Following Glenn Frey's death, the Eagles faced the challenge of finding someone capable of authentically representing the band whilst preserving its musical foundation. Don Henley and the group settled on Vince Gill, recognising that few musicians possessed the necessary combination of technical skill and interpersonal fit.

Henley outlined the rationale behind the selection, emphasising that Gill's personal friendship with Frey—forged through their shared passion for golf—provided an important personal connection. Beyond this, the band admired Gill as one of the planet's premier vocalists and guitarists, with demonstrated ability to blend seamlessly with existing members like Joe Walsh. His versatility and stage presence made him the only realistic choice to step into such an iconic position without diminishing the band's artistic direction.