ZZ Top played their first show after Beard’s death with touring drummer Michael Monahan (who had already been filling in for Beard before his death) at Austin’s ACL Live, which took place at the Moody Theater , on August 22, 2026.
Gibbons announced on the following day that the band would continue per Beard’s wishes, similar to Hill’s request in 2021.
On August 17, 2026, Beard died at the age of 77, leaving Gibbons as the only surviving member of ZZ Top’s classic lineup.
In April 2026 Max Carl announced his departure from Grand Funk Railroad for medical reasons after 26 years, with the band continuing its touring with founding member drummer Don Brewer and keyboardist Tim Cashion handling the vocal duties.
and ended on November 22, 2025, in Biloxi .
The Elevation tour resumed on March 2, 2025, in New Orleans
In March 2025, Beard temporarily left the tour due to illness, and was replaced by ZZ Top’s longtime drum technician, John Douglas.
In January 2025 Foghat called in current Blue Öyster Cult drummer Jules Radino to sub for an ill Roger Earl until Roger was able to return in May.
Also in 2025, one of the group’s crew members, Eddie Lefebvre, began appearing on stage with them playing percussion.
On March 2, 2024, in Key West , ZZ Top embarked on the Elevation tour through to November 24, 2024, in Lubbock .