Introduction
Vince Gill Opens Up About His Journey with The Eagles at 67
At 67 years old, country music legend Vince Gill is finally breaking his silence about what it’s been like to share the stage with one of rock’s most iconic bands — The Eagles. After years of respectfully keeping details about his role with the group to himself, Gill recently opened up in an emotional and honest interview that’s giving fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes.
Gill joined The Eagles in 2017, shortly after the passing of founding member Glenn Frey. At the time, the move was met with mixed reactions from fans. Could anyone truly fill Frey’s shoes? For years, Gill has let the music do the talking, but now, he’s ready to reflect.
“I never tried to replace Glenn,” Gill says softly. “That’s not possible. What I tried to do was honor him — and honor this music that means so much to so many people.”
The decision to join The Eagles was not one Gill took lightly. Known for his humility and dedication to craft, he admits he hesitated when Don Henley approached him about the idea.
“It was scary, I’m not gonna lie. I had a lot of respect for the music, and I didn’t want to be seen as someone stepping into something that wasn’t mine,” Gill shared. “But Don told me, ‘You’re not replacing Glenn. You’re helping us keep this going.’ That meant everything.”
In his nearly eight years with the band, Gill has earned the respect of longtime Eagles fans and music critics alike. His smooth voice and effortless guitar work have brought new life to the band’s timeless classics like “Take It Easy”, “Lyin’ Eyes”, and “New Kid in Town.”
But it hasn’t always been easy.
“There’s a weight to it,” he says. “Every night you step on that stage, you’re carrying decades of history. And you feel the love that people have for this band. You don’t want to let them down.”
Gill’s respect for the original members is clear. He speaks with reverence about Glenn Frey and with deep admiration for the remaining lineup, especially Don Henley, whom he calls “one of the greatest voices and storytellers of our time.”
Now, as he enters the later stages of his career, Gill says his time with The Eagles has been “an unexpected gift.”
“I thought I’d slow down by now. I thought I’d be playing golf more than guitars,” he laughs. “But life had other plans. And I’m grateful.”
For fans of both Vince Gill and The Eagles, his presence in the band has proven to be more than just a temporary fix. It’s become a part of the band’s evolving legacy — a bridge between past and future.
And now, finally speaking from the heart, Vince Gill has made one thing clear: he didn’t come to replace anyone — he came to serve the music.