Glenn Frey. Image: Steve Alexander

Glenn Frey was one of the founding members of the band The Eagles, who experienced great commercial success in the 1970’s – especially with their hit ‘Hotel California’.

The band confirmed the news about their band member at their website with a statement:

Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia.

The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery.

Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide.

Since the news was confirmed several artists have paid their tribute to the guitarist.

The band was founded in 1971 in Los Angeles and consisted of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner.

The Eagles quickly became one of the great forces of 1970s rock and with ‘Hotel California’ and other big hits and managed to sell more than 150 million albums worldwide.

By Louise Tjaerandsen