The ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died at the age of 77.

A spokesperson for the band confirmed to the Guardian that Beard died on 17 August in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. His family were by his side.

In a statement, ZZ Top singer Billy Gibbons said: “Today, Elwood [Francis] and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas.

“His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”

Last week, the band cancelled a show at the Hollywood Bowl owing to Beard’s health. ZZ Top will also no longer play their concert in Salt Lake City or Wednesday in Colorado Springs.

Growing up in the small town of Frankston, Texas, Beard played in a number of local rock bands before joining ZZ Top in 1971. Although not a founding member, he came to be regarded as the band’s definitive drummer among fans thanks to his propulsive percussion on hits such as La Grange, Tush and Legs.

As the band became rock heavyweights in the late 70s, Beard experienced drug addiction, leading to the band taking a hiatus. After the break, Beard got sober and continued to tour with the band for decades.

Beard faced other health problems over the years, including an emergency appendectomy, which caused him to miss some shows in 2002. Last year, he stepped away from the band due to undisclosed health issues.

In 2021, ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill died at the age of 72. After his death, Elwood Francis joined the band as bass player.

In public, Beard consistently adopted a humble attitude towards his success. When ZZ Top were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, he said: “All I have to say is that most of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and so is this. Thank you.”