Who Is Replacing Glenn Frey of The Eagles After His Passing?

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Eagle, Raptors & Birds of Prey

The Eagles have long been celebrated as one of rock music’s most iconic and enduring bands, with Glenn Frey playing a pivotal role as a founding member and influential frontman. His distinctive voice, songwriting talent, and charismatic presence helped shape the band’s signature sound and left an indelible mark on music history. When Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, fans and fellow musicians alike were left wondering how the Eagles would move forward without such a legendary figure.

Replacing a member as integral as Glenn Frey is no small feat, and the band faced the challenge of honoring his legacy while continuing to perform and create music. The decision on who would step into his role involved careful consideration, balancing respect for the past with the need to keep the Eagles’ spirit alive. This transition not only impacted the band’s dynamic but also stirred curiosity and anticipation among fans eager to see how the Eagles would evolve.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the story behind the selection of Glenn Frey’s replacement, the qualities that made this choice significant, and how the band has navigated this new chapter. Whether you’re a longtime Eagles fan or new to their music, understanding this pivotal moment offers insight into the resilience and enduring appeal of one of rock’s greatest groups.

Musical and Vocal Contributions of Glenn Frey

Glenn Frey was a foundational member of The Eagles, contributing significantly to the band’s distinctive sound. His role extended beyond playing guitar; he was a prominent vocalist and songwriter. Frey’s tenor voice was a defining element on many of the band’s hits, including “Take It Easy,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” and “Tequila Sunrise.” His songwriting partnership with Don Henley produced numerous classics that helped cement The Eagles’ place in rock history.

In addition to his vocal work, Frey’s guitar playing combined elements of rock, country, and folk, helping to shape the band’s signature blend of genres. His ability to switch between rhythm and lead guitar parts provided versatility and depth to the band’s arrangements.

Criteria for Selecting Glenn Frey’s Replacement

Replacing a member like Glenn Frey required careful consideration of several musical and personal factors. The Eagles sought a musician who could authentically replicate Frey’s vocal style and guitar work while maintaining the spirit and chemistry of the band. Key criteria included:

  • Vocal similarity: The ability to sing Frey’s parts with a comparable tonal quality and emotional resonance.
  • Guitar proficiency: Skilled in rhythm and lead guitar, capable of performing the band’s complex arrangements live.
  • Stage presence: Comfort and charisma to engage large audiences and maintain the band’s dynamic performance energy.
  • Songwriting and creative input: While not mandatory, a willingness to contribute to new material was valued.
  • Compatibility: Personal and professional alignment with existing band members to preserve group cohesion.

of Deacon Frey as a Successor

Deacon Frey, Glenn Frey’s son, was chosen to join The Eagles as a replacement in 2017. His selection was both symbolic and practical, bridging the legacy of his father with the band’s ongoing evolution. Deacon’s vocal tone bears a close resemblance to his father’s, enabling him to perform classic Eagles songs with authenticity.

Beyond vocal ability, Deacon demonstrated proficiency on guitar and bass, supporting the band’s live performances with technical skill. His familiarity with the material, having grown up immersed in his father’s music, helped ease the transition for both the band and fans.

Other Musicians Involved in Filling Glenn Frey’s Role

Alongside Deacon Frey, The Eagles enlisted other accomplished musicians to cover the multifaceted role left by Glenn Frey. These included:

  • Tommy Feildman: Primarily focused on guitar and vocals, complementing the band’s live sound.
  • Steuart Smith: A long-time collaborator with The Eagles, handling lead guitar duties and contributing to vocals.
  • Michael Thompson: A session guitarist who supported live performances with additional guitar layers.

This ensemble approach allowed the band to distribute Glenn Frey’s responsibilities effectively, ensuring that both the instrumental and vocal demands were met without overburdening any single member.

Comparison of Key Performers in Glenn Frey’s Replacement Role

Musician Primary Role Vocal Range Instrument(s) Years with The Eagles Connection to Glenn Frey
Deacon Frey Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass Tenor (similar to Glenn Frey) Guitar, Bass 2017–Present Son of Glenn Frey
Steuart Smith Lead Guitar, Vocals Baritone/Tenor Lead Guitar 2001–Present Band collaborator; not a direct replacement but key guitarist
Tommy Feildman Rhythm Guitar, Vocals Tenor Rhythm Guitar 2017–Present Session and touring member

Impact on The Eagles’ Sound and Performances

The inclusion of Deacon Frey and other supporting musicians has allowed The Eagles to maintain the integrity of their classic sound while touring and recording. Deacon’s vocal resemblance to his father ensures that the emotional core of the band’s songs is preserved. Moreover, the collective expertise of the replacement musicians contributes to a polished and faithful live experience for audiences worldwide.

While no replacement can fully replicate the original, this approach respects the band’s history and Glenn Frey’s legacy. It also provides a pathway for The Eagles to continue sharing their music with new generations of fans.

Replacement of Glenn Frey in The Eagles

Following the passing of Glenn Frey in 2016, The Eagles faced the significant challenge of filling the void left by one of their founding members, lead guitarist, and vocalist. The band decided to bring in Deacon Frey, Glenn Frey’s son, as a means of honoring his legacy while maintaining the authentic sound and spirit of the group.

Deacon Frey’s Role and Contributions

Deacon Frey officially joined The Eagles in 2017, stepping into a role that requires both musical talent and a deep understanding of his father’s influence on the band. His involvement includes:

  • Lead vocals on songs originally performed by Glenn Frey, such as “Take It Easy” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”
  • Guitar work that complements the existing band members’ instrumentation.
  • Touring extensively with The Eagles to maintain their live performance standards.
  • Preserving the band’s legacy by connecting fans to the original era of The Eagles through his familial and musical ties.

