Glenn Frey, Guitarist For The Eagles, Dies At 67

Glenn Frey, the Eagles guitarist and one of the band’s founding members, has died. He was 67.

Glenn Frey Dies

Frey’s death was confirmed by the Eagles Monday. “Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia,” read the statement from the band. “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.”

Earlier this month it was revealed that Frey was struggling with intestinal issues, which would require surgery and a lengthy recovery. He had previously had surgery in November. Over the last few days his condition began to rapidly deteriorate before he passed away in New York City, reported TMZ.

Don Henly, the Eagles drummer and vocalist released a separate statement to remember his longtime friend and bandmate:

“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 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.”

During the Eagles run as a band, Frey co-wrote and sang on the majority of the band’s hits, including “Lyin’ Eyes” and “Take It Easy.” With Henly, Frey wrote other major Eagles hits “Hotel California” and “Desperado.” Frey and the Eagles are six-time Grammy winners.

In addition to his work with the Eagles, Frey had a successful career as a solo artist. During the band’s 14-year hiatus, he released two No. 2 hits, “The Heat Is On” and “You Belong to the City.” “Smuggler’s Blues,” “Flip City” and “Part of Me, Part of You,” also charted.

Frey is survived by his wife Cindy Millican and their three children.