Eagles' Last Year May Be 2026, Says Don Henley

Founding member hints band may retire after 2026 tour to spend more time with family and pursue other interests

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:55pm

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In a new interview, Don Henley, the sole original member of the Eagles, stated that 2026 will most likely be the last year the band performs and probably exists. Henley cited a desire to spend more time with his family, grow vegetables, and travel as reasons for the potential retirement.

Why it matters

The Eagles have been one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with a career spanning over 50 years. Their potential retirement in 2026 would mark the end of an era and the loss of a legendary musical act that has captivated audiences for generations.

The details

Henley told CBS Sunday Morning that the band's current tour schedule, which has them performing mostly in Las Vegas, will likely be their last. He expressed a desire to focus on personal passions like gardening and travel, as well as spending more time with his four children and grandchild. The Eagles have been mostly active since reuniting in 1994, releasing a new studio album in 2007 and touring on a few occasions under the banner of a farewell tour.

  • The Eagles currently have nine dates left on their concert schedule, all but one of them at Las Vegas' Sphere, where they have been in residency since 2024.
  • The group also has a concert scheduled for May 2, 2026 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which is currently the band's last scheduled concert performance.

The players

Don Henley

The sole original member of the Eagles, who has hinted that 2026 will most likely be the last year the band performs and probably exists.

Glenn Frey

The co-founder of the Eagles, who passed away in 2016 and was replaced on tour by Vince Gill.

Vince Gill

The musician who has been touring with the Eagles since 2016, replacing the late Glenn Frey.

Joe Walsh

A member of the Eagles, who has been performing with the band during their recent concerts.

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What they’re saying

“I think this will probably be it. I feel like we're getting toward the end, and that will be fine, too.”

— Don Henley (CBS Sunday Morning)

“Because I would like to spend more time with my family, and I would like to spend more time growing vegetables.”

— Don Henley (CBS Sunday Morning)

“We see the airports and the hotel room and the venue, and we don't get out much. I'd like to go back to the places I've been and see more of those places before it all disappears.”

— Don Henley (CBS Sunday Morning)

What’s next

The Eagles have a few more concerts scheduled in 2026, including their final performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 2.

The takeaway

The potential retirement of the Eagles in 2026 would mark the end of an era for one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. Henley's desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other personal interests reflects the band's long and successful career, and the need for its members to find balance and fulfillment beyond the demands of touring and performing.