The Eagles’ Glenn Frey Dead at 67
Glenn Frey, a founding member of and guitarist in the Eagles, has died. He was 67 years old.
Frey passed away in New York City on Monday (Jan. 18), the band confirmed on their Facebook page.
"Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia," the band's announcement reads. "The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery. Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community and millions of fans worldwide."
The statement concludes with the lyrics to "It's Your World Now," a song written by Frey and Jack Tempchin for the Eagles' Long Road Out of Eden album.
Frey, who turned 67 in November, underwent "major surgery" due to his intestinal issues late in 2015. The artist had battled intestinal issues, which he believed to be due to his early band days involving drugs and alcohol, since the early 1980s. In 1986, he missed a reunion with Don Henley due to his ailments, and in 1990, Frey underwent surgery to remove a large part of his intestine. In 1994, he had a bout with diverticulitis, which interrupted the band’s Hell Freezes Over Tour.
Given the lengthy recovery time associated with Frey's recent surgery, the Eagles opted to postpone being honored at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors in favor of recognition during the 2016 ceremony, so that the entire band could attend. Nonetheless, during the December event, Miranda Lambert honored the iconic group with a rendition of "Desperado."
Born Glenn Lewis Frey on Nov. 6, 1948, in Detroit, Mich., Frey studied the keyboard throughout his childhood and played in several local bands during and just after high school. His first professional recording experience came at the age of 19, when he played acoustic guitar and sang background vocals on Bob Seger's "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man."
After moving to Los Angeles, Calif., Frey met Don Henley in 1970. Together, they played in Linda Ronstadt's backup band, before forming the Eagles with fellow Ronstadt back-up band members Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon (Timothy Schmit and Joe Walsh would later join the Eagles following the departures of Meisner and Leadon, respectively). The band broke up in 1980, then reunited in 1994, and continues to enjoy success live in concert, though there is no word on how Frey's death will affect the group's future.
In addition to his work with the Eagles -- which also includes writing credits on many of the band's best-known songs -- Frey earned success as a solo artist in the '80s, post-Eagles breakup. He most recently released a solo album, After Hours, in 2012. Frey dabbled in acting as well, earning a small role in Jerry Maguire, and guest-starring roles on Miami Vice and Nash Bridges.
As a member of the Eagles, Frey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and won six Grammy Awards.
Arrangements have not yet been announced. Frey leaves behind his wife, Cindy, whom he married in 1990, as well as a daughter and two sons, Taylor, Deacon and Otis. The Boot extends our deepest condolences to his bandmates, family and other loved ones.
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