A ZZ Top spokesperson confirmed to Billboard that Beard will not be completing the current leg of the tour and that drummer Michael Monahan will join Billy Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis for the time being; the spokesperson said no additional information was available on Beard’s condition or the reason behind his absence.
According to Rolling Stone, Beard’s status initially led to the last-minute cancellation of the group’s Hollywood Bowl concert last week.
“Insurmountable obstacles require canceling our Hollywood Bowl performance,” shared Billy Gibbons in a statement posted to the band’s social media. “Friends, fans and followers of ZZ Top are the best in the business and the band is counting on everyone to bear with us for this brief interruption.”
Beard has dealt with issues in recent times, including stepping away from the band’s tour last year to deal with some health issues.
ZZ Top is currently playing dates on The Big One Tour, which includes three dozen US shows into October, after which they with perform in Mexico and South America in November.
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