Rock icon’s health keeps him sidelined

It was announced just a month ago that Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the legendary rock group ZZ Top, was stepping away from the current tour due to a “health issue.”

And Thursday the band announced that the 75-year-old Beard’s absence will extend through its entire upcoming tour of Australia. Billboard reported the band said the move comes “as recommended by medical personnel.”

The band has not revealed Beard’s health issue.

Former ZZ Top member John Douglas will sub for Beard in the interim.

– Tribune News Services