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.”