Randy Meisner, a founding member of the iconic rock band the Eagles, has passed away at the age of 77, according to a statement by the group. The musician died on Wednesday night in Los Angeles due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Meisner was known as the original bassist and a vocalist for the Eagles, whose numerous hits include “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “One of These Nights.” The band described Meisner as an integral part of their success and praised his astonishing vocal range.
The Eagles, who have sold over 150 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, are currently scheduled to embark on a final tour in September. Meisner, who left the band in the late 1970s, was not expected to participate in the tour. Alongside the Eagles, Meisner had also played with other notable bands such as Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band and Poco before co-founding the Eagles. Meisner’s passing comes several years after the death of fellow founding member Glenn Frey in 2016.
