Don Henley discusses Eagles carrying on following Glenn Frey’s death: “It took two guys to replace Glenn”
Don Henley has opened up about Eagles carrying on following the sad death of Glenn Frey in 2016.
The legendary group are currently in the midst of a record-breaking residency at the Sphere, which began all the way back in 2024, and is set to continue into 2027.
Since they returned to the stage in 2017, the void left behind by Frey has been filled by the world-renowned Vince Gill, as well as the late musician’s son, Deacon Frey.
Speaking to SiriusXM, in celebration of the launch of Eagles’ exclusive SiriusXM pop-up channel Hotel California, Henley said of the impact of Gill and Deacon, “You know, it’s been wonderful to have Deacon and Vince in the band.”
Henley continued, “Vince Gill, of course, is one of the best musicians in the world. He’s the only guy who could have filled that space. You know, it took two guys to replace Glenn, and those are the only two guys in the world, I think, that could have done it.”
Heaping further praise upon Gill, who has won 22 Grammys in his own right, Henley added, “Vince is a real dream to work with. He can play anything. He can sing anything. He’s got a great personality. Always laughing and joking. It’s been a real pleasure to have those two guys in the band.”
He also had nothing but superlatives for Deacon, who Henley commends for being his own artist rather than living in his father’s shadow, stating, “Deacon is not singing the songs like Glenn. He’s singing them like Deacon.”
Henley passionately continued, “I can’t tell you why there’s a solo there that he plays, I had no idea he was that talented, but what we gave him was a chance to birth that and have it grow. Now he’s a great musician, and standing next to him is just great for me. It’s great for me because I always looked over and saw Glenn, and now I’ve got the next best thing.”
Last weekend, Eagles made their first live appearance outside of the Sphere since 2024 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Later this month, they have huge shows lined up in Nashville, Florida, and Texas, before taking some time away ahead of returning to the Sphere in September.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.