ZZ Top returned to the stage Saturday night in Austin, marking the band's first concert since longtime drummer Frank Beard passed away earlier this week.
Beard died at 77 while receiving hospice care at his Texas ranch, surrounded by loved ones. No official cause of death was released.
The band had canceled two shows immediately after his death but kept the scheduled dates at Austin's Moody Theater, a venue they said was especially close to Beard's heart.
A Night of Celebration
Early in the show, Billy Gibbons addressed the loss and introduced drummer Michael Monahan, who stepped in during Beard's recent health struggles.
Gibbons recalled a call from Beard, who joked that Monahan's strong work filling in worried him.
Gibbons made clear the night was meant to honor his late bandmate with the energy Frank would have 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 "La Grange," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Gimme All Your Lovin'" and "Legs."
