Updated at 10.53pm

Associated Press Associated Press

GLENN FREY, guitarist and founding member of Eagles, has passed away aged 67.

Frey co-founded the Eagles and with Don Henley became one of history’s most successful songwriting teams with such hits as Hotel California and Life in the Fast Lane.

“Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia,” the statement from his band and family read.

“The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery.”

Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide.

Guitarist Frey and drummer Henley formed the Eagles in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, along with guitarist Bernie Leadon and bassist Randy Meisner. They would become a top act over the next decade, embodying the melodic California sound.

Frey was born in Detroit and was raised in the suburbs. His solo hits include The Heat Is On and Smuggler’s Blues.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press. Originally published 10.29pm