The Eagles flew to stellar heights almost immediately after their debut in 1971. “Take it Easy” and “Witchy Woman” from their 1972 debut album Eagles broke into to Top 20 charts.
The original member Glenn Frey and Don Henley produced the voice of the Eagles, later joined by Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner, and Don Felder. The band went through several restructurings over the years, with new members joining, including Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, and Vince Gill.
The Eagles continued to reign over the 80s, as Glen Frey was the glue to the band, and Don Henley played the role of managing the band. The band has continued to perform for five decades now and has released several compilation albums of their greatest hits, which went on to become their best-selling albums. The band has earned six Grammys and five American Music Awards throughout their career, making them the most influential band of the 70s.
But Eagles lost one of its wings on January 18, 2016, when Glen Frey passed away. Although these were massive shoes to fill, his 24-year-old son, Deacon Frey, came through for his father. He performed with the band for more than five years before announcing his departure on April 7, 2022. The statement on Eagle’s official website suggests that Deacon left to focus on his solo career and “forge his own path.”
Don Henley first saw Deacon’s potential when he performed “Peaceful Easy Feeling” at the memorial service of his late father. Henley said in an interview, “As difficult as that might have been, he was so brave and composed,” I’m sure, on the inside, he was churning. After a few months went by, I thought, ‘Why not see if he would like to be in the band?”
Hence Deacon entered the Eagle’s Den with the band’s lineup during the 2017 tour, only a few months after his father passed away.
Deacon Frey’s Illness Explained
In early 2022, the band updated about their next Hotel California Tour on their official social media. The post has been deleted since, which also suggested that Deacon Frey will be on a small hiatus, citing an undisclosed illness.
He did return for the following tour dates and rejoined the band with his usual charisma and a confident stage presence. However, there were no reports that indicated the exact cause of his illness.
Nevertheless, fans loved watching Deacon, what seemed like a reincarnation of his late father.
“It was a tight, fabulous show! They did Hotel California in its entirety and a greatest hits set. Deacon Frey… well, the apple didn’t fall far from that tree! Papa Glen would have been proud. And Joe Walsh did not disappoint with his guitar mastery.”
“Watching the Eagles on ESPN and Deacon Frey is a clone of his father at that age. I’m also happy Timothy hasn’t cut his hair since the 70s.”
“ok well all of my dreams came true tonight because I saw The Eagles live it was life changing and I may have cried hearing Desperado.. also Deacon Frey can marry me right now.”
Why Did Deacon Frey Really Quit the Eagles?
The band put out an official statement on their website regarding Deacon’s departure–
“Deacon Frey has devoted the past 4 and a half years to carrying on his father’s legacy and after some weeks of reflection, he now feels that it is time for him to forge his own path. We understand completely, and we support him in whatever he wishes to pursue in the years ahead.”
“In the wake of his dad’s demise, Deacon, at age 24, did an extraordinary thing by stepping from relative anonymity into the very public world of his father’s long, illustrious career. We are grateful to Deacon for his admirable efforts, and we wish him well as he charts his future. Deacon’s Eagles Family will always be here to surround him with love, support, and goodwill, and he is always welcome to join us onstage at any future concerts if he so desires. We hope our fans will join us in wishing Deacon the very best as he moves into the next phase of his career.”
Overall, this seemed like an amicable split, ending in mutual admiration.
However, some speculations arose regarding Don Henley’s conduct over the years. In the earlier years, Don Felder, a prominent and beloved group member, announced his sudden departure. Many fans believed that Felder dared to question Henley’s creative choices, which led to a rift between the two. Eventually, Felder left the group.
Fans think Henley’s dictatorship might be the driving force for Deacon to quit. Also, considering he is still young, Eagles has opened a floodgate of opportunities for Deacon to pursue a solo career.
There were also rumors that Deacon was getting paid enough or paid at all for his gigs (allegedly). Maybe, it was the right decision for him to leave at the peak of his popularity.
“This Eagles concert on ESPN is. I just love listening to all of their classics. Deacon Frey is singing his dad’s songs and absolutely killing it.”
“Tho I will forever miss Glenn Frey, adding Deacon Frey & Vince Gill is exactly what The Eagles needed to do. They are both doing an exceptional job.”
“The Eagles were magnificent last night. Joe Walsh sounds better than ever. Vince Gill Henley Deacon Frey is a natural. My favorite Eagle.”
“Whoa, just now listening to the new Eagles Live at The Forum album. Had no idea Glenn Frey’s son Deacon Frey was singing and playing with the band. He’s definitely inherited his father’s voice. Amazing.”
“Leaving the race for a peek at the #Eagles on ESPN … Deacon Frey is impressive in his Dad’s spot … hitting record – back to #Indy.”
What are your thoughts on Deacon leaving Eagles? Do you think he did justice to his father’s legacy?
Let us know in the comments section below.
