One of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the 2017 Classic West and Classic East festivals was who would step in to fill the void left by Glenn Frey in the Eagles’ lineup. The answer came quietly but definitively two months before the concerts, when Eagles co-founder Don Henley addressed the issue during a radio interview on May 15. He revealed that Deacon Frey, Glenn Frey’s son, would be joining the reunited band for the historic performances.
Since the festivals were first announced, speculation had been building among fans. Many suspected that Deacon Frey, who had already performed Eagles songs publicly in the past, might be involved. However, until Henley spoke out, there had been no official confirmation from the band. The revelation occurred during Henley’s interview with Mike Rhyner on “The Hardline,” a program broadcast on Dallas sports radio station KTCK, also known as The Ticket.
When asked directly whether Deacon Frey would be part of the shows, Henley initially hesitated. “I’m not supposed to say that,” he admitted. Moments later, he decided to be candid. “Yeah, he is,” Henley said. “There’s going to be an official announcement in a few days, but let’s just do it here. Glenn’s son Deacon is a very talented young man, and he seems to be up for the task. He’s enthusiastic, he’s been working very hard, and he’s going to do it with us. I think that’s appropriate.”
The news came as a surprise to many longtime fans. After Glenn Frey’s passing, Henley had publicly stated that the Eagles would not continue without him. For a time, it appeared that the band’s story had reached its final chapter. Henley later explained that those remarks were made during a period of deep shock and grief.
“I never planned on it coming out this way,” Henley said, reflecting on the decision. “But it’s my responsibility to carry on this legacy and to keep these songs alive. Apparently, people still want to hear them. I truly thought we were done when Glenn passed away, and I said as much at the time. But we’ve received messages from people all over the world who want to see the music live again.”
Looking back, few could have imagined that Deacon Frey would one day take the stage as part of the Eagles when he first performed alongside his father in 2009. Yet, as Henley explained, the decision followed a deeper cultural and personal logic.
“There’s an old system in both Eastern and Western culture called the guild system,” Henley said. “The father is the master, the son is the apprentice. The trade, the craft, the business gets handed down from father to son. I think it’s the only appropriate way to carry this on. I don’t think I’d do it otherwise. Since it’s Glenn’s blood, since it’s his son, that feels right.” Henley also hinted that another musician would be joining the lineup, though he declined to name him at the time. It was later revealed that the additional member would be Vince Gill.
Deacon Frey was born on April 17, 1993, and grew up immersed in music. His eventual role in the Eagles was not the result of a sudden decision, but rather a natural progression shaped by years of exposure, experience, and dedication.
The Classic West festival took place on July 15, 2017, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, featuring performances by the Eagles, Steely Dan, and the Doobie Brothers. The following night included Fleetwood Mac, Journey, and Earth, Wind & Fire. The same lineup traveled east to Citi Field in New York City for the Classic East shows on July 29 and 30.
In later years, fans have continued to witness Deacon Frey stepping confidently into his role, including performances where he sang lead vocals on classics such as “Take It Easy,” demonstrating how the legacy has carried forward beyond the original lineup.
During the same two-part radio interview, a relaxed and reflective Henley also discussed his own birthday concert, held on July 22 in Dallas, strategically scheduled between the two festival weekends. That celebration featured an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Stevie Nicks, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, and Patty Smyth.
Henley also revisited his earliest days with Glenn Frey and the formation of the Eagles, which began as Linda Ronstadt’s backing band before evolving into one of the most successful groups in music history. He spoke candidly about his personal discipline on the road, particularly his avoidance of alcohol due to its effects on his voice. While he admitted to enjoying and collecting red wine, he explained that even a single sip could negatively impact his vocal cords for weeks.
Reflecting on the modern music industry, Henley expressed concern about its long-term legacy. “I wonder what’s going to be around 30 or 40 years from now from what we have today,” he said. “Frankly, I don’t see it. Everything now feels short-lived and lightweight. We came along during the golden age of the music business, when people were still willing to pay for music. We built something that lasted.”
Following the Classic East and Classic West festivals, the Eagles resumed touring later that fall and have continued to perform with the revised lineup. What began as uncertainty eventually became a new chapter, one rooted in respect, family, and the enduring power of timeless songs.