Don Felder on the Story Behind The Eagles' 'Hotel California' | The Big Interview

Don Felder of ‪@EaglesBand‬ fame talks about how the mega-hit song "Hotel California" came to be, why he was initially nervous about selecting the song as a single, how the "Hotel California" album ranks in history, and more on The Big Interview!
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#hotelcalifornia #theeagles

[@stevenhulbert7540]

Mr. Felder is not only an artist and legendary guitar player but seemingly a very humble man for paying homage to the other members. That's a unique character trait in the industry and agree with the comment he should have been better treated.

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!

[@douglassloan6831]

Don Felder is all class. He never fails to give the credit to Henley and Fry for their contributions to the Eagles brilliant songs. If you read his book it quickly becomes obvious that staying as positive as he is with those guys is a herculean task. What a great dude..

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!

[@markserour9115]

Listen to Don Felder. He has completely risen above all the BS that occurred with frey & henley. It shows he's light years ahead of those jerks in maturity and respect.

[@pinaricyt]

Well said.

[@tjeff51]

Don Felder is a class act. So gracious to the other members of the band. I met him when I made a delivery to his home with building materials. This was the early nineties. Very nice to me.

[@yrbadself]

Don Felder gives such great compliments to the rest of the Eagles. It is so sad that he does not get the same treatment in return.

[@fleetwin1]

For sure, thank you Don! That album was such a big part of my life back in the day, trying to navigate some tough years. Those songs mean just as much to me today, as I navigate my senior years. Learning about all the internal troubles in the band really breaks my heart, but I guess everyone is just human, no way I could ever imagine the pressures on all the band members. Just know that your hard work means so much, to so many, we just want you all the be happy.

[@GlennTillema]

He's so humble and ready to acknowledge who wrote the songs and understands that the way music progresses someone may come along later and surpass them ... but for now they are the mountain that needs to be climbed.

[@tsenor]

I mostly agree with all this, but I don't understand why Felder didn't think that Frey and Henley deserved a bigger cut of the pie. They were clearly the brains and heart of the band.

[@frankjuarez1367]

Song writing is about words but words don't come with music. Reading some of their stories about the problems, I wonder how much of the music, and he was more talented than either Hendley or Frey, did Don Felder create and wasn't he just as deserving of additional money for that. Poetry readers don't fill MSG.@@tsenor

[@TheRealDannAlexander]

this comment deserves some kind of award.

[@stianmathisen4284]

What a great guy Felder is, giving so much credit back to those two haters, musically Hotel California is all Felder!

[@twentiethcenturyboy6328]

Don Felder is a class act! Considering the turmoil back in the day, for him to edify, and give accolades to Don and Glen shows that this man is humble and harbours no bitterness to anyone.

[@plasticweapon]

sure.

[@mikekisonu6825]

Gotta admit, with the CONTENTIOUS relationship between Don and the band, he's certainly GRACIOUS to them in this interview.

[@stevehicks8944]

It never was the whole band; Henley and Frey. I saw an interview where Felder lamented the fact that he could no longer play guitar with his friend, Joe Walsh, because Frey ( when still alive) and Henley would threaten Walsh. Kinda shows just what POS they were in reality.

[@mikekisonu6825]

@@stevehicks8944 True, everyone knows the REAL "power players" were Henley/Frey. BTW, if you haven't already seen it, there was a pretty comprehensive documentary done on them a few years ago, I believe by Showtime. Worth checking out if you're a true fan. They go into this topic as well. 👍

[@plasticweapon]

hi, don!

[@ACEDBH]

Agreed. Felder took the high road. I have a lot of respect for him.

[@jetzeto29]

Easily one of the most influential guitarist of all time. He is a musical genius but still seems like such a cool guy

[@RG-5834]

The fact that Glenn Frey and Don Henley treated him like garbage is criminal! And even though both of them did that, he still acknowledges them as being fantastic songwriters in this interview. This proves his genuine integrity and class as a genius musician and human being. Don Felder is without doubt one of the most important musicians in history, and without him, The Eagles would not be the same band. The same applies to Randy Meisner! Unfortunately Glenn Frey was the major problem child in the band, a complete control freak, and the one who intimidated anyone that didn’t agree with his decisions and ideas.

[@zeetrain9625]

Frey got his in the end, he is gone for good..

[@tallan9698]

Agreed. It is my understanding that the assh*le in the whole process was Glenn Frey. But I wish to not speak ill of the dead. RIP Mr. Frey.

[@billb.2673]

Classless@@zeetrain9625

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

Glen was pretty controlling too.

