Former Eagles Bassist Randy Meisner Dead at 77
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Eagles co-founder and former bassist Randy Meisner has died. He was 77.
The band announced the sad news through a statement posted on their website today, July 27, revealing that he died last night, July 26, in Los Angeles, as a result of complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Meisner formed the classic band in 1971 alongside Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon, with his voice and bass heard on their first five albums: Eagles, Desperado, On The Border, One of These Nights, and Hotel California.
He also wrote several of the band's tracks, including "Take the Devil,” “Try and Love Again,” and “Certain Kind of Fool.”
He left the Eagles in 1977, pursuing a solo career and recording with a number of other groups, but was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside the rest of the band, in 1998.
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“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit,’” the band said.
Henley is the last original member still in the band, which is currently preparing to tour one last time. Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey, will join him.
Meisner was preceded in death by his wife, Lana Rae Meisner, who passed away after she accidentally shot herself in 2016. He is survived by his adult children, Dana, Heather, and Eric.
According to the band, arrangements have yet to be made.
