There was considerable rivalry between bands over which of us was having the
most fun on the road. Led Zeppelin were considered to be the masters, with
bands like the Rolling Stones and The Who close behind. By comparison, we
were Little League, but the one area we did excel was in attracting women.
We were young, famous, good-looking and rich. We were right up there on the
list of rock-star scalps the groupies wanted to add to their belts.
Glenn [Frey] once publicly described our life on the road as: “Got crazy, got
drunk, got high, had girls, played music and made money.” He challenged Led
Zeppelin to the claim of supreme party animals, maintaining: “We threw the
greatest travelling party of the Seventies.” He was right.
As a band, we had a policy of only ever doing two two-song encores, and after
we released the album One of These Nights (1975) that was used to our
advantage. While we were onstage, the road crew would scout the audience for
willing participants and offer them backstage passes for what became known
as the Third Encore – the party after the show.
Later, Don [Henley] and Glenn took the system to a higher level of
sophistication. Laminated passes were done away with – too indiscreet – and
little buttons, with “3E” written on them in yellow English Gothic print on
a black background were passed out by the handful. The message was that the
Eagles were having a party and would like to invite these women back to
their hotel suite. No boyfriends were invited.
Despite the “relief” on offer, the tensions within the band continued to
deepen. Everything from facial expressions to talking too much became an
issue, and nerves were frayed. Don and Glenn decided they were going to take
control of every aspect of the Eagles, and a lot of emotion was vented – in
between the drug-taking.
In March 1976 our record company, Asylum, released a greatest-hits album. None
of us had a say in the decision. A week after its release, Eagles – Their
Greatest Hits 1971-1975 had sold a million copies on its way to becoming one
of the biggest albums of all time (41 million sold worldwide, and counting).
The trappings of success were ours by now, especially when we went on the road
again for a 26-city tour. We took Lear jets the way other people took taxis.
We drank champagne and snorted cocaine. Groupies were a common feature of
the early parties, but Don Henley’s discrimination and discretion increased
with his wealth. He began dating high-class, high-profile women and would
arrange to have them come out on the road one after another, because the
quality of groupies for the 3E parties was very inconsistent from town to
town. During what he considered the weakest part of the tour he’d import
girls from LA. Glenn did this too.
After two serious relationships ended with the woman leaving him, Don began a
two-year on-off relationship with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, who were on
the road as much as we were. He began paying for her to be flown between
Eagles and Fleetwood Mac gigs, engendering the band’s new catchphrase: “Love
’em and Lear ’em.”
I blame the drugs more than anything for what happened with the Eagles. We
went from a bunch of young guys hanging out together to five men who
couldn’t stand each other. Not that I was going to complain at the time. I
honestly didn’t know how much I had in the bank back then. I was a
rock’n’roll star, and the business managers could see to the cash flow.
The final recording and editing of the Hotel California album took place at
Criteria Studios, Miami. Fresh rifts began to open up. In the words of Glenn
Frey, “No one can suck the fun out of a room faster than Don Henley.” But
his perfectionism undoubtedly worked; thanks to Don and his insistence on
doing everything just so, we produced probably our most brilliant studio
album. But the process was sometimes difficult to live with.
In between takes, Don had become a prolific letter-writer. In one he composed
to the studio maid, he insisted that the floral toilet paper be put on the
roll the other way around so it rolled off the top, pointing out that if it
was meant to come off the bottom, the little pink flowers would have been
printed on the undersides of the sheets. Where you would see them.
We endured seven quarrelsome months in Miami, broken only by a concert tour.
After what seemed like an eternity, we finally delivered an album that
continues to dominate the hearts of America. On January 14, 1977, three
weeks after its release, we kicked off a world tour. Aside from snatched
moments of happiness, however, the gruelling nature of what we were doing
took its toll. In Montreal, when there was a screw-up on a hotel
reservation, Don blamed our long-time road manager, Richie Fernandez, and
ordered him to be fired. This led the rest of the crew, already unhappy with
the atmosphere, to dub it the Prison California tour. “The Gods”, as Glenn
and Don were called behind their backs, were taking the reins, and those
that opposed them were either expelled or driven out. In 18 months I’d lost
my two best friends in the band – Bernie [Leadon], that fiery streak of
brilliance [who left after One of These Nights], and gentle Randy Meisner,
the sweetest man in the music business [who quit after the release of Hotel
California].
