Eagles' Don Henley says 2026 'will probably be it' for the band

The legendary rock group is set to perform several shows this year, but the frontman hints at retirement.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In a recent interview, Eagles co-founder Don Henley indicated that 2026 will likely be the last year for the iconic rock band. Henley acknowledged that while he often has to psyche himself up to play the same songs he's performed for decades, he does it for the fans, stating "what makes us happy is that we make other people happy." The Eagles have several shows booked for 2026, including a return to the Sphere Las Vegas and an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Why it matters

The Eagles are one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with a catalog of beloved hits that have spanned generations. Henley's comments about the band potentially retiring after this year will be of great interest to their devoted fanbase, who may be seeing the legendary group live for the last time.

The details

In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Don Henley, co-founder and frontman of the Eagles, stated that 2026 "will probably be it" for the iconic rock band. Henley acknowledged that while he often has to psyche himself up to play the same songs he's performed for 50 years, he does it because "it's about what (the songs) mean to the people we're playing them for." The Eagles have several shows booked for 2026, including a return to the Sphere Las Vegas on February 20 and a performance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest on May 2.

  • The Eagles have several shows booked for 2026.
  • The band will return to the Sphere Las Vegas on February 20, 2026.
  • The Eagles will perform at the New Orleans Jazz Fest on May 2, 2026.

The players

Don Henley

Co-founder and frontman of the Eagles, a legendary rock band.

The Eagles

A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group known for their iconic hits and influential sound.

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What they’re saying

“You know it's not about us, it's about what (the songs) mean to the people we're playing them for and therefore you have to play them every night with your heart in it, and you do it because of those people out there.”

— Don Henley, Co-founder and frontman of the Eagles (CBS Sunday Morning)

“What makes us happy is that we make other people happy. We say that music is medicine and people need some medicine right now.”

— Don Henley, Co-founder and frontman of the Eagles (CBS Sunday Morning)

What’s next

The Eagles are set to return to the Sphere Las Vegas on February 20, 2026, and will also perform at the New Orleans Jazz Fest on May 2, 2026. Fans will be eager to see the legendary band live, as Henley's comments suggest these could be among the last opportunities to do so.

The takeaway

The potential retirement of the Eagles after 2026 marks the end of an era for one of the most influential and successful rock bands in history. Henley's comments about playing for the fans and providing 'medicine' through their music highlight the deep connection the band has built with their devoted fanbase over the past five decades.