Legendary Canton rock drummer reflects on late Eagles co-founder
By
BJ Lisko
CantonRep.com entertainment writer
Canton's own Joe Vitale remembered Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey as an icon, a leader and an immense talent, but above all, a gentleman and friend.
Vitale, a veteran rock drummer, is a close-knit member of the Eagles family, having played with the group and its members in various stints. Frey, 67, died Monday of complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia, the band said on its website. He had fought the ailments for the past several weeks.
"Glenn had some health issues, but I don't think anyone realized how serious it was," Vitale said. "I don't think Glenn did even."
Vitale first met The Eagles in 1972 as a member of Barnstorm, which was led by legendary guitarist Joe Walsh.
"The Eagles were just starting out, and they actually opened for us," Vitale said. "We kind of teased them about that a little bit, but that can only go so far. They're one of America's biggest bands."
Walsh joined the Eagles in 1975, and Vitale played with Crosby Stills & Nash and the Michael Stanley Band, but the pair remained collaborative partners.
"I was still working with Joe and his solo stuff," Vitale said. "In '79, the Eagles went out to do 'The Long Run Tour,' and they needed an extra set of hands. They did quite a bit of Joe's music live, so they pulled me in. Also, I could play some stuff while (Eagles drummer) Don Henley would sing, to lighten his load."
Vitale played for two years with the band and appeared on the group's platinum-selling live record, 1980's "Eagles Live."
The Eagles broke up shortly after, and Vitale continued working with Walsh, including 1993's "Walsh/Frey Tour," which eventually led to a full-blown Eagles reunion.
"Glenn is such an icon," Vitale said. "He was one of the founding members and an amazing ideas guy. Anytime we were recording or rehearsing or doing gigs or putting set lists together, if we were stumbling, we'd always go, 'Ask Glenn,' because he always had the answer. He was really smart. He was smart in life and a smart showman."
Vitale has always remained in of contact with the Eagles and last saw the band in August.
"I went to see them and hang with them, and Glenn really included the audience," Vitale said. "He just made the audience feel welcome and really gave them a great show. That's one of the things that impressed me when I played with them. They insisted on being great live. When you're one of the leaders of a huge band like that, and 20,000 people paid a lot of money for tickets, you've got a lot of responsibility."
Vitale said he was amazed at Frey's ability to lead while also being a great communicator.
"He wanted 100 percent, but he was very patient," Vitale said.
"We'd work out drum parts together if there was an issue, and we smiled and laughed. It wasn't like school. We hung out and tried to find what worked. I never forgot that. He always understood you're dealing with people with feelings, and you have to be careful. That's what I take away from him. Learning how to deal with problems. He was just so skilled at it."
Vitale, 66, said that recent deaths in the music world including David Bowie and B.B. King, have hit close to home, but none more than Frey.
"We were very close," Vitale said. "I've known Glenn since 1972, and the Eagles are like a big family. Just like any family, when you lose a member it's sad. Glenn was a gentleman and a leader and tough. But a good family man and a gentleman."