Feature Photo: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com
Our Complete List Of Eagles Current And Former Band Members presents a list of musicians who were both official members of the band as well as the group of musicians who just toured with the group.
The Eagles are one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time, known for their harmonious vocals and intricate musicianship that contributed to the sound of 1970s rock and roll. Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, the band initially consisted of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. Over the years, the lineup evolved, but the band’s essence and impact on American music remained undeniable.
The Eagles’ self-titled debut album was released in 1972 and introduced the world to their unique blend of rock, country, and folk. Songs like “Take It Easy” and “Witchy Woman” quickly became anthems of the era, and the album was a commercial success. But it was their next albums that catapulted them into superstardom. “Desperado” (1973) took the band in a conceptual direction, with its themes revolving around the Old West. This was followed by “On The Border” (1974), which featured the hit single “Best of My Love.”
By 1975, the band saw a lineup change with the addition of guitarist Don Felder, who contributed to the heavier sound of their next album, “One of These Nights.” This album included hits like “Lyin’ Eyes” and the title track, earning them their first Grammy Award. In 1976, the Eagles released “Hotel California,” one of the most popular and influential albums in rock history. The title track and “New Kid in Town” are particularly memorable, both garnering Grammy Awards.
Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner left the band and were replaced by Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, respectively. The new members brought a harder rock edge to the band’s sound, evident in their next album, “The Long Run” (1979). However, tensions within the band led to its disbandment in 1980.
After a 14-year hiatus, The Eagles reunited in 1994 with the album “Hell Freezes Over,” named after Henley’s famous quip that the band would get back together “when hell freezes over.” The album included four new songs and was a commercial success, spurring a highly profitable tour.
Sadly, co-founder Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, but the band decided to continue touring, with Frey’s son Deacon and country musician Vince Gill filling in. Despite the changes and the controversies that have followed them over the years, the Eagles’ legacy remains intact. Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) compilation became the best-selling album of the 20th century in the U.S., and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
EAGLES CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS
Don Henley
Don Henley, originally from Gilmer, Texas, was one of the founding members of The Eagles, formed in 1971. He primarily served as the drummer and co-lead vocalist of the band. Henley contributed to all of the band’s original albums, from their self-titled debut in 1972 to “Long Road Out of Eden” in 2007. Some of his most iconic songs with The Eagles include “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” “Witchy Woman,” and “The Long Run.” Henley was integral in writing and singing some of the band’s most enduring hits, often collaborating with Glenn Frey.
Outside of The Eagles, Don Henley had a highly successful solo career that kicked off in 1982 with his debut solo album, “I Can’t Stand Still,” featuring the hit single “Dirty Laundry.” His 1984 album “Building the Perfect Beast” and 1989’s “The End of the Innocence” were both commercial and critical successes. Henley has received numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards both as a solo artist and as a member of The Eagles, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Glenn Frey
Glenn Frey, hailing from Detroit, Michigan, was another founding member of The Eagles. He played guitar and keyboards and shared lead vocal duties with Don Henley. Frey was part of all the original lineup albums, starting from “Eagles” in 1972 to “Long Road Out of Eden” in 2007. He was the voice behind hits like “Take It Easy,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “New Kid in Town,” among others. Frey’s songwriting partnership with Don Henley is one of the most celebrated in rock history.
Aside from his work with The Eagles, Glenn Frey also had a successful solo career, particularly in the 1980s. His debut solo album, “No Fun Aloud,” was released in 1982 and included hits like “The One You Love.” He also had a string of soundtrack hits, such as “The Heat Is On” from “Beverly Hills Cop” and “You Belong to the City” from the “Miami Vice” soundtrack. Frey tried his hand at acting as well, with appearances in TV shows and a feature film. He received numerous accolades over his career, including several Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Eagles in 1998. Frey passed away in 2016, marking an end to his long and fruitful career.
Bernie Leadon
Bernie Leadon, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was one of the original founding members of The Eagles. He was primarily a guitarist and banjo player for the band but also contributed vocals. Leadon played a significant role in the band’s first four albums: “Eagles” (1972), “Desperado” (1973), “On the Border” (1974), and “One of These Nights” (1975). He was particularly influential in shaping the country rock sound of the band’s early years, contributing to songs like “Witchy Woman” and “Take It Easy.” He left the band in 1975, seeking a break from touring and wishing to move in a different musical direction.
Outside of The Eagles, Bernie Leadon had a rich musical career. He was a member of the pioneering country-rock bands Dillard & Clark and the Flying Burrito Brothers before joining The Eagles. After leaving the band, he released several solo albums and collaborated with a variety of musicians in the country and bluegrass genres. He rejoined The Eagles for their “History of the Eagles” tour in 2013.
Randy Meisner
Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Randy Meisner was the original bassist and one of the founding members of The Eagles. Meisner’s falsetto vocals were a defining characteristic of the band’s harmonies. He participated in the first six studio albums, from the debut “Eagles” (1972) up to “Hotel California” (1976). His most famous contribution to The Eagles’ repertoire was the hit song “Take It to the Limit,” which he co-wrote and sang.
