Still musing about the life and times of The Eagles co-founder, Glenn Frey, a day after he passed away at the age of 67. Most of the obituary stories and reviews of his life are positive, befitting a member of 70’s rock royalty.
One take on him was not so glowing. Death and Taxes website wrote about his nasty, driven side of his personality. If you’ve seen or heard about the lengthy, compelling 2013 History of The Eagles documentary (I confess, I’ve only see parts), you’ve heard about the group’s ego maniacal arguments. Click HERE to read the story.
I don’t think this side of his personality takes away from his accomplishments by any stretch, but I don’t think his tough, cut throat side should be discounted, either. Frey was, essentially, the leader of the band, the guy with the big picture plan, and he had to be the boss. Even Bruce Springsteen, I’m sure, got on his band mates’ nerves with his driven perfectionism, a trait Frey and Henley shared. The story goes that “The Boss” nickname was a derisive one given to him by E Street members, and Springsteen didn’t like the nickname originally.
To counter the negative stuff, there are plenty of great stories being shared by his mentor and friend, fellow Detroit native, Bob Seger. And below is an interview he did with the Dan Patrick sports show last April, less than a year before his death. Frey at age 66 comes off as thoughtful, kind and sharp still, looking better than a guy his age should.
Either way you look at his personality, the man left a Helluva musical legacy.
Doc Watson