In the summer of 1979 we were back to the grindstone in Miami. In September
our album The Long Run was released. It took 18 months to record, almost a
year longer than Hotel California, and it nearly killed us. It debuted at
No 1, but the critics savaged it. Instead of resting, as we should have
done, we played Japan, Hawaii, the East Coast and the Southern states,
before embarking on another world tour. In Japan, I bought my wife Susan a
beautiful kimono, hand-embroidered, in heavy material. Don Henley bought 20.
The new decade began with us at the top of the charts. But nonstop touring was
getting us all down. After each show, we’d head off to our individual hotel
rooms. Only when the stage lights came on were we a unified rock’n’roll band.
Then Glenn committed us to playing a benefit gig at the Long Beach Arena on
July 31, 1980, for the reelection of the liberal California senator Alan
Cranston, a night that would become known as “Long Night at Wrong Beach”.
Glenn knew I wasn’t comfortable with a rock band doing a show for politicians.
His hostility was compounded when Mrs [Norma] Cranston walked up to me
backstage to say hello just before we went onstage. “Hello,” I replied.
“Nice to meet you . . .” As she walked away, I added, under my breath: “I
guess.”
Glenn heard this. He found me in the dressing room and started yelling at me.
I don’t know if it was the drugs, or the fact that we’d been on tour for so
long, but he just blew up. Just before we stepped onstage I turned to him
and said: “You know, Glenn, what you just did back there? You’re an asshole
for doing that.”
He replied: “That’s an honour, coming from you.”
We walked onstage, and he came over while we were playing The Best of my Love
and said: “F*** you. I’m gonna kick your ass when we get off the stage.”
Neither of us really wanted to be there that night, and for me it was one
gig too many. As the night progressed, we both grew angrier and began
hissing at each other under our breath. The sound technicians feared the
audience might hear our outbursts, so they lowered Glenn’s microphone until
he had to sing. He approached me after every song to rant, rave, curse – and
let me know how many songs remained before our fight.
When we came offstage and were waiting to be called back for the first encore
I stayed by myself, trying to calm down. Then I remembered something [the
Eagles’ multi-instrumentalist] Joe Walsh would do to release tension. I told
my guitar tech, Jimmy Collins: “Take that s***** acoustic guitar I play on Lyin’
Eyes and put it by the back door.”
When the gig finished, most of the band took off in their limos – anything to
get away from the atmosphere between Glenn and me. I thought I’d be the last
to leave the building. I towelled myself down and headed for the back door.
Seeing the guitar Jimmy had put out for me, I took a deep breath, picked it
up – and smashed it as hard as I could against a concrete column.
By the time I’d finished it was kindling on the floor. I turned and saw the
Cranstons standing right behind me, their mouths agape. A few feet away
stood a stony-faced Glenn. This had had little or nothing to do with the
Cranstons, but Glenn thought I did that right in front of them to drive it
up his butt.
“Typical of you to break your cheapest guitar,” Glenn told me after the
Cranstons had hurried off to their car. Afraid of what I might do if I
opened my mouth to respond, I jumped into my limo and sped off.
Within a few days, I’d cooled down. The phone rang. It was our producer, Bill
Szymczyk. “What’s the schedule for the band?” I asked.
A small silence fell. “There is no band at this time,” he said. It was 1980,
and the Eagles were history.
© Don Felder, 2007
Extracted from Heaven and Hell by Don Felder, to be published by
Weidenfeld & Nicolson on November 1 (£20)
A new album by the Eagles, Long Road out of Eden, is released by Polydor on
Oct 29
Two good country songs , Felder is missed on guitar
Not a bad album. I still like the them. In their 60's and still
producing good music, Cudos to JD Souther
John D, Dallas, USA
With regards to this book, every band has their problems. And as far as the comment about, "Henly is preachy, Frey is predictable, Schmidt is plain boring and Walsh forgot how to write a hard driving guitar song!" Well, just don't listen to them then. That will solve your problem with them. I still like what the Eagles are doing, and I would like to see then on their new tour. I think the new album, "Long Road out of Eden" is a #1 album just like Hotel California was.
