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A LEGENDARY 70s rock star has dropped out of his band’s tour suddenly for a ‘health procedure’.

Having formed in 1969, the group have been active for almost six decades.

ZZ Top performing live on stage.

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ZZ Top’s history dates back almost six decadesCredit: Getty
Frank Beard of ZZ Top playing drums at a concert.

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Frank Beard has been the band’s drummer since 1969Credit: Alamy
Frank Beard of ZZ Top in an interview.

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Frank is taking a step back from the group’s ongoing touringCredit: Alamy

Iconic ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is taking a break from touring owing to a “health procedure”.

The Texas-formed band issued a statement, explaining Frank would not be joining them on a string of scheduled tour dates which kicked off on March 5.

It will allow the 75-year-old to “attend to a health issue requiring his focus in the near term”.

Continuing, the statement added: [ZZ Top] have engaged fellow Texan and longtime tech member, percussionist and drummer, John Douglas, for the interim.

“Mr Douglas has maintained a close relationship with Beard and the bandmates, having served with the group in the past.”

It concluded: “He is looking forward to a speedy recovery.”

Meanwhile, ZZ Top’s fans were quick to share their well-wishes to Frank.

One wrote: “Ugh this makes me so sad. Wishing Frank the best.”

Another added: “Get well soon legend!”

While a third chimed in: “Prayers for a successful surgery and a full recovery.”

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Prior to Frank joining ZZ Top in 1969, the group had only recorded one single – Salt Lick.

For over five decades, the line-up comprised Frank, vocalist/guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist/vocalist Dusty Hill.

Fans were devastated when Dusty passed away in 2021, at the age of 72.

One wrote: “I’m genuinely sad about this. My husband and I went to a ZZ Top concert for our first date. Oct. 1999.”

Another added: “Normally I don’t pay attention to celebrities dieing, but this hits me right in the feels.

“I was born in the early 70’s and grew up listening to ZZ Top with my dad. RIP Mr Hill.”

A third commented: “Rest In Peace! What a huge loss!”

Dusty Hill of ZZ Top playing bass guitar.

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The group’s legendary bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021