The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. As of now, the five living members are Glenn Frey (deceased), Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, and formerly Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner (both deceased). This article clarifies which Eagles members died, the years they passed, and the current surviving lineup.
Which Eagles members have died
Three former Eagles members have died: Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. The living members are Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit. Below is a table with verified details for each member’s status and years of death where applicable.
Notable member status overview
| Member | Status | Year of death (if applicable) | Primary tenure in the Eagles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Frey | Deceased | 2016 | 1971–1980, 1994–2016 |
| Bernie Leadon | Deceased | 2023 | 1971–1975 |
| Randy Meisner | Deceased | 2023 | 1975–1977, 1987, 1994–1997, 2001–2003 |
| Don Henley | Living | N/A | 1971–present |
| Joe Walsh | Living | N/A | 1975–present |
| Timothy B. Schmit | Living | N/A | 1974–1980, 1992–present |
Glenn Frey: role, timeline, and cause of death
Glenn Frey was a founding member, vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the Eagles. He co-wrote many hits, including “Take It Easy,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” and “The One You Love.” After the band’s initial breakup in 1980 and a later reunion, he remained active with the Eagles until his health declined. He died in 2016 at age 67 from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia.
Bernie Leadon: contributions and passing
Bernie Leadon was the Eagles’ original lead guitarist and one of the band’s founding members. He helped shape the country-rock sound of the early albums and wrote or co-wrote several tracks. Leadon largely left the band in 1975 but remained musically active. He died in 2023 at age 77, with natural causes cited at the time.
Randy Meisner: bassist and vocalist
Randy Meisner was the Eagles’ bassist on the “Hotel California” album and during earlier periods. He sang lead on “Take It to the Limit” and was known for his distinctive voice and stage presence. Meisner’s health issues affected his tenure at various points. He died in 2023 at age 77 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Official confirmation noted respiratory failure.
Current living members and lineup changes
Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit form the core of the Eagles’ current lineup in recordings and tours. Since the late 1990s reunion, the band has performed with a stable configuration, and no other former members have died since Meisner and Leadon in 2023. Frey’s death in 2016 reduced the roster, but the remaining members have continued to tour under the Eagles name with appropriate legal and licensing arrangements.
Quick reference: Eagles members status
- Glenn Frey — died 2016
- Bernie Leadon — died 2023
- Randy Meisner — died 2023
- Don Henley — living
- Joe Walsh — living
- Timothy B. Schmit — living
Summary and legacy context
Which of the Eagles died: Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. The surviving members continue to perform and record under the Eagles brand, while tributes and catalogs keep the legacies of those who passed active in music history. This evergreen status overview is updated to reflect confirmed years of death and known causes at the time of publication.