Deacon Frey Illness: What happened to Deacon Frey?

When the Eagles resumed their much-anticipated Hotel California tour in February 2022 in Savannah, Georgia, there was a noticeable absence on stage. Deacon Frey, who had been an integral part of the band since stepping into his late father Glenn Frey’s shoes in 2017, was notably missing. Unfortunately, it appeared that Deacon’s absence was not a one-time occurrence but was set to extend into future tour dates.

In an official announcement made via their Facebook page, the band revealed, “Due to illness, Deacon Frey will not be performing with the Eagles during their ‘Hotel California 2022 Tour’ kicking off Saturday, February 19th at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia. Deacon’s bandmates will take over his tour duties in his absence. Deacon rejoining the band for performances will be based on his recovery and doctor’s recommendations.”

The statement did not provide specific details regarding the nature or severity of Deacon Frey’s illness, leaving fans concerned and eager for updates.

Deacon Frey, a talented musician at just 26 years old, had garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions to the Eagles since joining the group. His journey into the band was nothing short of serendipitous. It all began with his heartfelt performance of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” at his father’s memorial service, a moment that caught the attention of Eagles co-founder Don Henley. Henley, reflecting on that fateful performance, remarked, “As difficult as that might have been, he was so brave and composed. I’m sure, on the inside, he was churning. After a few months went by, I thought, ‘Why not see if he would like to be in the band?’”

For the Eagles, having Deacon Frey join their ranks was not just a matter of talent but also a deep connection to their legacy. Henley further explained, “The only way it felt justified to me was to have family blood in the band – and I have to hand it to Deacon. He had done some gigs with his father – private parties, in front of maybe 200 people. To go from that to 50,000 people is extraordinary. I don’t know many people who could have done that without freaking out.”

The Eagles’ Hotel California tour had initially been met with immense excitement from fans worldwide. Scheduled to run through May 25, the tour was poised to be a grand celebration of their timeless music. However, Deacon Frey’s absence due to illness cast a shadow over these plans, leaving fans hopeful for his swift recovery and eventual return to the stage.

As fans eagerly await updates on Deacon Frey’s condition and his potential return to the tour, the Eagles continue their musical journey, with plans to head to Europe for a short run of performances after the conclusion of the Hotel California tour.