[@plasticweapon]

@@zeetrain9625 yeah, only bad people die! did your mother have any kids that lived?

[@petersneddon1579]

He's a class act without bitterness, an astonishingly brilliant guitar player of which there are many but he just happened to write and play what is for me a guitarist of 55 years the most iconic guitar solo in rock history and nobody can ever take that away from him.

[@Renegade_2023]

Very modest man for someone who participated in the soundtracks of our lives !

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!

[@2HitWonder]

Don is such a good guy and brilliant musician. Saw him solo a few years back. Would love to see him play one last gig with the Eagles.

[@johnulmer6715]

Only in heaven, just died recently. That being said, I loved his track from the movie Heavy Metal, Take a Ride

[@thanksmr.obvious6427]

@@johnulmer6715 wtf he did not die what are you talking about

[@neaituppi7306]

@@thanksmr.obvious6427 Don Felder is alive, Glenn Frey died. 8 years ago. There is an internet trend of saying people died. Don't even bother asking them why.

[@raylewis2121]

I’ve been a Joe Walsh fan since Barnstorm. He is genius, taking us along, in-then uncharted territories

[@armenian_nightmare33]

@@johnulmer6715 WHAT? Don Felder MOST CERTAINLY DID NOT DIE!! What USELESS, MORONONIC, CLICKBAIT KZbin CHANNEL did You get that little gem from?

[@robertle9526]

Hotel California is like a historic song. I was 9 years old when I first learned guitar, this song was a famous song at the time and I’m now 52 years old. Lots of love and respect for Mr. Felder

[@Joemartin-g5b]

I met Don Felder and was friends with his son Cody . The Eagles opened for Jethro Tull in 72 . The Song "We used to know was a huge influence on the writing of "Hotel . It is the same complex cord progression. Everyone borrowed from others including Tull who borrowed from Pentangle. No harm just mentioning

[@onelovemon1784]

I could listen to Don play and talk and dig his song forever. Hi Don, From Gainesville

[@michelelaraia7358]

His hometown

[@jesvans]

EAGLES, one of the BEST bands "ever"

[@kimlouisemedicalintuitive9478]

He looks so youthful! Time has been great to him! ❤️

[@kernalbert4939]

LOL...Thank his surgeon!

[@ceekaacee1]

​@kernalbert4939 you act like you know

[@markserour9115]

Such a deep, thoughtful comment.

[@cianog]

Plastic surgery

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!

[@annhutcheson5770]

What a class act. Those songs are living on now through our children and grandchildren. They were raised on rock&roll like milk and cookies. It’ll never leave them. ❤️

[@ivanmay7890]

It is upsetting to a lot of Eagles fans that The Eagles continue to treat Don Felder like he does not exist, as his guitar playing was the only constant thing about the classic lineup.

[@yahowa57]

Read Do'n's book "Heaven and Hell" His life with the Eagles. He lays it ALL out.

[@rickallen1908]

I think the exception would be Joe Walsh.

[@edscott4729]

Glenn Frey sucked as a human being.

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

​@@paddyb456So what?

[@philcig]

@@paddyb456 He was on the 3rd album for 2 songs, and then was all over the 4th album, with Bernie. Bernie left after the 4th album.

[@thomasreske4628]

A gracious and grateful man.

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!!

[@brettgarsed]

Don is just the greatest. The unsung hero of The Eagles and guitar playing in general.

[@TheGreatGig73]

I remember the first time I heard Hotel California played on the radio. Stopped me cold. Plus, I knew Joe was now in the band. The fusion of greatness. Wow!

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Felder exhibits total class when talking about the band. Unlike a few others...

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!!

[@wellingtonvarela7626]

He got beautiful soul and classy guy

[@ThomasSpitzer1]

I love don felder great guy

[@homerjneil]

So talented and so humble.

[@SimonDelaney1974]

He’s close to outliving them all too. Revenge as they say is best served cold 🍽️

[@plasticweapon]

​@@SimonDelaney1974 logic so petty only your friend felder could love it.

[@SimonDelaney1974]

@@plasticweapon Don is that you?

[@plasticweapon]

@@SimonDelaney1974 no don, that's YOU.

[@TylerD288]

@@SimonDelaney1974 quoting Khan? _"It is very cold, in space . . ."_

[@brianholm1404]

Come on, Henley. Bring Felder back to the band and show him the respect her deserves.

[@ryanembry7947]

What an incredibly humble guy, and a brilliant guitarist.

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes indeed!!!!!