Dave, Sarasota, FL
Bought Don's book in NZ and the contents are as I imagined (glad Joe survived it all!) Fame and fortune changes most people and although I have been to a concert without Don I missed his presence and guitar playing. I wish him happiness after those years of stress.
Sue , Auckland, NZ
The Eagles peaked as a true to form country ROCK band with On The Border. I saw them live before and during this period and they were as tight as any band. They had energy and good feeling with the music . When Leadon and then Meisner left they started on their resume to be a Vegas act. Henly and Frey saved their best writing for their solo careers (which for the most part wasnt half bad). But as a band most of it was a filler, perhaps Hotel Cal being an exception. I still had hope in them until Felder left but thats long gone now. Henly is preachy, Frey is predictable, Schmidt is plain boring and Walsh forgot how to write a hard driving guitar song! This new album by N'sync, er, the Egos should be titled "Short Trip To the Dump". I love the stories though and am not at all surprised by what was written. I'm sure it makes for great reading on the trappings of excess.
Michael, Pa,
Haven't read the book yet except for this excerpt, but having gone thru the trials and tribulations of two bands myself, I can believe and understand what's written here. I echo a previous post about the best music coming out of the bands with the most friction. I could add a few to that list. It seems to be true of all art forms. The new band has adapted well, bringing in new colors from different directions, but I do miss that big acoustic guitar sound that Felder and Walsh could mesmerize us with. The vocals haven't lost a thing, though, and I love the new album. I'm looking forward to reading the book. Elsewhere, Felder's take on putting together the guitar parts for Hotel California at a beach house in Malibu is a great short read.
Len Murray, Brockton, MA, USA
I haven't seen, let alone read, the book yet - but the extract, above, doesn't tell us anything that can't be found in Marc Eliot's excellent book "To the Limit: The Untold Story of the Eagles" (1998). I think it's a shame Felder is no longer an Eagle: Joe is a great rock guitarist, but Don had a melodic touch on the guitar that is so definitive of the Eagles' sound. Together, of course, the two were dynamite, as the "Hotel California" album testifies to,
Andrew Wilson, Sidcup, UK
The Eagles have never put out a bad album. Thier unique sound is as American as baseball. I have always considered thier music to be the official soundtrack of the 70's. Now, in my middle age, I am hard pressed to find a decent band to listen to. Rock and Roll has taken a nap. There is nothing new being produced. While it sleeps, we are stuck with the arrogance of Eminem, and the transparency of Beyonce, Brittany and the tedious and vulgar world of hip hop. Now, 28 years after the The Long Run, A new album breaks the current mold. Long Road out of Eden is a superb reminder of how great we baby boomers had it long ago. This album is not Hotel California. It doesnt try to be. But the other day when I first spun it up and I heard that familiar harmony which only the Eagles can do, I nearly cried. Welcome back Eagles.
REB, Westerly Rhode Island, United States of AMERICA
My view is that some of these critics do not know what the hell they are talking about, I have followed The Eagles for many years and people alway's say that they are one of the best band's around, but this is not true they are the best full stop, Don Henley's and Joe Walsh's solo careers are excellent in my book as they are with the rest of the band, even being in the same room as them and the show's they put on the atmosphere is electric, they are the best band I have seen live and I have been to quite a few gigs in my life time, I find the new album amazing to come back again with some thing so strong, how many band's around today do that, not many.
Stephen Ford, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Criticism of the Eagles new album, The Long Road out of Eden, as usual concentrates on their perfectionist approach. What's wrong with perfect harmonies, great melodies and slick production? This is music after all.
The Eagles have dominated charts the world over for decades because they are so good at what they do.
They always get slammed by the UK music press who cannot escape from the misconception that trends = music. Punk was a trend - it was not music.
Incidentally I write this as a person who has always earnt his living through music - as a pro musician and now as a music teacher.
