Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey has passed away at the age of 67. The founding member of the classic rockers died in New York City on Monday from complications arising from rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and pneumonia.
“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,” a statement on the Eagles website 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.”
“Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia.”
One of the most successful rock acts of the 1970s, the Eagles produced a prolific catalog of rock radio staples, including hits like ‘Hotel California’, which Frey co-wrote, and remained a live draw up to Frey’s death.
Frey co-founded the Eagles in 1971 with Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner, and together the band sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, with ‘Hotel California’ ranking among the best selling singles in history.
“He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction,” Henley said in a statement, via BBC News. “But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved.”
Following the dissolution of the band in 1980, Frey enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing ‘The Heat Is On’, recorded for the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop, which hit number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
