The Eagles’ founding member Randy Meisner dies aged 77-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Randy Meisner has died, The Eagles band has announced (Picture: WireImage)

The Eagles star Randy Meisner has died at the age of 77.

Musician Meisner was best known for founding the iconic band in the 1970s with Don Felder, Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon.

He died on Wednesday after suffering complications from lung condition COPD.

The band confirmed the sad news in a statement to their website, writing: ‘The Eagles are sad to report that founding member, bassist, and vocalist, Randy Meisner, passed away last night (July 26) in Los Angeles at age 77, due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD).’

‘As the original bass player for the pioneering country-rock group, Poco, Randy was at the forefront of the musical revolution that began in Los Angeles, in the late 1960s.’

They paid tribute to the iconic creative, who was inducted along with the rest of the Eagles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

The star released a number of solo albums after leaving The Eagles in 1977 (Picture: Getty)

The band shared the sad news in a statement on Thursday night (Picture: Redferns)

‘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.’

Funeral arrangements are currently pending for the star.

The Nebraska native was born in 1946, and formed The Eagles in 1971 before quitting the band in 1977, being replaced by Timothy B Schmit.

He went on to release a number of solo albums, including One More Song in 1980;

While The Eagles reformed for a reunion tour in 1994, Meisner was not a part of it – however he appeared alongside his former bandmates during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame event, where they performed some of their biggest hits, including Hotel California.

Meisner had been invited to take part in the 2013 tour History of the Eagles but unfortunately had to decline due to poor health.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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