The Eagles founding member Randy Meisner dies as band pay tribute to 'integral part' of group's success
The Eagles' Randy Meisner (left) performs with Timothy B Schmit, Glen Frey, Don Felder, Joe Walsh and Don Henley
REUTERS
The Eagles have released a statement following the news that founding member and bassist Randy Meisner had died.
Meisner died following complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on Wednesday night in LA, the band confirmed.
The band said: "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.'"
Meisner was integral to The Eagles' early days, performing as both a bassist and vocalist for the group.
He formed the band alongside Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon in 1971.
Randy Meisner joined The Eagles on stage at the 19998 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
REUTERS
His decision to help establish The Eagles came after he achieved success with rock group Poco in the '60s.
Meisner's contributions to the band span across their studio albums Eagles, Desperado, On The Border, One of These Nights, and Hotel California.
In recognition of his impact on the music industry, he was inducted with the band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
The band have confirmed funeral arrangements are pending following his death.
Meisner left The Eagles in the mid-'70s after Hotel California's success.
Speaking about his departure, 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."
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Glen Frey, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit and Don Henley made up the new-look Eagles in 2007
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Despite reports of snubs during the '80s and '90s, Meisner was asked along to the band's 2013 world tour.
However, his declining health meant he had to turn the opportunity down.
As his health continued to deteriorate in the 2010s, he said the band helped pay his medical bills.
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