[@ToneChaser2001]

Such a humble guy what a great interview

[@daverogers5609]

Good man. Thank you Don for all your work. You deserve all the accolades.

[@chicknwyre]

Don is such a gentleman. He created the signature song that the Eagles will always be remembered by and Glenn pissed upon it like it was nothing until he added his "touch" to it. Glen was talented and I appreciate his abilities but he was an a-hole. Thanks for your work Don.

[@parisbest105]

Don is such an classy guy and a genius musician. 👏

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!

[@timburr4453]

amazing how well he comes across. for a rock star he's about as kind and gracious and relaxed as it gets.

[@RonBaker456]

The acoustic version off the live reunion album is amazing as well, and some of Walsh's best work. This song makes heads turn every time I play it out during my acoustic sets. It is an all-time great song and a pleasure to perform as a musician.

[@zurvey]

What an AMAZING interview! Don Felder is so intelligent and humble - and he is dead right in every observation he made. Thanks for posting this.

[@PawpawJamz]

Saw an interview somewhere where he talks about writing the song in an entirety different key. It was transposed to a key that was more friendly to Don's vocal range. Just effortlessly changing one of the quintessential rock songs of all time on the fly..... True Master.

[@sharonthompson672]

I heard they stole the chord progression from Jethro Tull "We Used to Know" -Ian Anderson

[@PawpawJamz]

@@sharonthompson672 Smells like Teen Spirit was allegedly Cobain trying to play More than a Feeling... Something old, something new...something borrowed something blue... Who knows?

[@melodymakermark]

@ PawpawJamz, he came up with that killer Spanish guitar intro on the Hell Freezes Over live show, just on the fly.

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

That's really nothing for these guys.

[@dr.pendyke4887]

Influenced by? Maybe. Stolen, no way. Different key, different time signature, different vibe altogether. Even Jethro Tull acknowledges that nowadays. There is really nothing new with chords and progressions, it's all been done before. @@sharonthompson672

[@larryburns7225]

Dan you really know your camera angles, capturing the essence of the room. Great looking double neck guitar Don. Quote. "People don't run out of dreams people just run out of time"( Glen Fry) Song "Though the Dawn may be coming soon there still may be some Time fly me away to the bright side of the moon meet me on the other side"(Gary Wright)

[@michelelaraia7358]

Frey

[@bmelvin1234]

Wow, he’s so humble. I’m glad that he acknowledged Don and GLENN. I thought the band broke up in bad terms.

[@pwu8194]

It's definitely amazing. I can listen to Hotel California all day.

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!!

[@andohish27]

This guy grew up playing in the same band as Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Somehow he learned to play slide guitar from THE Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers. And he just so happened to end up teaching Tom frickin Petty to play guitar, "allegedly". Oh and also composed one of the most famous rock songs in music history while being a member of one of the most famous and well-known bands to ever exist. To say this man had a hell of a life is a huge understatement.

[@gitaaa7740]

I’m so glad Dan Rather started doing these interviews. He is one of the best! He always lets the interviewee speak without interrupting. I have always enjoyed his interviews.

[@LeslieKingston]

Don is a wonderful guy! I met him a long time ago ♥️ Fingers Felder!!

[@neaituppi7306]

"Did you know that song would become as big as it has?" Same question over and over. And Don just finished saying he wasn't sure the song would even be a hit at the time.

[@jimluciano9448]

Don, you’re a class act! Thanks for all you did! Hope you play in Delray Beach someday!

[@cidlopez]

He’s right about Henley’s ability to write lyrics. The guy has a gift for writing lyrics. But Felder knows the guitar so well.

[@shortallliam3142]

He seems to be a good guy, and may God bless him for his contribution to The Eagles.

[@Rueuhy]

Some of the best moments in life are the ones you barely survive. It's hell as you go through them then the moment comes when you know you survived and have lived to tell the tale. Hotel California speaks to us on that level emotionally through its words and its music. It's almost a necessity to hear it played at different intervals in our lives. It haunts the soul with a familiarity of a lost loved one missed but adored.

[@Ed_Stuckey]

Such a gentleman.

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!!

[@Taskerofpuppets]

Guy is a true legend and gentlemen. Still a good looking rock n’ roll star & guitar slinger. One of the best of them with that So Cal rock sound. Love the Eagles! Not one bad album or song.

[@radar0412]

You can argue about whats the best song any particular Band has ever done. But not The Eagles. Hotel California is as good as they get. I always believed Hotel California was beyond The Eagles capabilities to begin with, but there it is.

