Gov’t Mule paid tribute to ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard during their performance at Livingston, MT’s Pine Creek Lodge Montana last night. A few hours after learning that Beard passed away in hospice, the members of Gov’t Mule, who have deep roots with the ZZ Top family and have recorded with the band’s guitarist/singer Billy Gibbons, offered their spin on a pair of ZZ Top cuts.

After performing “Banks of the Deep End,” a tune about deep loss first set, Gov’t Mule kicked off their second set with the Rio Grande Mud selection “Just Got Paid” and then moved into the Fandango! track “Nasty Dogs And Funky Kings.” Gov’t Mule began playing both of the songs during their earliest days, in 1994 and 1997, respectively, but had not performed either number since a December 31, 2024, gig where they celebrated their own 30th anniversary.

“RIP Frank Beard.  By now, everyone knows of my (and Gov’t Mule’s) affinity for ZZ TOP. It would be impossible for a trio like Gov’t Mule to not be influenced by ZZ TOP–we’ve worn that on our sleeves as we will do tonight when we play some ZZ songs at our show in honor of Frank,” Warren Haynes said in a statement on social media. “As I’ve stated many times, in any trio (even more than in larger bands) each member’s musical personality has everything to do with the chemistry and each member plays a larger role as no one can “coast” —each person has to be firing on all cylinders at all times. Frank Beard was the perfect drummer for ZZ TOP. The way he played with Billy and Dusty created a unique groove that was evident from the first song any of us ever heard by them. It was bluesy, it was rock and roll, but it was FUNKY. Think about how every drummer (including recently my 14-year-old son) was excited to figure out that enigma of a fill he played (two different times, two different ways) in LaGrange.  All the ZZ TOP records were filled with these hooky riffs and grooves that would have sounded different with 3 different hombres playing them. Frank came up with these unique drum patterns that most (or all) drummers would have approached differently, and we’re all grateful that he did. I loved Frank’s drumming on all those records, but if I had to choose one as an example of his style it would be ‘Tejas.’ I remember hearing that record for the first time and thinking that he had opened a whole new door—for himself and everyone else.  Having worked with those guys many times through the years, I can say it was always an honor to share the stage and to call them my friends. After losing Dusty, this is a tough blow but we all know that the musical spirit of ZZ TOP will ride into the future—loud and proud. Thanks for paving the way for so many.”

Gov’t Mule will perform in Rexford, MT this evening.