Glenn Frey, founding member and guitarist with US rock band The Eagles, has died aged 67 in New York.
Frey died earlier today (Monday, January 18) from complications related to rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and pneumonia.
He sang lead vocals on many Eagles hits such as Take It Easy, Tequila Sunrise, Already Gone, Lyin’ Eyes, New Kid in Town and Heartache Tonight.
Frey, who also played keyboards and piano in The Eagles, wrote or co-wrote many of the group’s best-known songs, including Hotel California and Desperado – both penned with bandmate Don Henley.
“Words cannot describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that glenn has given us.”
The Eagles, IRving Azoff & The frey family
The Eagles released a joint statement tonight together with long-term manager Irving Azoff and Frey’s family.
It read: “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.”
As a member of the Eagles, Frey won six Grammy Awards, and five American Music Awards.
The Eagles have sold over 150 million albums worldwide – with 100m sold in the US alone – and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
The Eagles best of collection, Their Greatest Hits, was the best-selling album of the 20th century in the US.
After the breakup of the Eagles in 1980 (they would later reform), Frey released his debut album, No Fun Aloud in 1982.
He went on to record Top 40 hits on the Billboard chart including “The One You Love”, “Smuggler’s Blues”, “Sexy Girl”, “The Heat Is On”, “You Belong to the City”, “True Love”, “Soul Searchin'”, and “Livin’ Right”.Music Business Worldwide