[@lovman]

Felder mentions three times that he wrote the chords for this song. Listening to this, Whenever I get to feel this way, I Try to find new words to say, But, I think about the bad old days, We used to know. "We haven't had this feeling since 1969" definitely grated on Graham Nash when it came out...

[@Lionessjazzmazz]

Humble guy. That music is still so great! Sorry for whatever happened to the band to cause the breakup.

[@andresgarciadelgado1810]

Don Felder got me to guitar

[@juliecampbell5716]

He’s just lovely always seemed to be really Gentle ♥️

[@furyiiiplate]

Be great if some other members had been so generous about spreading the credit.

[@LieutenantBonk]

Such a gracious and charismatic guy.

[@offshorequest]

Don Felder has always been a class act. Not the same can be said of Henley and Frey.

[@estherbarretto6151]

Hotel California, brought Eagles to fame, because of Don Felder and the way he plays his double neck guitar with Joe Walsh doing his part. So sad that Glenn and Don Henley kicked him out of the group.

[@kernalbert4939]

What was the reason?

[@2010utube100]

@@kernalbert4939 Henley and Frey wanted to make Felder a hired gun, AKA just a guy hired to play guitar. Much like Steuart Smith is now. Felder didn't like it and spoke up, Walsh and Schmidt are too nice of guys to try to stand up to Frey and Henley. They wanted all the money, the greedy egotistical bastards that they were. It took ALL of them to make those awesome songs. ALL OF THEM!!!!

[@JimmyBlues99]

The Eagles were doing well long, before Hotel Calif

[@plasticweapon]

it's sad that he got himself kicked out. but not really, because they got steuart smith, so they're covered!

[@kirbyrehel1450]

Don Felder , sued The eagles ( Don and Glen) for 50 million.

[@scokim]

Such humbleness.

[@MSDOGS1976]

Wouldn't you love to have a beer with him and hear some of his Eagles stories.....good and bad ones?

[@julianho7672]

Don is such gentleman....................................

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes indeed!!!!

[@kimberly3131]

What a gracious man.

[@-.Steven]

Kudos to Don Felder!

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes indeed!!!

[@jshepard152]

Felder's interview with Howard Stern was also pretty interesting. He taught Tom Petty to play guitar when he lived in Gainesville.

[@1439315]

You guys rocked it out of the house !

[@leftyspade]

Background, fantastic, thank you, Don and Dan, you guys were part of my childhood, pacem in terris

[@SeattleMarinerMan]

Such humility from a man who was forced out of his own band! This dude is an absolute legend. I love the Eagles as a whole. I really fucking hate what happened to Don Felder.

[@earlehancock3004]

Felder is a class act!

[@ChrisBerger-m1x]

i love don felder, such a great man and artist, how good he talks about henley and frey, even tho they kicked him out and being all arrogant, i love how he stays so positiv, much love to him

[@hikewithmike4673]

Don Felder is a class act!....great guitarist!

[@ruypapaleobianchini395]

Mr. Don Felder o mestre da guitarra na banda Eagles👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸.

[@knutarneaakra6013]

What a great humble man.😊

[@ronherrera8327]

Two class acts, Dan Rather, and Don Felder

[@ceesklumper]

He's very right

[@robhappe2705]

Such a nice guy!

[@susanmiller2903]

I hate that they did not make up before Glenn died. I love Don Felder. I love Don Henley, my first crush at 12 was Glenn Frye. Don’t get into the drama just listen to the music. Their first albums were my fav,s.

[@SimonDelaney1974]

Frey didn’t deserve a reconciliation

[@TheJohnmusk]

There was no making up with Glenn. Glenn and Don Henley decided to part ways with Felder, there was no going back for any of them. The real villain in the story is Irving Azoff, the Eagle's manager. Felder was 1/3 of the Eagles corporation. They could not make him sign any of their stupid contracts, and they certainly could not fire him. If they had negotiated with Felder and settled out of court the ugly business of a law suit would not have happened...that mistake is on Azoff. I always got the impression Felder wanted to stay with the band, but he did not want to be treated like a session musician. He was with them for 26 years and his guitar fills were part of the Eagles sound. It's complicated, but if you want real drama go see Brian Wilson/Beach Boys or Styx.

[@manofaction1807]

One of the top 5 greatest bands in the world. 'MURICA!

[@weejim48]

I agree with the comments here. Don Felder is an amazing guitarist and personally I think Glen Frey was a bit envious of Dons guitar mastery. I can play pretty much anything as Frey played it but can’t get anywhere near Don or Joes playing. I’ve been a fan of the Eagles since I first heard them back in 1973, and have seen them 3 times. Great band. 👍👍🇬🇧

[@aga5507]

2024/5/27 and still this song hits different everytime I play it again...

