MUMBAI: Following a weeks-long battle with ongoing health problems, the co-founder and guitarist of the American rock band Eagles, Glenn Frey, passed away at the age of 67. The band announced the news of his demise through its official website, saying that the guitarist died on Monday, in New York city.
Frey’s complications from several health issues escalated last November when the band cancelled its Kennedy Center Honor because of Frey’s intestinal issues that led a lengthy recovery period. The condition eventually worsened. Frey succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia.
The band’s statement read -
“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. 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 and millions of fans worldwide”.
Don Henley, Frey’s dear friend and co-founder/drummer of Eagles, put out an emotional statement after the death of the 67-year-old -
“We are all in a state of shock, disbelief, and profound sorrow, I’m not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, I will be grateful, every day that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some.”
The Eagles had concluded their two-year History of the Eagles Tour to a triumphant response in July 2015. Like Don Henley, several other musicians, celebrities, and fans expressed their grief and shock over the death of the legendary guitarist.
Singer-Songwriter and Environmentalist Carole King tweeted:
R.I. P. Glenn Frey.
Deepest condolences to his family and #Eagles.
— Carole King (@Carole_King) January 18, 2016
Songwriter Travis Tritt shared his memory of one glorious day of his life
A photo from the day I first met Glenn Frey and got to be an "Eagle" for a day. -1993 pic.twitter.com/gur4seY9qH
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) January 18, 2016
Country singer/performer Sheryl Crow paid tribute through twitter
Sad day. My heart goes out to Cindy and the members of the Eagles and his entire family of friends and fan who loved him so. #RIPGlennFrey
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) January 18, 2016
Actor and musician Steve Martin tweeted an emotional tribute to his 'friend' Frey
MT: Shocker. My friend from the early days, and important member of Eagles, has died. We loved you, Glenn Frey.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) January 18, 2016
One Republic reminded the impact Frey and his music had on the aspiring musicians
R.I.P yet another legend today. Glenn Frey of the the Eagles.... Ur music is imbedded in my brain til the day I die, u will be missed!!
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) January 18, 2016