Eagles founding member Glenn Frey dies
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Glenn Frey, a founding member of the Eagles band, has died.
The band announced the news on its website Monday. He was 67.
“Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia,” the website says.
He died in New York City on Monday, the band said.
“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,” the post added.
Frey had been in failing health.
The Eagles did not participate in a ceremony back in December at the Kennedy Center because of Frey’s health.
Frey, who turned 67 in November, had long suffered from intestinal problems, which he has blamed on his drug use during the band’s early years, he told the Detroit Free Press in a 1988 interview.
Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon formed the Eagles in 1971.
The Eagles broke up in 1980 and Frey pursued a solo career following the break up.
An Eagles greatest hits collection from the mid-1970s and “Hotel California” are among the best-selling albums in history.
Frey was born in Detroit and was raised in its suburbs. His solo hits include “The Heat Is On” and “Smuggler’s Blues.”