Eagles singer-guitarist Glenn Frey dies at 67

by Steve Newton on January 18th, 2016 at 2:38 PM

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It's been a rough few weeks for music fans with the deaths of Lemmy Kilmister and David Bowie, and things aren't getting any better.

Legendary country-rock band the Eagles released a statement today announcing the death of founding member Glenn Frey.

“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,” reads the statement on the band's website. “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.”

Frey co-wrote the lyrics of the Eagles' biggest hit, "Hotel California" with singer-drummer Don Henley (guitarist Don Felder wrote the music). Other Frey/Henley compositions of note include "One of These Nights", "Tequila Sunrise", "Desperado", "Wasted Time", and "The Long Run".

Frey also cowrote the band's first hit, "Take It Easy", with Jackson Browne.

I think my favourite Glenn Frey Eagles song was one that he didn't even write, but sang and played lead guitar on: "Already Gone".