David Hook
David Hook, Hempnall, Norwich, UK
I have always loved The Eagles and more so now. They have gotten even better with age. My one wish before I die is to have a front row seat at one of their concerts but I live in PA and don't know if that will happen. I'm 66 and I keep hoping. I've never been so fascinated with a group in my life. The harmony and lyrics are amazing no matter what they did off stage.
Joan Hamer, Manchester, PA
I totally disagree with the opinion 1994 and current Eagles are poor and trite, I have loved the Eagles since I was first exposed, but cemented by Felder's Heavy Metal film contribution and Henley's most excellent solo work, while they succumbed to money and drug problems, there is still a strong heart beneath the surface and I look forward to even more enjoyment from the band and praise them for keeping classic rock alive. I consider Felder a fellow Eagle in or out of the band though. Hope he finds what he wants from life outside the Eagles, and possibly more music for us to enjoy.
Bill Schwenke, Hopkins, USA, Minnesota
Its's funny that this book states what I had recently found out after years of wondering. The Eagles broke up due to the excesses of the times, sex and drugs. I wonder still why Don Felder was fired? Possibly due to personality differences? I am still a fan, as they are part of my youth and own crazed behavior at the time. Love their music!!!
Anne, San Diego, California, United States of America
Interesting reading and somewhat compelling but I hope the whole book isn't as negative as this excerpt.
It's sad to see what the Eagles have become. They established themselves as a unique and talented collection of musicians and songwriters that created great music. However, any new material offered since they reunited in '94 is lame and trite at best. The recent release in no way compares to their recordings in the 70s. Don Felder should be happy he is not associated with it.
It's painfully obvious that it is all about the money now for the Eagles. They still deliver moving live performances but at $300 a pop, I think I'll pass.
Dave W, Oakville/Ontario,
There does`nt seem to be anything too contentious here,and I would have thought that any such revelations would have been aborted when the "settlement" was reached.As an Eagles fan since 1974,I find it sad that Don felder has to be subjected to the vitriol that he is currently subjected to on a certain unofficial Eagles website,and fail to see the reasons why Messrs.Henley and Frey would want to interfere with this book being published.On the subject of the Eagles,it`s nice to see them rewarding their lifelong fans with a concert at the 02 arena at the end of october,with ticket prices at £1000 ! Although I find it difficult to think of this great band without their MAIN guitarist,and as much as I still love their music,perhaps Don Felder is better off without them and all the constant friction,because I know that he is a very nice person,as well as being someone who was central to the Eagles longstanding success.I wish him well with his book and for the future.
Huw Hodges, Bridgend, South wales,UK
Henley and Frey were in a lawsuit with felder recently. I wonder if they all settled as i have not heard anything lately. I seriously doubt that there parties were on par with that of the Zeppelin!!
DennyB, Jupiter, Fl
It always seems like the best music is produced by bands with the most internal friction, and where there's friction there's fire!. From the Beatles, the Stones, Cream, the Who, the Doors, the Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, to Fleetwood Mac, the Police, Van Halen, Nirvana, Oasis the list goes on & on! Strife and grief make for great music, look at the blues, where rock & roll came from! Out of great sorrow came a beautiful sound!
Tom, New York, NY
Sadly, it would not come as a big surprise to me if this is all true. Eagles is, in my opinion, (as a music producing band) the greates band, all time. And is my personal favorite. Unfortunately it will allways be issues as long as it is humans involved. Especially when they have to stay so close for so long, under such conditions, and with all the following circumstances
So... is the book actually going to be released?
I can ofcourse see that Don and Glenn would prefer it not released - but it's no secret that they were strict leaders of the band and somewhat controlfreaks. The life of "rock'n'roll-stars" are excessive. What would any of us do if we all of a sudden were worshipped as gods and had all that money.
History is history, and I believe this a story which ought to be told.
Michael Odden, Sarpsborg, Norway
They don't make rock n roll bands like they used to...
Daniel, Ascot, UK
A great rocknroll story, for sure... But how much is story and how much reality, only the Eagles themselves know. Well, actually, I guess they don't know. If they had any idea at all what they were doing at the time, or if they can remember it clearly now, the drugs, drinks and Dracula's daughter women obviously weren't having a strong enough effect. I say 90% fiction, 10% affectation.
The Turkeys, Hong Kong,