Randy Meisner, a founding member ofThe Eagles, has died. The bassist and singer, who co-wrote and sang “Take It to the Limit,” was 77.
Meisner died due to complications fromchronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) Wednesday night,the band announced Thursday.
Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns
“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band,” the group said in a brief statement. “His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit.' "
Funeral arrangements are pending, the band added.
The Nebraska native co-founded The Eagles in 1971 with Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bernie Leadon, after playing with the country-rock band Poco andRick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band.
Meisner was primarily the band’s bassist but did write and sing several classic tracks on their albums. Meisner’s biggest hit with the band was “Take It to the Limit,” released as the third single from their 1975 albumOne of These Nights.
Don Felder, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, and Randy Meisner.RB/Redferns
RB/Redferns
Meisner left the band after they recordedHotel Californiain 1976. He chose to skip the tour to promote the record. “I could have tripled my money if I’d stayed,” Meisner toldPEOPLEin 1981. “But I was just tired of the touring. It’s a crazy life that you live at twice the normal speed. When it got to the point of sanity or money… I thought I’d rather have sanity.”
While the Eagles reunited in 1994, Meisner was reportedly not invited. He did perform with the band at their1998 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonyand was invited to join their 2013 world tour. He did not attend due to his declining health. In 2016,Meisner said the bandhelped pay for his medical care.
Bernie Leadon, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner, and Don Felder.Everett Collection Inc/Alamy Stock Photo
Everett Collection Inc/Alamy Stock Photo
In a 2016 interview withRock Cellar Magazine, Meisner reflected on the band’s legacy and how their music overcame rock critics.
“It’s just good to know that kids nowadays are listening to it. It’s long-standing music. They’re good songs,” he said. “The lyrics are really good and the way that they were produced and the way that we played them. That’s why onHotel Californiawe were so precise and wanting to make it so perfect. We made sure we got it so good.”
source: people.com
