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
