Quick Read
- Don Henley, the last original member of The Eagles, suggested 2026 will likely be the band’s final touring year.
- Henley cited a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue personal interests.
- The Eagles have remaining shows in Las Vegas’ Sphere through March and a May 2 concert at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
- The band, formed in 1971, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
- Their ‘Greatest Hits (1971–1975)’ album recently became the first to be quadruple diamond-certified in the US.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Legendary musician Don Henley, the last original member of the iconic rock band The Eagles, has indicated that 2026 will likely mark the group’s final year of touring. Speaking on CBS Sunday Morning in early February, Henley cited a desire to spend more time with family and pursue personal interests after decades on the road, signaling the potential conclusion of one of music’s most enduring careers.
Henley’s statement comes as The Eagles continue their residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere and prepare for additional festival appearances. The band, known for its extensive touring history, has maintained a rigorous schedule, particularly over the past decade. This announcement suggests a shift in focus for the 78-year-old musician, who has been a pivotal figure in rock music since the band’s formation in 1971.
Don Henley’s Reasoning for The Eagles’ End
When directly asked if 2026 would be The Eagles’ final year, Don Henley responded, “I think so, yeah. And I am OK with that.” His reflections during the CBS Sunday Morning interview highlighted a longing for a more balanced life beyond the demanding routine of touring. Henley expressed a wish to dedicate more time to his family, which includes four children and a grandchild. “There’s just lots of other things to do,” he remarked, emphasizing his desire for pursuits such as “growing vegetables.”
Beyond domestic interests, Henley also revealed aspirations for more leisurely travel. He noted the repetitive nature of life on the road, where the band typically sees “the airports and the hotel room and the venue, and we don’t get out much.” His ambition is to revisit cherished locations and discover new experiences, contrasting sharply with the structured itinerary of a touring musician. This personal sentiment underscores the profound impact of a career spent largely away from home.
The Eagles’ Remaining 2026 Performances
As the band approaches what may be its final chapter, The Eagles have a series of scheduled performances for 2026. Most notably, they are continuing their successful residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere, where they have been performing since 2024. Nine shows remain in this engagement, with dates scheduled through March 2026. These include performances on February 20, 21, 27, 28, and March 20, 21, 27, and 28.
Beyond the Las Vegas shows, The Eagles are also slated for a significant appearance on May 2, 2026, at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. This festival date could potentially mark one of their last major formal performances. Fans have been closely following the band’s recent shows, particularly after guitarist Joe Walsh was absent from a January 24 Sphere performance due to the flu, with his parts handled by Vince Gill and Deacon Frey, son of late co-founder Glenn Frey, as reported by Stereogum.
A Legacy of Rock and Roll
The Eagles’ discussion about their future is not unprecedented. The band famously disbanded in 1980, only to reunite in 1994 for their “Hell Freezes Over” tour and subsequent new music. Since their reformation, they have remained an active touring and recording entity, releasing a studio album in 2007 and embarking on several extensive tours, often dubbed “farewell” tours.
Formed in 1971, The Eagles quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the best-selling and most influential bands in rock history. Their accolades include six Grammy Awards and six number-one albums. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, a testament to their enduring impact on music. The band’s lineup has evolved over the years, with Glenn Frey’s passing in 2016 leading to Vince Gill and Deacon Frey joining the touring ensemble alongside Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit.
In a recent milestone, their 1976 compilation album, ‘Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)’, became the first album ever to be quadruple diamond-certified in the United States, signifying 40 million sales, according to NME. It remains America’s best-selling LP of all time. A 50th-anniversary reissue of this landmark album is being released on February 17, 2026, on clear, 180-gram vinyl, further cementing its legendary status.
The potential conclusion of The Eagles’ touring career, as indicated by Don Henley, signifies a notable moment for classic rock, as one of its most successful and long-lived bands prepares to transition from the global stage to focus on personal life for its enduring members.