The band ZZ Top in a photo posted to wikimedia.org.

The band ZZ Top in a photo posted to wikimedia.org.

ZZ Top cancels PNE concert due to drummer’s illness, Cheap Trick to fill in

Frank Beard has been directed by doctors to recuperate before resuming performances

** This story has been updated

The number of awesome beards expected at this year’s PNE just fell in number by at least a couple.

Texas boogie-blues band ZZ Top has cancelled its Aug. 18 performance at the Vancouver fair because drummer Frank Beard has been diagnosed with a case of pneumonia, according to a media release Thursday, and he’s been directed by doctors to recuperate before resuming performances.

“ZZ Top is loved by their fans here at the Fair as well as across British Columbia, and we’re all wishing Mr. Beard a speedy recovery,” PNE spokesperson Laura Ballance said.

The band Cheap Trick has been booked to replace ZZ Top that night, event organizers announced Friday.

Ticket holders for the Reserved Seat section of the ZZ Top show will have the option of retaining their tickets for the Cheap Trick show or receiving a refund at the point of purchase. For more information visit ticketleader.ca.

The Fair at the PNE starts Aug. 17 this year.

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Surrey Now Leader