Beyond The Eagles, Randy Meisner was a member of the bands Poco and Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band before co-founding The Eagles. After leaving the band in 1977, he pursued a solo career and released several albums, though none achieved the massive success he had experienced with The Eagles.
Don Felder
Don Felder, originally from Gainesville, Florida, joined The Eagles in 1974 as a guitarist. He was brought in during the recording of the band’s third album, “On the Border,” and remained with them until his controversial firing in 2001. Felder contributed to several iconic songs, most notably co-writing “Hotel California,” where his guitar work is prominently featured. He played on all the albums from “On the Border” (1974) through “The Long Run” (1979), as well as the reunion album “Hell Freezes Over” (1994).
In addition to his time with The Eagles, Felder has had an active career as a session musician and solo artist. His most noted solo work is perhaps his 1983 song “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride),” which was featured in the animated film “Heavy Metal.” He has also released solo albums, including “Airborne” in 1983 and “Road to Forever” in 2012. Felder authored an autobiography titled “Heaven and Hell: My Life in The Eagles (1974-2001),” detailing his years with the band.
Joe Walsh
Everyone loves Joe Walsh. The legendary guitarist Joe Walsh was born in Wichita, Kansas. He joined The Eagles in 1975 as a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist, effectively replacing Bernie Leadon. He was an essential part of the band’s transition from country-rock to a harder-edged rock sound. Walsh contributed to the band’s later albums like “Hotel California” (1976) and “The Long Run” (1979), and was a key part of the band’s various reunions and tours, including the “Hell Freezes Over” album in 1994.
One of Walsh’s most iconic contributions to The Eagles is the guitar solo in “Hotel California,” which he co-wrote. His energetic stage presence and distinctive guitar work became integral to the band’s sound and live performances.
Outside of The Eagles, Joe Walsh had already achieved fame with the James Gang and as a solo artist before joining the band. Songs like “Rocky Mountain Way” and “Life’s Been Good” are considered rock classics. Walsh has also had a prolific solo career and has been a sought-after session musician. He has released several solo albums, both before and after joining The Eagles, and has collaborated with a wide range of artists from various genres.
Timothy B. Schmit
Timothy B. Schmit, hailing from Oakland, California, became a member of The Eagles in 1977, replacing Randy Meisner as the band’s bassist and vocalist. Schmit’s first album with the band was “The Long Run” (1979), where he sang lead vocals on the song “I Can’t Tell You Why,” which he co-wrote. He also participated in the “Hell Freezes Over” reunion album in 1994 and remained with the band for subsequent tours and projects.
Schmit’s soothing vocals and harmonies enriched the band’s sound, and he became a significant contributor to the band’s later years, including during their long-lasting reunion periods.
Before joining The Eagles, Timothy B. Schmit was a member of the country-rock band Poco, where he had replaced Randy Meisner as well. After The Eagles initially disbanded, Schmit launched a solo career and also worked as a session musician, lending his vocals to hits like “Africa” by Toto and “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor. He has released several solo albums, showcasing his talents as a singer and songwriter separate from his work with The Eagles.
Vince Gill
Vince Gill, born in Norman, Oklahoma, joined The Eagles in 2017 after the passing of Glenn Frey. Gill shares lead vocal and guitar duties, particularly covering songs that were originally sung by Frey. He was officially integrated into the band’s lineup for the “An Evening with the Eagles” tour. His experience in country music, along with his accomplished guitar skills, provided a rich layer to the band’s iconic country-rock sound.
While Vince Gill is a newer member of the band, his music career is incredibly extensive and predates his involvement with The Eagles by decades. Gill is an accomplished country musician, with more than 20 studio albums to his name. He has won 21 Grammy Awards and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Gill’s country credentials and versatility as a guitarist and vocalist make him a fitting addition to The Eagles’ legacy.
Deacon Frey
Deacon Frey, son of founding Eagles member Glenn Frey, also joined the band in 2017 for the “An Evening with the Eagles” tour, following his father’s death in 2016. Deacon performs rhythm guitar and shares lead vocal duties, especially on songs that were closely associated with his father. His resemblance in both appearance and voice to his late father has been noted as giving a sense of continuity to the band while honoring Glenn Frey’s legacy.
Prior to joining The Eagles, Deacon Frey was not a widely-known musician but had performed with his father on a few occasions. The emotional weight of him stepping in for his late father added a poignant dimension to The Eagles’ concerts and was met with positive reception from fans and critics alike. Joining The Eagles has been Deacon’s major introduction into the professional music scene, and he has been praised for his performances, capturing a balance of nostalgia and fresh energy in the band’s recent tours.
