Founder and guitarist of Eagles Glenn Frey, dies at 67

Founder and guitarist of rock band Eagles died at age 67 (Photo taken from Glenn Frey’s official Facebook fan page)

Founder member and guitarist of the rock band Eagles Glenn Frey died at the age of 67 in New York City due to his complications from rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and pneumonia.

“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,” said in a statement by his band members posted on their website.

“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,” the statement added.

Frey’s battle on intestinal tissues that requires a major surgery and long duration of recovery caused the band to postpone Kennedy Center Honors last November.

He co-founded the Eagles in 1971 together with Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner.

Among his compositions that became the band’s biggest hits were Heartache Tonight and Lyin’ Eyes. He also co-wrote Hotel California with Henley. And he’s behind his biggest hits Lover’s Moon and The One You Love.

Even the Eagles got dissolved for 14 years, Henley said in a report by British Broadcasting Corporation, “the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken. 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.”