The Eagles’ Journey: From Loss to Legacy
The Arrival of Vince Gill
Vince Gill, a renowned country music star, understands that a significant loss preceded his arrival in the Eagles lineup. It’s a sentiment he has long expressed, particularly following the 2016 death of Eagles stalwart Glenn Frey.
In an interview, Gill reflected on his joining the group, stating, "There’s just gratitude that I was the guy they decided would work. Just that – because Glenn was a great friend, and in my heart of hearts I wish I wasn’t doing it. That would mean Glenn would still be around, but life is what it is, and you just go do what you can do because of what happens. Those songs deserve to live on as long as they can."
The Initial Reaction
Frey’s passing seemed like a natural endpoint for the group, and surviving co-founder Don Henley initially indicated that he agreed. "I don’t see how we could go out and play without the guy who started the band," Henley said a few months after Frey died. "It would just seem like greed or something. It would seem like a desperate thing."
The Rebuild
However, by the time the Classic East and Classic West music festivals were announced the following year, Henley had changed his mind. He confirmed an Eagles rebuild with the addition of Frey’s son, Deacon, and hinted at another new hire. "Since it’s Glenn’s blood, it’s his son, I think that’s appropriate," Henley mused back then.
The Final Piece
The final piece of the puzzle turned out to be Gill, a long-standing country solo star who rose to initial fame singing Pure Prairie League’s Top 10 1980 hit "Let Me Love You Tonight." This seems to have played a key role in Henley’s decision-making.
Vince Gill’s Perspective
Early into his tenure, Henley was asked to explain Gill’s presence. "He smiled and said, ‘Because he knows how to be in a band,’" Gill tells American Songwriter in a new interview. "That was just such a beautiful validation."
Earning New Fans
In the years that followed, Gill earned scores of new fans with his determination to recreate Eagles songs – including "Tequila Sunrise," "Take It to the Limit," "New Kid in Town," and "Lyin’ Eyes" – just as they had been written and recorded. (Gill has also consistently enthused about a number of other Eagles songs, including "Peaceful Easy Feeling" and "I Can’t Tell You Why," the latter of which he covered in 1993 on Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles.)
Conclusion
Vince Gill’s arrival in the Eagles lineup marked a significant turning point for the group. Despite initial reservations, Gill’s dedication to recreating the band’s iconic songs has earned him a new legion of fans. His humility and willingness to blend in have proven that it’s not about personal attention or spotlight, but about making the music better.
FAQs
Q: What was Vince Gill’s initial reaction to joining the Eagles?
A: Gill expressed gratitude for being chosen to join the group, but also lamented the loss of Glenn Frey, his friend and predecessor.
Q: Did Don Henley initially want to continue the Eagles without Glenn Frey?
A: Yes, Henley initially indicated that he didn’t see how the band could continue without Frey, citing it would seem like greed or a desperate attempt.
Q: Who was the final piece of the puzzle in the Eagles rebuild?
A: Vince Gill, a country music star, was the final piece of the puzzle, joining the group alongside Deacon Frey, Glenn’s son.
Q: How did Vince Gill earn new fans with the Eagles?
A: Gill’s determination to recreate Eagles songs, just as they were written and recorded, earned him scores of new fans.