MUSICIANS WHO HAVE TOURED WITH THE EAGLES
Joe Vitale
Joe Vitale, a native of Canton, Ohio, has been a touring musician with The Eagles but was never an official member. He has primarily played drums, keyboards, and has contributed backing vocals. He has an especially close working relationship with Joe Walsh, having performed on several of Walsh’s solo records and tours. He has not played on any official Eagles albums, but his contributions have been more in a live capacity during different touring periods.
Outside of his association with The Eagles, Joe Vitale has had a versatile career as a session musician and has released several solo albums. He has collaborated with a wide array of artists including Crosby, Stills and Nash, Ted Nugent, and Peter Frampton among others. He is also known for his songwriting, notably co-writing Walsh’s hit “Rocky Mountain Way.”
Timothy Drury
Timothy Drury was born in Los Angeles, California, and toured with The Eagles as a keyboardist and backing vocalist. Although he was never an official member, his contributions were mainly seen during live performances, specifically during the ’90s. Drury added texture and depth to the band’s sound with his keyboard playing and has been a part of live album recordings.
Besides The Eagles, Drury has had an extensive career working with other big names in the industry, including Whitesnake and Don Henley in his solo career. He is also a composer and has released his own solo work which often includes multimedia components, like visual arts along with the music.
Al Garth
Al Garth was primarily a session and touring musician for The Eagles, contributing on violin and saxophone. Though not an official member of the band, his musicianship added a different layer of texture to the band’s sound in live settings. He played in various tours but did not feature on any studio albums by The Eagles.
Garth has had a broad career as a session musician, playing in numerous other bands and orchestras across genres. His multi-instrumental skills have made him a versatile and valuable musician in both studio and live settings.
Bill Armstrong
Bill Armstrong is lesser-known compared to other musicians associated with The Eagles and was never an official member of the band. He has served as a trumpet player during live performances, adding to the horn sections during specific tours.
Outside of his association with The Eagles, information about Armstrong’s musical career is relatively limited. He is mostly known as a session musician, contributing to horn sections for various bands and artists.
Chris Mostert
Chris Mostert toured with The Eagles as a saxophonist, although he was never an official member of the band. He contributed his skills primarily in a live setting, enriching the band’s sound during concerts. Like many of the other touring musicians, Mostert did not feature on any of The Eagles’ studio albums.
Mostert has a career as a session musician and has played with other notable acts. His saxophone skills are versatile, making him a sought-after musician for live performances across various genres.
Greg Smith
Greg Smith has had a stint as a touring musician with The Eagles, playing the saxophone and adding depth to their live horn sections. Though he never became an official member of the band, his contributions were focused mainly on live performances.
Aside from his work with The Eagles, Smith has an extensive career as a session musician, contributing his saxophone skills to numerous other artists and bands across a range of genres. His talent has made him a go-to musician for both studio recordings and live performances.
Les Lovitt
Les Lovitt joined The Eagles’ touring ensemble as a trumpet player, but was never an official member. His contributions were primarily made during live performances, augmenting the band’s sound with his trumpet.
Lovitt has had a career as a session and live performance musician, working across various genres. He’s been a part of orchestras and jazz ensembles and has also made contributions to other rock and pop acts as a horn player.
Scott F. Crago
Scott F. Crago has been a longtime contributor to The Eagles as a touring drummer and percussionist. Though not an official member, his role has been vital in recreating the band’s complex studio sounds in a live setting. His drumming skills have been utilized to flesh out the rhythmic complexities of Eagles songs during live performances.
Outside of his work with The Eagles, Crago has had a lucrative career as a session drummer, lending his talents to a wide array of artists in various genres. His skillset has made him a sought-after drummer for both studio recordings and live gigs.
Steuart Smith
Steuart Smith was brought into The Eagles to fill in for Don Felder after his departure. Though not an official member, Smith has been a significant part of the band’s touring lineup since the late 1990s. He contributes primarily as a guitarist and is known for his exceptional skill in recreating the band’s iconic guitar sounds during live performances.
In addition to his work with The Eagles, Smith has an impressive list of credentials as a session musician, and he has worked with a multitude of other artists and bands in a variety of genres.
Will Hollis
Will Hollis served as a keyboardist for The Eagles’ touring lineup. His role was to supplement the band’s live sound, particularly focusing on keys and synthesizers. Hollis’ musicianship was key in helping to emulate the intricate studio productions of The Eagles’ songs in a live concert setting.
Hollis has also had a career outside of The Eagles, serving as a session musician and touring keyboardist for various other artists. His extensive experience makes him a valuable asset in both studio and live settings.
Michael Thompson
Michael Thompson, though not an official member of The Eagles, contributed as a touring musician, specializing in keyboards. His role was especially important in bringing depth and dimension to the band’s live performances, helping to capture the essence of their studio recordings on stage.
Thompson is also an accomplished musician in his own right, having played with a variety of other acts and contributed to numerous studio recordings as a session musician. His versatility has earned him roles in different musical settings, from pop and rock to jazz.
Complete List Of Eagles Current And Former Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
