d \u201cGimme All Your Lovin\u2019\u201d and "Legs."