Eagles co-founder and guitarist Glenn Frey dies aged 67

The Eagles have released a heartfelt statement announcing that Glenn Frey has passed away.

Published 19th Jan 2016

The statement, posted on The Eagles' official website, reads:

"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, January 18th, 2016.

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 & millions of fans worldwide.

Cindy Frey | Taylor Frey | Deacon Frey | Otis Frey |
Don Henley | Joe Walsh | Timothy B. Schmit | Bernie Leadon | Irving Azoff"_

The statement also contains the lyrics to "It's Your World Now", a song written by Glenn Frey and Jack Tempchin for the "Long Road Out of Eden" album.

As well as being one of the band's founding members, Frey was a primary vocalist and sang lead vocals on the likes of "Take It Easy", "Peaceful Easy Feeling", "Tequila Sunrise" and "Lyin' Eyes".

Frey won six Grammy Awards with The Eagles, and the band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He also enjoyed some solo success after the band split in 1980, releasing his debut solo album "No Fun Aloud" in 1982 and several hit singles including 1984's "The Heat Is On". He reunited with The Eagles in 1994 for their "Hell Freezes Over" comeback tour and live album, remaining with the band for their 2007 studio album "Long Road Out of Eden" and subsequent tours.

Don Henley said in a statement, "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, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved."

Planet Rock will pay tribute to Glenn Frey tonight, playing The Eagles' Hotel California album in full from 10pm.