Glenn Frey of The Eagles has died at the age of 67. The singer and guitarist passed away in New York City on Monday.
Eagles founding member Glenn Frey dies in NYC, band announces https://t.co/rhg1sfNcpW pic.twitter.com/1TKAToSQ5U
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) January 18, 2016
TMZ reports Glenn Frey died from “a combination of complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia.”
Frey co-wrote and sang nearly all of the Eagles’ hits, including “Take It Easy,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Heartache Tonight,” and more.
BREAKING: Glenn Frey, guitarist and founding member of Eagles has died at 67. pic.twitter.com/Szla51s84f
— iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) January 18, 2016
Following the Eagles’ split in 1980, Glenn Frey launched a solo career, with hits including “The Heat is On” and “You Belong to the City.”
Billboard reports The Eagles confirmed Glenn Frey’s death on their website.
“Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia,” a statement reads. “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.”
Fellow Eagles band mate Don Henley issued his own statement about Glenn Frey’s untimely passing.
“He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved. We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry–and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan,” Henley wrote.
“He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven. He loved is wife and kids more than anything. We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year “History of the Eagles Tour” to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I’m not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some,” he added.
Glenn Frey, Eagles co-founder and SoCal country-rock pioneer, dead at 67: https://t.co/sAQpKM5C1h pic.twitter.com/bRkMNyn7r6
— Mashable (@mashable) January 18, 2016
The music world is still reeling from the loss of David Bowie just days ago. Now it has lost yet another of its own in the passing of Glenn Frey.