The Eagles are one of the greatest American rock bands of all time. They produced some of the most iconic hits in the 70s and 80s, including “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” and “Take it Easy.” The band members were known for their unique sound, impeccable harmonies, and engaging live performances. However, with the band’s long history, many fans may wonder how many of the original Eagles are still alive. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the current composition of the Eagles and what became of their former members.
The Original Eagles: Who Were They?
The original Eagles lineup consisted of five members, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner, and Don Felder. They all came from different bands and backgrounds, but they came together to create a unique sound that would come to define the band’s early sound.
Glenn Frey was the band’s primary songwriter and guitarist. He was also the one who came up with the name Eagles. Don Henley co-wrote many of the band’s most memorable hits and was the drummer and lead vocalist. Bernie Leadon was a guitarist and banjo player, while Randy Meisner played bass. Don Felder joined the band in 1974, and his guitar work on “Hotel California” would become one of the most recognizable solos in rock history.
The Current Eagles Lineup
Since the band formed over 50 years ago, there have been numerous changes to the Eagles’ lineup. Sadly, some of the original members are no longer with us. Glenn Frey passed away in January 2016 due to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia. Randy Meisner left the group in 1977 and has withdrawn from the public eye since then. Bernie Leadon played with the band until 1975 and then pursued a solo career.
Don Henley and Joe Walsh are the only current members of the Eagles who were part of the band’s classic lineup. Henley is still the band’s drummer and lead vocalist, while Walsh joined the band in 1975 and is a guitarist and vocalist. Timothy B. Schmit is a bassist and vocalist, and he joined the band in 1977, replacing Randy Meisner. Vince Gill, a country music legend, joined the Eagles in 2017 following the death of Glenn Frey. He provides lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and harmonies.
What About the Former Members?
After leaving the Eagles, some of the former members continued with their solo careers, while others faded from the public eye.
Glenn Frey had a successful solo career and released numerous hit songs, including “The Heat Is On” and “You Belong to the City.” Don Felder continued with his music career as a solo artist, and his most recent album, “American Rock ‘n’ Roll,” was released in 2019.
Bernie Leadon, who played with the band from 1971 to 1975, maintained an active music career and produced several solo albums. After leaving the Eagles, Randy Meisner pursued a solo career as well, but he decided to leave the music industry in the late 1980s.
Conclusion
The Eagles may have gone through many changes since they formed in the early 1970s, but their music remains timeless. While we lost some of the original members, the current lineup of the Eagles has continued to carry their legacy forward. Fans of the band can still enjoy their classic hits, and younger generations can discover their music and understand how influential they were in shaping American rock music. The Eagles will always be a band that lives on in the hearts of their fans, and their music will continue to inspire new generations of musicians in years to come.
FAQ
Which one of the Eagles have died?
Glenn Frey, one of the founding members of the Eagles, passed away on January 18, 2016, at the age of 67. The talented singer, songwriter and guitarist left an indelible mark in modern music history with his contributions to the legendary rock band. Frey was a vital part of the Eagles’ success, and he co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Hotel California,” “Take it Easy,” and “Lyin’ Eyes.”
Frey’s career in music spanned several decades, and he dabbled successfully in solo projects as well. Alongside his work with the Eagles, he released several chart-topping albums and singles, such as “The Heat is On” and “You Belong to the City.” Apart from being a musician, Frey was also an actor, and he appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career.
Frey’s passing was a devastating loss for the music industry. The Eagles had just completed a tour in July 2015 and were preparing to embark on another one when Frey fell ill. He had been struggling with health issues, including rheumatoid arthritis and pneumonia, and finally succumbed to complications from both. His death rocked the music world, and it spurred outpourings of grief and tributes from his fans, peers, and fellow musicians.
The Eagles, although deeply affected by Frey’s passing, have continued to perform and tour with Frey’s son, Deacon, and country musician Vince Gill filling in for him. However, the loss of such a critical member has undoubtedly transformed the band’s dynamic and sound, and it remains to be seen how they will continue to evolve and thrive without Frey’s contributions. In any case, Glenn Frey’s legacy as a musician and artist will continue to resonate and inspire generations of music lovers for years to come.
Who sang at Glenn Frey’s funeral?
Glenn Frey, the co-founder and guitarist of the Eagles, passed away on January 18, 2016, at the age of 67. His death was met with sadness and disbelief from fans and fellow musicians alike, and his legacy as a musician and songwriter continued to be celebrated in the years following his passing.
One of the people who paid tribute to Frey was his friend and collaborator Bob Seger. Seger had known Frey since the late 1960s, when they were both struggling musicians trying to make a name for themselves in the Detroit music scene. They would later work together on various projects, including the Eagles’ 1979 hit song “Heartache Tonight,” which they co-wrote with Don Henley and J.D. Souther.
When Frey’s funeral was held on January 26, 2016, Seger was one of the mourners in attendance. He was also asked to perform a song in honor of his late friend. Seger chose to sing “Heartache Tonight,” the song he and Frey had written together decades earlier. It was a fitting tribute to the man who had been his friend and collaborator for so many years.
