Classic Rockers Respond to Glenn Frey’s Death
A wide range of musicians have commented on the passing of Glenn Frey of the Eagles on Monday. Here's an overview of reactions:
Don Felder: "I am in a state of shock and disbelief at Glenn’s passing. It was so unexpected and has left me with a very heavy heart filled with sorrow. He was so young and still full of amazing genius. He was an extremely talented songwriter, arranger, leader, singer, guitarist, you name it and Glenn could do it and create 'MAGIC' on the spot. His visions and insights into songs and lyrics have become legendary and will echo throughout time on this earth for decades to come. Glenn was funny, strong, generous and kind. It was a gift of a lifetime to have spent so many years working side by side with him. At times it felt like we were brothers and at other times, like brothers, we disagreed. Despite our difficult moments together we managed to create some magical songs, magical memories, great recordings and live shows together. The planet has lost a great man and musician today. None will ever be able to take his place. Rest in peace Glenn and may God bless you and your family.
Don Henley: "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. We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry -- and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven. He loved his wife and kids more than anything. We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year History Of The Eagles Tour to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. 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. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some."
Ringo Starr: “God bless Glenn Frey. Peace and love to all his family and friends.”
Gene Simmons: “Glenn Frey - our condolences to friends and family. Rest in Peace.”
Meat Loaf: “People I respect and love are just leaving us too fast. Now we have lost Glenn Frey who was a member of the Eagles. The Eagles released my favorite album of all time, Hotel California. His talent will be missed.”
Brian Wilson: “I was shocked to hear about Glenn Frey passing away – it was a real blow to hear. Love & Mercy to Glenn’s family tonight.”
Bob Seger tells Billboard: “I knew him for 50 years. He was a great kid. I always kind of thought of him as my baby brother, a little bit. He was brilliant. He was a joy to be around. I always looked forward to seeing him. It was always memorable. He had an amazing sense of humor and was just smart, whip-smart… I just knew right away he had something special. He had a drive, an imagination and a talent that was just titanic. He loved music…” And speaking of his career in the Eagles, Seger says, “Make no mistake about it: He was the leader of the Eagles. He was the band leader. Never doubt that for a minute, and they'll all tell you that it's true. He used to tell me that 'Every single track's gotta be good. Every single track. We don't release an album till it's good.'"
Graham Nash: "The passing of a legend is always sad… but the passing of a friend is the saddest of all."
Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: "Just stop, 2016. Just stop. I saw [Eagles] in New Orleans in 1972, opening for Procol Harum at the Warehouse, and they were jaw-droppingly good, no, great. Damn. Damn."
Nikki Sixx: "Thank you for all the great songs and powerful lyrics. Jesus can the reaper please take break for awhile."
Dave Navarro: "The Eagles helped shape my understanding of music when I was going up. RIP Glenn."
Paul Stanley: Shocked [by] the death of Glenn Frey. Eagle and brilliant songwriter. We shared some memories at RRHOF [induction in 2014]. Shocked."
Sheryl Crow: "Sad day. My heart goes out to Cindy [his wife] and the members of the Eagles and his entire family of friends and fan who loved him so. Glenn Frey, you will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you gave us."
Huey Lewis: "I’m shocked. A brilliant songwriter and a really good guy. Talented, funny, cynical and sweet."
Ryan Adams: "RIP, Glenn Frey. Travel to the stars safely, bro."
Steve Martin: "Shocker. My friend from the early days, and important member of Eagles, has died. We loved you, Glenn."
Brian May of Queen: "Glenn Frey from the Eagles? My God. The sound of our own wheels. Some great days -- in our memories for a little while longer. I'm finding this month pretty sad."
John Oates: "Glenn Frey was always warm and welcoming to me from back in the days when he was spending a lot of time in Aspen, Colorado and back even earlier when we would cross paths in L.A. during the '70s. His contribution to American music with the Eagles will endure along with his many fans and friends who will remember his big smile and big heart."
Nils Lofgren: "Well, damn it. [Now] Glenn Frey. Too much "
Richard Marx: "In addition to a killer voice and masterful songwriting skills Glenn Frey played 1 of the greatest guitar solos ever [on 'I Can't Tell You Why.'] #Respect"