Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey dead at 67

January 19, 2016 11:16am

Network writer and wiresNews Corp Australia Network


Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey dead at 67


GLENN Frey, a founding member and guitarist for the Eagles, has died aged 67.


“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,” the Grammy Award-winning band wrote on its website.


The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died of complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia, The Eagles said.


He had been battling intestinal issues for months and had surgery in November, but his condition had deteriorated in the last few days, TMZ reports.


The group postponed by a year a December appearance to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Lifetime Artistic Achievement award due to Frey’s health problems.


Drummer Don Henley issued a statement following the news, in which he praised his fellow musician’s work ethic, “encyclopedic” knowledge of music, and devotion to his family.


“He was like a br0ther to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved,” Henley said in opening the statement.


He called Frey “the one who started it all.”


“He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven. He loved his wife and kids more than anything.


“We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow ... 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 br0ther. You did what you set out to do, and then some.”