After two and a half seasons of dominance, Philadelphia’s Eagles experienced one of the worst home-stretch collapses ever witnessed in NFL history – one with lasting consequences that may persist for years to come.
The Eagles have won millions of fans around the world. They’ve earned themselves induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and are considered legendary. But critics seem determined to disapprove. Why?
Origins
The Eagles were one of the most successful bands of the 70s, scoring six number-one albums and this rockumentary explores their story – from formation through their eventual breakup and reunion in 1994.
David Geffen’s Asylum Records gave the band their major label deal and British producer Glyn Johns produced their debut album; which yielded two top 20 hits including ‘Take It Easy’ which helped soften country rock’s harsh edges and propel the band’s success.
After Leadon abruptly exited, famously pouring beer over Glenn Frey’s head upon leaving, The Eagles hired Joe Walsh as his replacement. Walsh, having previously been part of The James Gang before joining The Eagles, provided harder rock credentials and added harder edges to their sound. Henley and Frey desired for On the Border’s style to shift away from its country origins and move towards hard rock; Frey brought in friend Don Felder on slide guitar as session musician for this album project.
Early Years
From their self-titled 1971 debut through to 1975’s Hotel California release, The Eagles created an extensive catalog of hit studio albums which dominated the charts. Originally formed as Linda Ronstadt’s backing band, Don Henley and Glenn Frey assembled this influential ensemble.
After releasing several hit singles such as “Take it Easy”, “Witchy Woman”, and “Desperado”, the band recorded their debut album ‘Eagles” at London Olympic Studios under producer Glyn Johns – it proved to be an enormous success and propelled them into stardom.
Don Felder was instrumental in The Eagles moving away from country and bluegrass influences, producing an unrivalled combination of laid-back grooves and Hollywood studio calculation that distinguished their work between 1974 and 1979 – most noticeably evident on songs like ‘One of These Nights’, Hotel California, and The Long Run. Following their departure in 1975, Henley and Frey each achieved huge solo success while Felder went on to record with Steely Dan albums like Pretzel Logic and The Royal Scam.
Hotel California
With its powerful melodies and precise instrumental work, this Eagles classic stands as one of their signature tracks. It embodies their distinctive sound while telling an incredible tale.
“Lyin’ Eyes” belies an insightful understanding of a girl who cheats on her rich old man and marries country directness with Hollywood studio calculation. The Eagles excelled at merging this genre seamlessly.
Joe Walsh joined the Eagles prior to recording Hotel California, providing technical expertise combined with his signature rambunctiousness. A Wichita native himself, Joe first found success as a solo guitarist before becoming part of the James Gang and Poco, who helped pioneer modern Americana music. Today he remains an integral member of their lineup.
The Long Run
After years of honing their vocal harmonies and country-rock grooves, The Eagles achieved unprecedented success with 1976’s Hotel California album. Unfortunately, their 1979 follow up The Long Run proved much harder.
Critics dismissed The Long Run as a major disappointment when compared to its predecessor; however, commercially it proved immensely successful with three Top 10 singles making up part of its sales success. Unfortunately, however, their struggles to maintain such early success would lead to their dissolution as a band.
At the time of recording their final concert album, tensions between Glenn Frey and Don Felder had reached their pinnacle, leading Felder to leave shortly after its conclusion; these concerts would later be released as part of Selected Works: 1972-1999 box set released later that year and were the last concerts performed as an entire Eagles unit prior to Felder leaving; after his departure was confirmed in 1995 by their 1995 reunion album being named Hell Freezes Over, which perfectly captured their disintegrating state at that point in time.