The Eagles are undeniably one of the most iconic and best-selling bands in rock n‘ roll history. Since forming in Los Angeles in 1971, the band has crafted an extensive catalogue of timeless hits and created a legacy that cemented their status as musical legends. While the Eagles disbanded in 1980, they reunited in 1994 for the wildly successful Hell Freezes Over tour and have been actively touring and recording ever since.
However, in recent years the band suffered the tragic loss of two integral founding members – guitarist Glenn Frey passed away in 2016 and guitarist Bernie Leadon passed in 2021. Despite this, the surviving original members and talented new additions are determined to keep the Eagles‘ spirit alive by continuing to perform their catalog of classics to appreciative audiences around the world.
Let‘s take an in-depth look at the stellar cast of musicians currently flying the Eagles banner and keeping their musical legacy soaring.
Founding Members Still Anchor the Band
The two remaining original continuous members providing a strong foundation in the current Eagles lineup are drummer and vocalist Don Henley and guitarist and vocalist Joe Walsh.
Henley, along with Glenn Frey, founded the band back in 1971 and for many fans is the distinctive voice that defines the Eagles sound. In addition to his immaculate drumming, Henley sang lead on hits like “One of These Nights”, “The Long Run” and “The Boys of Summer”. Walsh first joined the band in 1975 in time for their career-defining Hotel California album. His fierce guitar playing is all over Eagles classics like “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Pretty Maids All in a Row”.
Both Henley and Walsh also cultivated massively successful solo careers over the years in addition to their contributions as Eagles. However, they remain dedicated to the band that made them global superstars. According to Ultimate Classic Rock critic Dave Lifton, Henley and Walsh provide “both the musical foundation and institutional knowledge that helps the rest of this lineup excel.”
Vince Gill Adds New Dimensions to the Band
After Glenn Frey‘s tragic and unexpected passing in 2016, the band recruited acclaimed country musician Vince Gill to come in and try to fill the large void left by one of their primary vocalists and songwriters. While certainly a daunting task, Gill has excelled beyond expectations by bringing his own flair and style to the band‘s catalogue of hits.
In addition to being a highly skilled guitarist with his own distinctive tone, Gill is known for his pure, smooth tenor voice that melds perfectly with harmonic-rich Eagles songs. His country music pedigree combined with rock sensibilities have added exciting new facets to the band.
According to Don Henley, Gill has been “a perfect fit musically and personally” and his addition to the band has reinvigorated their live performances. Fans who were initially skeptical have fully embraced Gill‘s energy and vocal talents.
Deacon Frey Joins to Honor His Father
In 2017, Glenn Frey‘s son Deacon Frey also officially joined the Eagles lineup for live shows. Deacon had previously toured with the band alongside his father and was determined to help continue his dad‘s musical legacy. Still in his 20s, Deacon contributes his talents on vocals, guitar, piano, and mandolin during concerts and has been enthusiastically welcomed into the Eagles family.
According to Don Henley, “Deacon‘s energy and passion for this music is inspiring. The band loves him, and so do the fans.” Having Deacon join to take over his father‘s vocals adds even more emotion and heart to the band‘s performances. Deacon has more than lived up to his father‘s legacy, helping the Eagles soar to new heights.
Timothy B. Schmit Anchors Them on Bass since the 70s
While not an original founding member, bassist and vocalist Timothy B. Schmit has been with the band since 1979 after replacing original bassist Randy Meisner. Schmit‘s crystal clear tenor voice and high harmonies have become a staple of the Eagles‘ trademark sound.
Schmit sang lead vocals on hit singles like “I Can‘t Tell You Why” and has been providing the steady rhythmic foundation on bass throughout the band‘s live concerts and studio recordings for over 40 years now. His musical chemistry with Henley, Walsh, Gill, and Deacon Frey is seamless and helps recreate that classic Eagles magic fans have loved for decades.
Key Stats on the Legendary Eagles:
- 6 Grammy Awards Won
- 150+ million albums sold worldwide
- 5 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
- 240+ weeks total on the Billboard 200 album charts
- $250+ million in concert grosses since reuniting in 1994
- Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998
Hotel California 2022 Tour Electrifies Audiences
The current incarnation of the Eagles has been thrilling audiences on their Hotel California 2022 tour across North America. Their concerts see the band perform their entire iconic 1976 album Hotel California from start to finish before treating fans to a long set filled with other classics from their unparalleled catalog.
Reviews of the new lineup have been glowing, with critics and fans raving about the fresh energy and outstanding musicianship Gill and Deacon Frey have brought to the legendary band.
Here‘s a look at what each member brings to the table musically when the Eagles take the stage in 2022:
- Don Henley – Lead vocals, drums, percussion
- Joe Walsh – Lead guitar, rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals
- Vince Gill – Guitar, mandolin, vocals
- Deacon Frey – Guitar, piano, vocals
- Timothy B. Schmit – Bass guitar, vocals
It‘s evident that – even with the passing of key original members Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon – the Eagles‘ spirit and top-notch musicianship continues to thrive thanks to this stellar current lineup. The band sounds as tight as ever and their shows consistently garner rave reviews.
Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey, and Vince Gill all possess tremendous individual talent while also demonstrating an ensemble cohesion that allows them to soar through the Eagles catalog with ease. Their passion and commitment to honoring the Eagles‘ musical legacy is apparent through ever note they play.
For long-time fans or newcomers just discovering their music, the current Eagles lineup delivers a live concert experience that reminds the world why they are one of the most beloved and enduring American rock bands of all time.
