The Eagles' Randy Meisner lived a tragic life before dying from health complications at 77

On Thursday 27 July, it was announced on that founding member, vocalist and bassist Randy Meisner had passed away. In a statement posted on The Eagles official website, the band shared that their bandmate had died on 26 July due to 'complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD).'

In their statement the band paid tribute to Meisner praising his 'vocal range.' They also highlighted the fact that Meisner was at 'the forefront of the musical revolution that began in Los Angeles, in the late 1960s' when he co-created the revolutionary band.

So far, funeral arrangements haven't been shared.

Randy Meisner, a life of tragedy

The statement issues by The Eagles make it clear that Randy Meisner passed away due to ongoing health issues. But prior to that, the member of the band had suffered from other illnesses and tragedies.

According to The Guardian, Meisner had been the victim of 'numerous afflictions.'

He left the band after their triumphant tour for the album Hotel California as he felt 'homesick.' The musician who preferred a quiet country life with his family couldn't handle the tour and fell sick during it leading him to quit the band.

Moreover, according to an article from The Economic Times, the talented artist had been struggling with mental health issues such as a diagnosed 'bipolar disorder' as well as issues with alcohol.

Sources claim that he was estranged from his children, all three born from his first marriage. Finally, the biggest tragedy to hit Meisner, was the death of his second wife in 2016. Her death was reported as an accident in which she shot herself in the head.

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Randy Meisner struggled with fame

Throughout his life, Meisner was lucky enough to be able to live from his passion: music. In the late 1960s, he loved music so much that he decided to move to Los Angeles. There he joined the rock band Poco. That venture ended quickly as Meisner got into heated arguments with one of his bandmates over being able to listen to the recordings before the release of their album.

He became a musician for singer Linda Ronstadt and that it is where he met the people that would later on become The Eagles. In 1972, the band released their first ever album.

As The Eagles became more and more successful, especially after the release of Hotel California, Meisner found it more and more difficult to cope with fame and its expectations. At the time the band was touring a lot which impacted the bassist's mental health. According to the Economic Times an argument with band member Glenn Frey led to Meisner's exit from the band in 1977.

As a solo artist, Randy Meisner never reached the same success as with The Eagles. However, he will always be remembered as an iconic and important part of the band.

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Sources:

The Guardian: Randy Meisner, a founding member of the Eagles, dies aged 77

Economic Times: Randy Meisner dead, co-founder of rock band Eagles and singer of 'Take It to the Limit,' passes away at 77

The Eagles