Glenn Frey, who co-founded the Eagles and with Don Henley became one of history’s most successful songwriting teams with such hits as Hotel California and Life in the Fast Lane, has died.

Glenn was 67 and had been battling multiple ailments. He died on Monday in New York, according to the band’s website.

Glasgow Times:

Guitarist Glenn and drummer Don formed the Eagles in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, along with guitarist Bernie Leadon and bassist Randy Meisner.

They would become a top act over the next decade, embodying the melodic California sound.

 

An Eagles greatest hits collection from the mid-1970s and the album Hotel California are among the best-selling albums in history.

Glenn was born in Detroit and was raised in the suburbs. His solo hits include The Heat Is On and Smuggler’s Blues.

The Eagles in 1977The Eagles in 1977 (AP)

 

A statement on the band website from his family members and the Eagles said: “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.

Don Henley and Glenn Frey performing together in 2013 Don Henley and Glenn Frey performing together in 2013 (Evan Agostini/Invision)

 

“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.”

The statement was followed by the lyrics to the Eagles’ song It’s Your World Now, written by Glenn Frey and Jack Tempchin.

This includes the words: “The time we shared went by so fast / Just like a dream, we knew it couldn’t last / But I’d do it all again / If I could, somehow / But I must be leavin’ soon / It’s your world now.”