The Eagles are mourning the loss of their founding member, bassist and vocalist Randy Meisner, who passed away on July 26 in Los Angeles at the age of 77.
The cause of death was attributed to complications arising from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In 1971, Mr. Meisner joined forces with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon to establish the iconic rock band, the Eagles. His contributions to the band’s albums, including “Eagles,” “Desperado,” “On The Border,” “One of These Nights,” and the famous “Hotel California,” helped shape the Eagles’ distinctive sound.
Mr. Meisner was described by his former bandmate Don Felder as “the sweetest man in the music business.” He left the band in 1977 but was inducted with the Eagles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Following his departure from the Eagles, Mr. Meisner embarked on a solo career and collaborated with various other musical groups, both in recording and touring.
The Eagles, in a statement, acknowledged Mr. Meisner’s impact on the band’s early success and his vocal range.
“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,’” said the Eagles.
Prior to his tenure with Poco and the Eagles, Mr. Meisner showcased his musical prowess as the bassist and vocalist with Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band.
In recent years, Mr. Meisner faced several hardships. In 2016, he endured a personal tragedy when his wife, Lana Rae Meisner, accidentally shot herself and passed away at their residence in Los Angeles.
According to The New York Post, Lana Meisner, 63, contacted the police, citing a domestic violence situation. TMZ reported that she informed the authorities that Mr. Meisner “was waiving a BB gun and acting erratically.”
Police investigation revealed that she had been moving a rifle, which was stored inside a case in the closet, when the firearm discharged.
The founding Eagles members also struggled with health concerns, according to court records and statements made during a 2015 hearing. Mr. Meisner had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with severe alcohol-related issues. In light of these challenges, a judge ordered him to receive continuous medical care.
Mr. Meisner was born on March 8, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and his musical talents earned him fans worldwide.
Funeral arrangements for the musician are currently pending, and fans and fellow musicians alike are expected to pay tribute to his legacy in the world of music.
Fellow band member, Mr. Frey, died on Jan. 18, 2016, aged 67.