Seger’s performance at the funeral was heartfelt and emotional. He captured the spirit of the song and the feelings of loss that those in attendance were undoubtedly feeling. His voice was strong and clear, and he played the guitar with skill and precision. It was a moving tribute to a man who had touched the lives of so many people with his music and his spirit.
In addition to performing at Frey’s funeral, Seger also sang “Heartache Tonight” during the Eagles’ tribute at the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors. The performance was a fitting tribute to Frey’s legacy as a musician, songwriter, and friend to so many people in the music industry and beyond.
Who filled in for Glenn Frey?
When Glenn Frey, one of the founding members of the Eagles, passed away in 2016, fans of the band were deeply saddened and wondered if they would ever hear their music again. However, at the Classic West concert in Los Angeles on July 15, 2017, the Eagles made a comeback, and it was revealed that Glenn Frey’s son, Deacon Frey, was going to step up to fill in for him.
Deacon Frey, born in 1993, is by far the youngest Eagle. His mother is Cindy Millican, Frey’s second wife. He started playing guitar at the age of seven and has been touring with his father since 2010. When the Eagles decided to resume touring, they had a difficult decision to make: who could possibly replace Glenn Frey?
Deacon Frey was an obvious choice. He grew up surrounded by music and was taught by the best, his father. As he started playing with the band, he proved himself to be an incredibly talented musician with a natural gift for singing and playing guitar. In fact, fans who saw him perform have been unanimous in their praise, with many saying that he captured the spirit of the Eagles perfectly.
While Deacon never set out to replace his father, he has embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. He has also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to carry on his father’s legacy and continue making great music with the Eagles. His performance with the band was a fitting tribute to his father’s memory and a testament to his own talent and dedication.
How did Glenn Frey get pneumonia?
Glenn Frey, the co-founder and guitarist of the Eagles, passed away due to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia on January 18, 2016. According to his longtime friend and manager Irving Azoff, Frey’s health issues began with a trip to the doctor to get medication for his rheumatoid arthritis.
It is known that some medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can suppress the immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to infections and illnesses. It is believed that this is what happened to Frey. The medication he was taking caused him to develop acute ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum.
Ulcerative colitis causes symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue, and can lead to dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and other complications. Frey’s weakened immune system due to the medication made it difficult for him to fight off any additional infections, which is what caused him to develop pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can cause symptoms such as coughing, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children. Unfortunately, Frey’s pneumonia was too severe, and his weakened immune system made it difficult for him to recover.
Glenn Frey’s pneumonia was a result of a chain reaction caused by medication he was taking for his rheumatoid arthritis. This medication led to acute ulcerative colitis, which weakened his immune system and made him more susceptible to infections. Despite receiving treatment for his pneumonia, Frey’s immune system was too compromised, leading to his untimely death.
How much was Glenn Frey worth when he died?
Glenn Frey was a talented musician who gained fame as the guitarist, vocalist, and co-founder of the Eagles band, which was one of the most successful musical groups in history. Throughout his career, Glenn Frey amassed significant wealth from his music, resulting in a high net worth. However, the actual earnings of the artist were never formally disclosed, as he, like many other celebrities, preferred to keep his finances private.
Despite this, it’s estimated that Glenn Frey’s net worth was approximately $120 million at the time of his death in January 2016. This amount was accumulated over his long and illustrious career, which spanned more than five decades and involved several successful music ventures.
Apart from his work with the Eagles, Glenn Frey also had a successful solo career. He released several hit songs and albums over the years, including his debut album, No Fun Aloud, which took the top spot on the charts. Additionally, he also contributed to several hit soundtracks as a writer and performer. These included “The Heat is On” from Beverly Hills Cop and “You Belong to the City” from Miami Vice.
Glenn Frey was committed to his profession, which contributed to his incredible success and wealth. He was driven to provide for his family, and his high net worth was a testament to his ability to achieve this goal. Despite his passing, his legacy as a talented musician and a successful businessman continues to inspire and influence many aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs.
Why did Glenn Frey’s son leave the Eagles?
Deacon Frey, son of late Eagles member Glenn Frey, had been touring with the band since 2017, playing his father’s parts and bringing new energy to the group. However, in May 2021, the band announced that Deacon Frey was departing from the Eagles. In a statement on their website, the band explained that Deacon had decided it was time for him to “forge his own path” after dedicating over four years to carrying on his father’s legacy.
While the exact reasons for Deacon Frey’s departure from the Eagles remain unclear, it is possible that he may have wanted to pursue his own music career rather than continue to play in his father’s band. Deacon has been gaining attention for his own work in recent years, and he may have felt that it was time to focus on his own creative endeavors.
It is also possible that there were other factors involved in Deacon’s decision to leave the Eagles. The band has been through a lot of changes over the years, including the deaths of founding members Glenn Frey and Don Henley. It’s possible that Deacon felt that the band was no longer the right fit for him, or that he wanted to take a break from the spotlight to focus on other aspects of his life.
Regardless of the reason for Deacon’s departure, the Eagles have expressed their gratitude for his contributions to the band. In their statement, they praised Deacon’s talent and dedication, and wished him all the best in his future endeavors. Fans of the Eagles will undoubtedly miss seeing Deacon on stage with the band, but they will surely continue to support him as he continues to pursue his dreams.
