Don Henley, the 78-year-old co-founder, drummer, singer, and songwriter of the legendary rock band the Eagles, has indicated that 2026 will likely mark the end of the group's storied run after more than five decades.
In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Henley expressed that retirement appeals to him and that the band appears to be approaching its conclusion."You know, I think this year will probably be it," Henley said in a clip from the interview.
"I’ve said things like that before, but I feel like we’re getting toward the end, and that will be fine too.
"When pressed directly on whether 2026 would be the end for the Eagles, he affirmed, "I think so, yeah."
The comments come amid the band's ongoing residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, a high-tech venue where they have been performing extended shows under the banner of "The Long Goodbye." The current run, which began last year, is scheduled to wrap up in late March 2026, with additional dates potentially extending into the spring and including appearances like the New Orleans Jazz Fest in May. Henley has previously teased retirement multiple times, but he described this moment as feeling more definitive, citing the natural progression of time and the band's long career.
The Eagles formed in 1971 and rose to fame with timeless hits such as "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," "Desperado," and "Lyin' Eyes." Their first Greatest Hits compilation, released in 1976, remains the best-selling album of all time in the United States.
The band has sold tens of millions of records, earned multiple Grammys, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.Henley's remarks reflect on the group's "miraculous run" while honoring the legacy of late co-founder Glenn Frey, who passed away in 2016.
The current lineup includes Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey (Glenn's son), and Vince Gill, who joined after Frey's death to help continue the band's live performances.
While no official farewell tour has been formally announced beyond the existing commitments, Henley's candid statements suggest fans may want to catch remaining 2026 shows, as this could be the final chapter for one of classic rock's most enduring acts. Henley emphasized he doesn't want a "one-dimensional life" and appears at peace with stepping away from the stage.