Eagles legend Glenn Frey is dead

American rock band Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey, who was behind hit songs like Hotel California and Tequila sunrise, has died following several health complications. He was 67.

According to a post on the band’s official website, Frey, who was also the founding member of the 1970s band, died on Monday here following a weeks-long battle, reports time.com. 

The post 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.” The Michigan native co-wrote and sang most of the Eagles’ hits, including Take it easy, Lyin’ eyes, Desperado and Heartache tonight. 

He was a major part of the band, helping them land in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with several classics, and even took home six Grammys with the band. After the Eagles’ 1980 breakup, Frey launched a successful solo career, recording numerous hits like The heat is on and You belong to the city. Frey contributed the song Flip city to the Ghostbusters II soundtrack, and Part of me, part of you to the soundtrack for Thelma & Louise.

Frey had been battling intestinal issues for months and had a surgery in November. His illness forced the Eagles to pull out of their Kennedy Center Honors appearance in December. At that time, the band said he needed major surgery that would require a lengthy recovery. He wrote many of those hits with co-founder and frontman Don Henley, who released an individual statement that said: “He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken. 

“We built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But Glenn was the one who started it all. 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.”

From Carole King to Huey Lewis to Travis Tritt took to Twitter to pay their tributes and send their condolences. 

Frey also appeared in several episodes of Miami Vice. He is survived by his wife Cindy and children Taylor, Deacon and Otis.