Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey died in 2016, on January 18, at age 67. He died in New York City after complications involving rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia.
Frey was central to the Eagles' identity from the beginning. He co-founded the band with Don Henley and became one of its principal singers, guitarists, keyboard players, and songwriters. Frey and Henley formed the band's key songwriting partnership, responsible for songs such as 'Take It Easy,' 'Tequila Sunrise,' 'Lyin' Eyes,' and 'Heartache Tonight.'
Frey had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2000. Treatment for the condition contributed to serious intestinal complications, and the Eagles postponed a 2015 appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors while he underwent medical care. His health worsened, and pneumonia contributed to the complications that led to his death.
The year is sometimes confused with 2017 because the Eagles re-formed and began performing again that year, with Frey's son Deacon and singer Vince Gill helping handle Frey's vocal parts. That was the band's return after Frey's death, not the year he died.