Founding Member of The Eagles Randy Meisner Passes Away at 77
The bassist, who co-wrote and performed one of the band's most significant hits, 'Take It to the Limit,' has passed away.
Founding member of the ‘Eagles’ band Randy Meisner passed away on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. He was 77. He was a bassist and singer in the group who co-wrote and sang the famed song ‘Take It To The Limit.’
He died due to complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the Eagles band announced in a statement on thursday.
The group said in a statement, “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.’”
Randy Meisner co-founded the Eagles in 1971 along with members Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bernie Leadon. He was called the “the sweetest man in the music business” by former bandmate Don Felder.
He was the band’s bassist but he also sang several songs for the group. He added music to songs like Take It Easy and The Best Of My Love.
His biggest hit was the song “Take It To The Limit” which was the third single from their 1975 album ‘One Of The Nights.”
Randy left the band after they recorded Hotel California in 1976. He also skipped the tour. The musician was shy and hated the spotlight. This was one of the reasons why he left the band soon after the Hotel California tour. He was ill and homesick during the musical tour.
He told PEOPLE in 1981, “I could have tripled my money if I’d stayed. 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.”
He was not invited when the band reunited in 1994. He again performed with the band in the 1998 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. They invited him for the 2013 world tour however he declined due to his failing health.
The musician was married twice. He was married first to Jennifer Lee Barton from 1963 to 1981. He had three children with Jennifer.
He then married Lana Rae from 1996 till 2016 who had accidentally shot and killed herself in March 2016.
Randy Mesiner’s death comes a few weeks after the current Eagles group announced their last tour. The “Long Goodbye” tour will start on September 7, 2023.