RIP: Glenn Frey of The Eagles Has Died

Glenn Frey, co-founder of legendary rock band The Eagles and an accomplished solo artist, has died at age 67.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder, Glenn Frey, in New York City on Monday, January 18th, 2016,” the surviving Eagles members announced on social media on Monday. “Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia.

“The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery,” the statement continued. “Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide.”

Read a heartbreaking statement from the band here.

If the name doesn’t ring a bell, his voice certainly does. Frey’s vocals were the smooth engine behind hits “Take It Easy”and “Lyin’ Eyes,” among other Eagles favorites. The group’s Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 was the best-selling album of the 20th century, selling 26 million albums in the U.S. alone before the turn of the century. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

The Eagles infamously dissolved at a 1980 concert, captured in 2013’s History of the Eagles documentary film. From there, Frey embarked on a solo career that thrived in the ’80s, striking gold with the hit “You Belong to the City”.

When the Eagles reunited in 1994 and again for a new album in 2007, Frey was enthusiastic about the band’s new frontiers.

“We’d been the guardians of the Eagles legacy for some time now and I wouldn’t wanna have it end,” Frey told CBS News at the time. “You know you’re just sort of doing a caricature of yourself, you’re just doing a tribute to yourself. We either had to fold our tent or make a record. And fortunately, and I’m so glad we did, we decided to make a record.”

The group’s 2013-2014 History of the Eagles tour dates grossed over $145 million, a massive success for the revitalized rockers.

Slow your roll, 2016. Two rock heroes down and we’re not even three weeks into the year. 

 

“It’s Your World Now”

Written by Glenn Frey and Jack Tempchin

From the Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden album

A perfect day, the sun is sinkin’ low

As evening falls, the gentle breezes blow

The time we shared went by so fast

Just like a dream, we knew it couldn’t last

But I’d do it all again

If I could, somehow

But I must be leavin’ soon

It’s your world now

It’s your world now

My race is run

I’m moving on

Like the setting sun

No sad goodbyes

No tears allowed

You’ll be alright

It’s your world now

Even when we are apart

You’ll always be in my heart

When dark clouds appear in the sky

Remember true love never dies

But first a kiss, one glass of wine

Just one more dance while there’s still time

My one last wish: someday, you’ll see

How hard I tried and how much you meant to me

It’s your world now

Use well your time

Be part of something good

Leave something good behind

The curtain falls

I take my bow

That’s how it’s meant to be

It’s your world now

It’s your world now

It’s your world now

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