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

Don Felder is a class act, phenomenal talent, and a gentleman 100%, as opposed to Frey and Henley.

[@adamdorgant9454]

You’re right about that!!!!

[@clintblundon4880]

Every interview I've seen with Don Felder, he's professional and grateful for his time with the Eagles. He always heaps praise on Don Henley and Glenn Frey. Conversely, Frey and Henley speak of Felder like he's hot garbage. What a shame. Felder owns his part in the tension and acrimony within the band many years ago, which is indicative of the wise man he's become. Thank you, Don Felder, for your contribution to rock n roll music history.

[@Everyman.0314]

What a gracious man . DH and GF, by all accounts, didn't treat him well. And, BTW, Felder *can* sing

[@JimmyBlues99]

His voice is not very good & Henley wrote the lyrics to Hotel California

[@michaelbowling5292]

Exactly! Felder is probably my top guitar player so tasty and smooth but he is does not have a lead singers voice, harmony at best. Frey and Henley were right they were both phenomenal vocalist along with Meisner but that didn't sit well with Felder. It's the same thing John Fogerty dealt with.

[@mitchmartin2659]

He taught Tom Petty how to play guitar.

[@mikeltolman7622]

Yes. That is correct! Petty was paying attention because he became a Great muscian!

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

So, you can read.

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes, now that you mentioned it, and I read Felder’s Book Heaven and Hell, My Life In The Eagles 1974-2001, it was very good to read!!!

[@neurogence]

Love him

[@hoopsheavenpa]

Don Felder = Class Act

[@jerrydevoe372]

I think it's open to so many meanings or interpretations that just about anyone can fill in the blankes for themselves and relate to it on a personal level. And if the "twilight zone" influenced it, that makes a lot of sense.

[@billc.5861]

I tell ya. I don’t personally know Don Felder but he always seems to come off as a class act

[@bobjohnson62]

Felder seems to be a class guy!

[@bobsmithers]

Bring me my wine..

[@michaeldelahunty2440]

He looks so healthy

[@6Sally5]

Don is so gracious and his accolades to Henley and Fry are way taking the high road. It’s a shame he got treated so badly by them in return.

[@mattbula9698]

Not many artists that a falling out in groups have such grace, humility and still give credit where credit is due even though it may not be reciprocal. Another is the way Dream Theater has recently changed from M Manghini back to M Portnoy. There may not be any hard feelings shown that I know if but. Last 13 + years with Manghini and winning their first Grammy. Sorry, Manghini deserved better and he was so gracious in his departure.

[@PedrSion]

Listen to They used to Know by Jethro Tull. That’s where the song came from !

[@timburr4453]

Hotel California is the shortest 6 1/2 minutes in music history. The song is so good and enjoyable you almost feel like it ends too soon

[@davidcammilleri5526]

Don Felder is class. He wrote the whole solo with Joe Walsh. But the Eagles have been super mean to Don Felder. So sad!

[@h.st.7937]

Listen to Jethro Tull's song "We Used To Know" from 1969 and you will know where the inspiration probably came from.

[@zanzivar5892]

Eagles were the opening group for J. T. when they were touring together, back in the day.

[@monique8641]

@@zanzivar5892 Don Felder wasn't in the group when they were touring and it was Don who wrote Hotel California. He had never heard "We Used to Know".

[@zanzivar5892]

@@monique8641 I heard an interview with Ian Anderson back in the day, where he even congratulate the group for being a success.

[@radar0412]

​@@monique8641That would make sense if Don Felder only listened to music while backstage.

[@plasticweapon]

@@monique8641 how does that mean he never heard "we used to know" before he riffed hotel california?

[@dba4292]

Is this interview recent?

[@anthonylynch4737]

Felder as Brilliant to the Eagles as Mick Taylor to the Stones !

[@jobella81]

When I hear this song, it makes me think don Henley must have been singing about “The Coronado hotel” in San Diego! The Del or at least I would like to think. ❤️🏝️

[@northernstudioworks]

From what I've seen of Don Henley recently I think he would be more willing now to put the legal/business animosity aside and open a dialogue with Felder. I would hope since Frey's passing and more recently Randy's passing that he realizes you can't hold onto grudges forever. I would hope that for one final bow before the band hangs it up for good and goes their separate ways that Felder is welcomed back for some kind of final bow/finale.

[@advangaalen1]

The basic chord progression is the same as that of Jobim’s Retrato Em Branco e Preto, from 1965. Coincidence?