Co-founder Don Henley, the band’s other vocalist and drummer, told BBC Radio 2’s Simon Mayo their “Take It Easy” performance at last month’s 58th Annual Grammy Awards was the group’s “final farewell.”
Together with Jackson Browne, the American band members — Henley, former guitarist Bernie Leadon, bassist Timothy B. Schmit and guitarist Joe Walsh — paid tribute to Frey in a Grammy performance Henley described as “very difficult and very emotional.”
Henley said it was likely the last show of the Eagles, whose Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) was best selling album in the U.S. in the 20th century.
“I think it was an appropriate farewell. I don’t think you’ll see us performing again,” Henley said.
But surviving Eagles are expected to pursue individual tours. According to the band’s website, Henley is scheduled to play in Texas on April 30 and in London on July 3, while Walsh is embarking on a 25-date tour across the U.S. from May to July. Schmit has not scheduled any performances.
Frey — who led the Eagles to stardom after the 1972 release of their self-titled debut album that carries the “Take It Easy” track — died from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia on January 18 at the age of 67.
In November 2015, Henley, Frey Walsh and Schmit were supposed to receive the Kennedy Center Honors but their appearance was postponed due to Frey’s health problems that required immediate surgery.
Since 2000, Frey had been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and medications reportedly resulted to colitis and pneumonia.
“The colitis and pneumonia were side effects from all the meds,” the Eagles manager Irving Azoff told The Warp. “He died from complications of ulcer and colitis after being treated with drugs for his rheumatoid arthritis which he had for over 15 years.”
Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1971, the Eagles’ biggest hits include “Hotel California,” “New Kid In Town,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,”” Lyin’ Eyes” and “Heartache Tonight.”
