Who Replaced Glenn Frey in the Eagles?

The Eagles are one of the most classic rock bands, but who replaced the late Glenn Frey? 

It’s hard to imagine the band continuing without his voice, but we think they found the next best thing.

We have all the info, so take it easy and read on!

Who Is Glenn Frey?

Glenn Frey was a singer, songwriter, and actor born in 1948 and died in 2016. He’s best known as a founding member of the classic rock band Eagles. 

Frey was born in Detroit and picked up piano then guitar early on. He joined the Detroit rock scene of the ’60s and was in bands named the Subterraneans and The Four of Us. 

In 1967, Frey met legendary singer Bob Seger, who helped him get a recording contract. Seger invited Frey to join his backing band. But, when Frey’s mom caught him smoking pot with Seger, she said no to that. It’s one of the most maternal moments in rock history, and it may have given us the Eagles. 

Frey moved to Los Angeles the following year, far from his mother’s supervision. He met the singer-songwriters J.D. Souther and Jackson Browne. For a time, all three men lived in the same building. 

Glenn Frey met Don Henley in 1970 when the two played together in Linda Ronstadt’s backing band. On tour, they decided to form their band. Since they both sang and wrote songs in addition to playing instruments, it seemed like a logical step. 

The Eagles Years

The Eagles played straight-up rock music, but they often incorporated folk and adult contemporary elements. 

They were wildly successful, holding five number 1 singles, six number 1 albums, six Grammy Awards, and five American Music Awards. Their 1975 album “Their Greatest Hits” was the top-selling album of the 20th century in the US. 

That album features some of their best-known songs, such as “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” “Witchy Woman,” and “Lyin’ Eyes.” 

Their next record was “Hotel California.” The title track of that album is still a classic, and people continue to come up with bizarre theories debating the lyrics, including that the song is about Satanism. For the record, Henley said it’s about greed.

The band’s popularity and constant touring heightened tensions. By now, Frey and Don Felder were nearly coming to blows, threatening each other during concerts. 

Frey left the band, which called it quits in the 1980s, and went on to have a solo career. The band eventually reunited in 1994 with both Glenn Frey and Don Henley on board.

Frey died in 2016 from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia. 

Who Replaced Glenn Frey?

The Eagles re-formed in 2017, a year after Glenn Frey’s passing. His son Deacon Frey stepped up to fill in for him. 

Deacon, born in 1993, is by far the youngest Eagle. His mother is Cindy Millican, Frey’s second wife. He started playing guitar at seven and joined the band at age 24. 

Drummer and vocalist Don Henley said they couldn’t reunite without “family blood.” He’d heard Deacon play “Peaceful Easy Feeling” at Glenn’s memorial. 

The Eagles didn’t consider anyone else to join the band. Who better to replace Glenn Frey than his exceptionally-talented son? However, Henley did tell Deacon he was always free to leave for his own career. 

His first show with the Eagles was at Dodger Stadium for the Classic West festival. 

The new lineup is getting rave reviews. Between adding young Deacon and country legend Vince Gill, the band is definitely drawing people back and welcoming new fans. 

Who Else Is in the Eagles?

The original four members met while touring in Linda Ronstadt’s backing band. After seeing him play around LA, Frey got Henley the gig, but this was their first time working together.

The original lineup included Glenn Frey on guitars and Don Henley on drums, with both performing lead vocals. In addition, Randy Meisner played bass and sang, and Bernie Leadon handled electric guitar, B-Bender, acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and pedal steel guitar.

Later members included Don Felder and Joe Walsh on lead guitar and Timothy B. Schmidt on bass and vocals. 

The current lineup is Don Henley, Vince Gill (vocals and guitar), Deacon Frey (vocals and guitar), Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit. They sometimes perform with an orchestra section and a choir. 

What Are Glenn Frey’s Best Known Songs?

After Frey left the Eagles, he went out on a solo career, scoring two number 2 solo hits in the ’80s, both from soundtracks. 

In 1984, he charted with “The Heat Is On,” the theme from Beverly Hills Cop. The next year, he did “You Belong to the City,” the theme for the Miami Vice TV show. 

Overall, Glenn Frey had a dozen top 100 hits as a solo artist. 

Are the Eagles Touring?

The Eagles are now scheduling and selling tickets for their Hotel California 2022 tour. They’ll be in the southeastern US early in the year, then in the UK and Netherlands during the summer. 

Pro Tip: Eagles tickets sell out quickly, so buy your tickets soon!

Is It Worth Seeing the Eagles Live?

Absolutely! Many bands get stale with age, but adding Deacon Frey and Vince Gill has helped reignite the band. They stay true to the original spirit by maintaining stellar harmonies.

With the new arrangements, new members put their spin on the songs while preserving their beauty. If that doesn’t honor Glenn Frey and give you a peaceful, easy feeling, we don’t know what will.

Have you seen this latest incarnation of the Eagles? What do you think?