The Eagles were never just a band—they were a musical institution. And Glenn Frey was at the heart of it.
When Frey passed away in 2016, it wasn’t just a tragic loss for the group—it shook the very foundation of the Eagles’ identity. As a founding member, Frey was more than a performer; he was a songwriter behind some of their most beloved classics.
Hits like “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Take It to the Limit,” and the iconic “Hotel California” all bore his creative signature. Without him, continuing seemed almost unthinkable.
Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit seriously considered ending the band altogether.
“Glenn started this thing,” Henley said not long after Frey’s death. “It wouldn’t feel right going on without him. It could easily come across as greedy or desperate.”
But the Eagles did go on—though not without reflection and care. They found a way forward with the help of country music legend Vince Gill, who brought both deep respect for Frey’s legacy and the humility to serve the songs.
Reflecting on his invitation to join the band, Gill said, “I just felt grateful to be the one they thought would fit. Glenn was a dear friend. Honestly, I wish I didn’t have to be here—because that would mean Glenn still was.”
Still, he believed the music deserved to live on. To honor that legacy, the band also welcomed Frey’s son, Deacon, into the fold, making the continuation feel more like a tribute than a replacement.
In a conversation with American Songwriter, Gill shared Henley’s reasoning for choosing him: “He smiled and said, ‘Because he knows how to be in a band.’ That meant the world to me.”
Gill elaborated, “I don’t need the spotlight. I’m not here to be the center of attention. My goal is simple: make the whole thing better. That’s what I care about.”
Fans have embraced Gill’s presence, sensing his authenticity and reverence for the songs. A veteran in his own right, Gill first made waves with Pure Prairie League in 1980 and famously declined an offer to join Dire Straits in the ’80s.
Yet despite enjoying his role with the Eagles, Gill admits he misses performing his own material.
“These songs weren’t written with my voice in mind,” he said. “Sure, I can sing them well enough—but they’re not mine. My own songs, they suit how I sing. They’re part of me.”
Gill’s solo discography includes hits like “I Still Believe In You,” “When I Call Your Name,” “Liza Jane,” and “One More Last Chance”—a song he’s opened every solo show with.
“I always say, ‘One More Last Chance’ is my ‘Whiskey River,’” he said, referencing Willie Nelson’s legendary opener. “It’s got that groove that sets the tone. I can’t imagine ever changing that.”
