Breaking: Eagles founder and guitarist Glen Frey dies, age 67

The founder of one of the most popular bands from the 70s and enduring bands of all time, the Eagles, has died in New York today.

Guitarist Glen Frey passed away from complications arising from rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and pneumonia, the BBC reports.

Frey co-wrote Hotel California with singer Don Henley and also many of the band’s greatest hits, including Lyin’ Eyes and Heartache Tonight.

The band posted this statement on it’s website:

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.

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.

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.

Cindy Frey | Taylor Frey | Deacon Frey | Otis Frey|
Don Henley | Joe Walsh | Timothy B. Schmit | Bernie Leadon | Irving Azoff

“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

I remember seeing the Eagles perform in Sydney in 2001 and being struck by both their youthfulness and energy, and the easy rapport between them, they truly were a “band of brothers”.

Rest in peace, Glen Frey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNBspJGVko

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puHoadtIivc

Do you love the Eagles? Did you ever see them perform? Share your thoughts and memories and join us in sending our condolences to Glen’s family and, of course, bandmates.