Classic Rock group The Eagles' founding member and bassist/vocalist, Randy Meisner, has died at the age of 77.
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Reports of Meisner’s July 26 death first came in Thursday (7/27) evening and the band confirmed the report with a heartfelt tribute.
“The Eagles are sad to report that founding member, bassist, and vocalist, Randy Meisner, passed away last night (July 26) in Los Angeles at age 77, due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD),” a statement on their Facebook page read.
“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band,” they continued in a statement. “His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit.’”
Before founding the Eagles, Meisner was a bassist and vocalist for Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band beginning in 1946. Later, he followed up with time as the original bassist for Country-Rock group, Poco.
In 1971, Meisner, alongside Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon founded the Eagles which led to a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction for the Nebraska-native in 1998. Meisner contributed to five of the band's albums; Eagles, Desperado, On The Border, One of These Nights, and Hotel California.
Meisner departed the group in 1977 and went on to release three solo albums: Randy Meisner (1978), One More Song (1980), and another self-titled project in 1982.
The Eagles recently revealed their final run, The Long Goodbye, scheduled to begin September 2023 with special guest, Steely Dan.
On the tour will be group members Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmidt, with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey. The group plans to visit fans across the U.S. with promises to fulfill as many shows in each market as their fans demand. The tour is expected to continue into 2025. Find tickets here.
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