Glenn Frey, Eagles Guitarist, Dies at 67

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Eagles guitarist, singer and founding member Glenn Frey, who co-wrote one the band’s most recognizable songs, ”Hotel California” died Monday after long complications with intestinal issues that began in the 1980s, the band announced in a statement.

“Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia,” the statement said. “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 & millions of fans worldwide.”

Frey, 67, died in New York City.

In November, the band was forced to defer its Kennedy Center Honor until 2016 due to Frey’s health problems. The Eagles said Frey has had a recurrence of “previous intestinal issues, which will require major surgery and a lengthy recover period.”

An article in the Washington Post says Frey spoke about the damage he had done to his body in the 1980s from alcohol and drug use. His health issues prevented him from joining bandmate and drummer Don Henley for a reunion in 1986. An attempt to reform the Eagles in the 1990 was put off as Frey had to undergo surgery and the ”Hell Freezes Over” reunion tour was interrupted in 1994 due to his health.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Henley said Frey was like a brother to him, the man with the plan and the one who started it all.

Below is Henley’s full statement.

“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. 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 his 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.”

Formed in 1971 in Los Angeles, the Eagles are known for such hits as “Take it Easy”, “Desperado” and “Hotel California,” all songs that Frey co-wrote. The band won six Grammy awards including Record of the Year in 1977 for “Hotel California”. After the band broke up in 1980, Frey launched a solo career where his hits included soundtracks on the movie ”Beverly Hills Cop” and the TV show “Miami Vice.”

Born in Detroit, Frey grew up in Royal Oak. At the age of 19, Frey moved to Los Angeles where he met Henley. Frey and Henley, along with Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon, played backup for Linda Ronstadt on her 1970 tour. Once the tour ended, they came together as the Eagles.

This report will be updated.

Image via Wikimedia Commons