ZZ Top's Frank Beard Dies At 77, Heavy Healing Documentary Gets A Release Date, MTV Axes Best Rock

ZZ Top's Frank Beard Dies At 77, Heavy Healing Documentary Gets A Release Date, MTV Axes Best Rock

Author: Scott Penfold | Loaded Radio | Heavy Metal & Hard Rock News August 19, 2026 Duration: 6:25

Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Frank Beard, ZZ Top's drummer for 56 years and the only member of the band without a beard, has died at 77 at his ranch in Texas — leaving Billy Gibbons as the last man from a lineup that never changed in half a century. The documentary Heavy Healing, about people who leaned on heavy and aggressive music through serious illness and recovery, gets a September 22 digital release with Jesse Leach, Lou Koller, Vinnie Stigma and Michael Alago among those featured. And MTV has quietly dropped the Best Rock category from the 2026 VMAs, a year after staging a major Ozzy Osbourne tribute.

Scott Penfold breaks it all down in under five minutes.

Full stories at loadedradio.com. Stream Loaded Radio 24/7 or download the free Loaded Radio app on Apple and Google Play.


For anyone who lives and breathes the sound of distorted guitars and thunderous drums, Heavy Metal News & Interviews: The Loaded Radio Podcast is your essential audio feed. Hosted by Scott Penfold from the Loaded Radio platform, this podcast captures the energy and authenticity of a dedicated FM radio broadcast, delivered directly to your headphones. It’s a focused mix of the latest updates from the heavy music world and conversations with the artists who create it. You’ll hear new tracks fresh from the studio, giving you a first listen to upcoming releases, paired with interviews that go beyond the surface. These discussions delve into the creative process, touring stories, and the current state of the scene, offering in-depth content you won’t find in a simple headline. Tune in for a regular dose of hard rock and metal news, curated by a voice deeply embedded in the culture. This is more than just a show; it’s a connection to the heart of the genre, built on a foundation of genuine passion and expertise. Each episode of this podcast is designed to inform and engage, whether you're a lifelong metalhead or exploring the heavier side of rock.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Heavy Metal News & Interviews: The Loaded Radio Podcast
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