Death of Eagles founder adds to the tragedy of 2016

I'm not liking 2016 so far. Days after reeling from the death of David Bowie, we lost Alan Rickman.
Glenn Frey has died at the age of 67.Glenn Frey has died at the age of 67.
Glenn Frey has died at the age of 67.

This was quickly followed by the passing of Glenn Frey, founder of the Eagles.

They were a band that were always on my list of concerts I wanted to go to. They toured the UK not too long ago and I’m kicking myself for not getting tickets.

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The winning formula for the Eagles was the stunning blend of vocals in the harmonies between Den Henley and Glen Frey. Don had the raspy tone mixing perfectly with Glen’s smooth voice.

Darren Milby, presenter with The Bay radio, with Faye Bowness in the studio on St George's Quay.Darren Milby, presenter with The Bay radio, with Faye Bowness in the studio on St George's Quay.
Darren Milby, presenter with The Bay radio, with Faye Bowness in the studio on St George's Quay.

They were one of those bands that gave flawless live performances which sound exactly the same as the record. The Eagles reached their peak in 1976 with their most famous number Hotel California. The album of the same name won the prestigious Grammy for Record of the Year. Unbelievably, despite being a radio staple for 40 years, that song was not a massive hit in the UK at the time.

Frey and Henley were the absolute driving force behind the band, writing most of the hits together.

They had a famous fall-out in 1980 where Glen declared the Eagles would reform “when hell freezes over.” Brilliantly that was the name of their comeback album in 1994!

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I do think I was born in the wrong era. Most of the music I listen to was from before I was born. I have most of the Eagles’ albums in my collection and it’s a fine body of work. ‘Desperado’ is probably my favourite track. It’s sublime and beautiful.

Darren Milby, presenter with The Bay radio, with Faye Bowness in the studio on St George's Quay.Darren Milby, presenter with The Bay radio, with Faye Bowness in the studio on St George's Quay.
Darren Milby, presenter with The Bay radio, with Faye Bowness in the studio on St George's Quay.

After getting back together after their 14 years apart, The Eagles have been mainly a touring band, playing to stadiums the world over. The news of Glenn Frey’s passing was announced on the Eagles’ website. Lifelong friend and collaborator, Don Henley left a touching tribute.

“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.”

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