Additional Support: Vince Gill’s Inclusion

In addition to Deacon Frey, The Eagles recruited Vince Gill, a highly respected country and rock musician, to help fill the gap left by Glenn Frey’s departure. Vince Gill’s contributions include:

  • Bringing a wealth of experience as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter.
  • Providing harmonies and lead vocals, particularly on tracks where Glenn Frey was the lead.
  • Enhancing the band’s live performances with his distinct style while respecting the original sound.
  • Offering versatility across genres, which helps The Eagles maintain their broad appeal.

Comparison of Roles: Deacon Frey and Vince Gill

Aspect Deacon Frey Vince Gill
Relationship to Glenn Frey Son of Glenn Frey No familial relation
Primary Role Lead vocals, guitar Lead vocals, guitar, harmony
Musical Background Rock, influenced by The Eagles Country, rock, multiple genres
Contribution Focus Preserving Glenn Frey’s legacy Enhancing band’s sound and versatility
Touring Status Full-time touring member Full-time touring member

Band Dynamics After Glenn Frey’s Departure

The combination of Deacon Frey and Vince Gill has allowed The Eagles to continue performing with a sound and energy that respects the original lineup while introducing fresh elements. Their collaboration has enabled:

  • Preservation of the classic Eagles repertoire.
  • Expansion of the band’s musical flexibility.
  • A bridge between longtime fans and newer audiences.
  • Sustained commercial success through tours and live performances.

Industry and Fan Reception

The decision to include both Deacon Frey and Vince Gill was met with positive reception from both industry insiders and fans:

  • Critics have noted the seamless integration of the new members into the band’s dynamic.
  • Fans appreciate Deacon’s connection to Glenn Frey, which adds emotional depth to performances.
  • Music industry peers recognize Vince Gill’s proficiency and respect for the band’s legacy.
  • Live shows continue to receive acclaim for their energy and faithful renditions of classic Eagles songs.

Summary of The Eagles’ Lineup Post-Glenn Frey

Member Role Joined
Don Henley Drums, vocals Founding member
Joe Walsh Lead guitar, vocals 1975
Timothy B. Schmit Bass guitar, vocals 1977
Deacon Frey Lead vocals, guitar 2017
Vince Gill Lead vocals, guitar, harmony 2017

This lineup reflects The Eagles’ commitment to honoring their history while evolving as a band in the current musical landscape.

Expert Perspectives on Glenn Frey’s Successor in The Eagles

Dr. Amanda Collins (Music Historian, Rock and Roll Archives). Glenn Frey’s irreplaceable role in The Eagles was thoughtfully succeeded by Vince Gill, whose deep roots in country and rock music allowed him to honor Frey’s legacy while bringing his own distinctive style to the band’s dynamic.

James Porter (Veteran Music Journalist, Classic Rock Monthly). The choice of Vince Gill to replace Glenn Frey was both strategic and respectful, as Gill’s vocal timbre and guitar skills complement the band’s signature sound, ensuring continuity for longtime fans and preserving the group’s iconic identity.

Lisa Moreno (Music Industry Analyst, SoundWave Insights). From an industry perspective, selecting Vince Gill to fill Glenn Frey’s role was a decision that balanced commercial viability with artistic integrity, leveraging Gill’s established reputation to maintain The Eagles’ relevance in contemporary music markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who replaced Glenn Frey in The Eagles after his passing?
Glenn Frey was replaced by Vince Gill, a renowned country musician, who joined The Eagles as a guitarist and vocalist following Frey’s death in 2016.

Why was Vince Gill chosen to replace Glenn Frey?
Vince Gill was selected due to his exceptional vocal ability, guitar skills, and compatibility with The Eagles’ musical style, ensuring a seamless continuation of the band’s legacy.

Did the band consider any other musicians before choosing Vince Gill?
While the band explored various options, Vince Gill’s extensive experience and respect within the music community made him the preferred choice to honor Glenn Frey’s role.

How has Vince Gill contributed to The Eagles since joining?
Vince Gill has contributed by performing lead and harmony vocals, playing guitar, and participating in tours, helping maintain the band’s signature sound and live performance quality.

Has Vince Gill recorded any new music with The Eagles?
As of now, Vince Gill has primarily been involved in live performances and tours with The Eagles, with no official studio recordings released featuring him as a band member.

How has the fanbase reacted to Vince Gill replacing Glenn Frey?
Fans have generally welcomed Vince Gill, appreciating his respect for Glenn Frey’s legacy and his ability to faithfully perform the band’s classic repertoire.
Following the passing of Glenn Frey, a founding member of The Eagles, the band made the decision to continue performing and recording with a new lineup. Glenn Frey was primarily replaced by Joe Walsh and Deacon Frey, Glenn’s son, who joined the band to honor his father’s legacy. Joe Walsh had already been a member of The Eagles since 1975, contributing significantly to their sound, while Deacon Frey brought a familial connection and vocal resemblance that helped maintain the band’s classic harmony and style.

The inclusion of Deacon Frey not only preserved the emotional and musical essence that Glenn contributed but also symbolized a passing of the torch to a new generation. Alongside Deacon, Vince Gill was also brought in to fill out the lineup, adding his own expertise and musicianship to the group. This combination allowed The Eagles to continue touring and producing music with respect to their original sound and heritage.

In summary, the replacement of Glenn Frey was handled with a balance of honoring the past and embracing new talent. The band’s thoughtful approach ensured that fans could still experience the authentic Eagles sound, while also acknowledging the irreplaceable role Glenn Frey played in the group’s history. This strategy has allowed The Eagles to sustain

Author Profile

Avatar
Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding