Is Hotel California A Jethro Tull Ripoff? - Don Henley and the Eagles say NO!

Don Henley The king of copyright strikes is my subject again in this video. It has come to my attention that the song Hotel California written by Don henley, Don Felder and Glenn Frey is literally a chord by chord repeat of the song “We Used To Know” by Jethro Tull. Whether or not this is a copyright infringement by Don Henley is a matter for debate but it is interesting to me given how eager Henley is to sue others for using his music, namesake etc. I was surprised that this was ok with him. I share my thoughts and would love to hear comments on yours.
Original Don Henley Video Regarding KZbin Strikes: • Do NOT Cover The Eagle...

[@Silvertip1958]

I was going to play my Eagles greatest hits cd in my garage but couldn’t reach Henley to see if it was okay.

[@FrankPersico]

Haahahah

[@bobcole612]

If your name is “Don”, you gotta send Henley fifteen bucks every time you look in the mirror.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Bravo! 👋🤣

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Radiohead fell into a similar trap with their song 'Creep'. It was the same chord progression as 'The Air That I Breathe' which was a hit for the Hollies in 1972 (though not written by the band). Like 'Hotel California' it was a particularly unique set of chords. Radiohead did get done for it because they admitted that they lifted the chord progression wholesale and gave up a percentage of their publishing on the song. This is interesting because I never knew that you could copyright a chord progression. Don Felder was the one in the Eagles who came up with 'Hotel California' chord-wise, and yes, it is a very specific, odd choice of chords. The odds of you coming up with them independently are like lottery odds. I've said it before. Don Henley, you are in the autumn of your years. Try enjoying your final years on this earth by just relaxing and allowing following generations to enjoy the incredible body of work that you and your band created. Do you need any more money? Your greed is actually killing your own musical heritage. He does my head in. Great video Frank.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for this comment. I thought it was a worthy conversation to have. I know some are going to accuse me of jumping on the bash wagon. But I’m truly not. I’m basing this on my thoughts based on my common sense and his actions. ..

[@mikecrooks8085]

This sums up the way I have felt about Don Henley and the Eagles for years. Tho of the age I am proud to say I have never purchased anything but second hand Eagles material as I have always voted with my wallet so as far as I can help it not a single cent of my money has directly benefited the man yet I still can call up and listen to a large part of his catalog anytime I want thanks to the secondary market. And I have even truly lowballed these purchases getting most of them patiently from the Salvation Army etc. for a quarter or 50 cents. Why pay more?

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

Creep also includes a bit of the melody of The Air That I Breathe, where Thom sings:"She's running out aga-a-ain" (iirc). The copyright claim would bs over the chords AND melody.

[@justinmanser7525]

You can check out any tune you want, but you can never thieve!

[@justinmanser7525]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXjZpqttrJZ4l5Y Jethro Tull's song

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaah nice

[@vincentbull]

Very very good bravo

[@FrankPersico]

@@vincentbull lol

[@GordonPavilion]

Just so everyone is up to speed, I claim the chords, G, C and D7 …looking at Em as well.

[@FrankPersico]

Save some chords for the rest of us lol

[@iamanovercomer3253]

Sue me, my wealth is in a Swiss bank 🤣😂

[@mikecrooks8085]

Please leave us the cheater G and the power chord!

[@1rwjwith]

I have G#minor …so no one use that…

[@meadowlarkfine4646]

Damn it!

[@54fighting5]

From what I understand (based on his own words in an interview) Don Felder had the full music for HC recorded on a cassette, and played it for the rest of the band. In fact he stated that he wrote the outro instrumental with Joe Walsh in mind, so that the 2 of them would trade licks back and forth. Henley and Frey were mostly responsible for the lyrics according to Felder. I'm not sure why Henley thinks it's "his song" when there are 3 people credited as writers. But the fact that Felder had to sue the Eagles after he left the band for royalties witheld from him on his own copywrited music tells me all I need to know about Henley.

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah very good point. There are so many stories like this about Henley. He’s a pip

[@andrewhudson8966]

@@FrankPersico Felder asks the question why has it changed from the composer credit of”Felder,Henley,Frey” to “Henley,Frey!Felder”?

[@gilbertgauger3380]

Although I would be flattered if other musicians lifted things from me, I fully support the Eagles guarding their rights. The chord progression is not the issue. The finished product is however. These songs predate the changes to the copyright laws occurring in the seventies and the Eagles have every right to guard their material. The modern proliferation of KZbin ‘teachers’ and presenters who offer nothing original as well as the postings of actual copyrighted material by just anyone (who hopes to garner enough views to be monetized) is indeed a copyright violation. Would I pursue legal remedies? Probably not, but I’m not the guy holding copyright protections to some of the biggest material on the planet. I support the Eagles guarding their material as it is most definitely their right to do so. Just as I support all artists protected under the old system.

[@54fighting5]

@@gilbertgauger3380 If you would be flattered if "other musicians lifted things from you" why would it not be flattering if guitar teachers were showing others how to play your music? Are you afraid that millions of guitar students would profit from learning guitar in their bedrooms? These videos are different from "reaction" videos on YT where the host contributes NOTHING to the content other than facial expressions and comments on other people's talents. Henley doesn't just claim copyright money from these how to videos, he completely blocks them. It seems more about his ego than protecting his copyright.

[@mrblink9753]

@@andrewhudson8966 Whoever comes up with the title/lyrics goes first.

[@MovementElements]

it's a complete ripoff. I went to a Jethro Tull concert in 2007 and the lead singer told us all the story of that came about. The Eagles used to open for Jethro.... do the math!

[@FrankPersico]

That’s kinda my thought as well

[@WysteriaGuitar]

I play Eagles covers all the time at gigs ON PURPOSE just hoping Don shows up so I can kick his arse...

[@FrankPersico]

Rotfl

[@richarddibiase]

There's no problem here because you can't copyright chord progressions.

[@FrankPersico]

👍

[@Gk2003m]

It’s copyright, not copy-write…. and while you are correct legally, the lineage is clear. Not only in the progression itself, but in the playing style. So one might imagine he would acknowledge it publicly.

[@adamrussell658]

What do you think of the George Harrison copyright lawsuit? If there is no copyright for chord progression then how did he lose?

[@Gk2003m]

@@adamrussell658 melody. Deliberate or not, he had the same melody.

[@richarddibiase]

@@adamrussell658 the copyright infringement on that song was against the melody. Not the chord progression. Hum both melodies in your mind and you’ll see. Even John Lennon said if George changed just one note (of the melody) they couldn’t have touched him.

[@thesonnytackettshow7949]

I watched an interview with Ian, and this was brought up. He said he didnt doubt that they might have picked up the progression from JT, but that he had no malice towards the Eagles. He said " after all they are two completely different songs ". He said that many artists had picked up unique patterns from JT because they wrote unique music. He was a gentleman about it. Henley is the opposite. I think Henley is actually turning followers off, thereby losing them. I wonder what Ian would say after the recent Eagles accusations?

[@marcos3ltrv6]

I saw that interview too👍

[@FrankPersico]

Great comment thanks so much for sharing

[@curtiswiseman3178]

I thought Felder wrote the music for Hotel California.

[@FrankPersico]

Yes he did I believe.

[@scrapeyhawkins5299]

He did but didn't join the band till 1974 and wasn't in the band when they tour with Tull

[@FrankPersico]

@@scrapeyhawkins5299 And the jethro tull song came out in 1969. so though technically he was not on that tour maybe (and thanks for bringing it to my attention) the rest of the band sure was. I'm pretty sure that the rest of the band heard the similarity. Its a technicality as far as im concerned but your opinion may differ. thanks for commenting. love the conversation on this

[@desichambers7556]

Felder wrote all the music but Henley and Frey wrote the words.

[@curtiswiseman3178]

@@desichambers7556 yes, but the article was about Henley “stealing” the chord progression (the music), not the lyrics.

[@atleengelstad5303]

I think I saw an interwiew with Ian Anderson of jethro tull, and this came up, and he said..."well I suppose its a tribute" ....and added... "like my "tribute" Rolex watch!" :D

[@FrankPersico]

Amazing. Tells you something about a persons view and outlook on things. He sees it in the best light… as a tribute. I wonder how Don would have seen the same action if it was on an eagles song. Thanks for sharing.

[@charlesannis41763]

I heard the Jethro Tull tune years ago, recognized the similarities.

[@mariodriessen9740]

I wrote hundreds, if not thousands of songs in my life. A long time ago I wrote a chorus I liked and one or two years later the band Queensryche came out with a new album that contained a song with a very similar chorus. I never thought much of it. These things can happen, although it seemed almost impossible at the time, partially because of the fact that it was mainly the melody line, but also the words in that melody! Many years later I was in a band and someone suggested to do a Fleetwood Mac cover. It’s a song from their best selling album Rumours’. I loved that song and I must have played it hundreds of times, because I bought the album ‘Rumours’ twice on LP, twice on CD, I had it on a cassette and later I had all those songs on my pc as mp3 files. And it’s on my Spotify list today. But it was only then that I realised I was probably influenced heavily by that song. And because it’s such a well known album, it’s not such a crazy idea that other people have been influenced by the same songs in a very similar manner. The song was ‘The Chain’, but it wasn’t even the chorus of it that I ‘nicked’. It’s that very last part where Lindsey Buckingham sings “Running in the shadows”. 😊

[@FrankPersico]

Dude thanks for sharing with us. I love hearing other musicians stories

[@argyle6674]

There are only a certain number of chord progressions. The great amercian songbook has thousands of songs with the same or similar progressions, only the melodies are different. Everybody borrows or is influenced by what others do, no matter what the medium is, whether it is a painting, a novel or a song, everyone is influenced to some degree by what others create.

[@FrankPersico]

Very true

[@modjohnsenglishdisco]

I was in my yard last Fall mucking about on my guitar when I realized, "Did I just accidentally write Hotel California?" I was a bit off, but probably enough to be taken down if I posted it on KZbin. After hearing the song 8 million times, I suppose it was a subconscious thing. One chord led to another, then I was singing the lyrics and the melody. Knowing their litigious attitude I joked to my roomie, "I hope they didn't hear me!" My computer probably did, that's why your video was recommended? Maybe? Nah. Your video came well after, but computers famously have good memories, microphones, and excellent hearing, like Don! Anyway, not long after, a plane pulling an Eagles banner advertising their "Long Goodbye Tour" (I'll say!) flew overhead. "No way," so I serenaded the plane with my now-learned proper-ish version. "I'm in big trouble now! I thought, "They have spy planes!" I mentioned in a comment on your original video that I worked with the Eagles camp a few times over the years, while employed with a concert promoter, and once directly for the Eagles. The first time was on their "Hell Freezes Over Tour." Everyone thought that was the end... but no. I've always had a love/hate relationship with the Eagles, that's why I love these videos! And I can't help but to read other's comments and share. Bash away! ;) PS What would happen if I shared my playing HC on Ultimate Guitar? Or an open mike? PPS I saw Jethro Tull open for the Who, making them the very first band I ever saw live. I'd actually been on a bit of a JT kick lately. I never noticed the chord progression of "We Used to Know" before, now I can't unhear it! Yep! Uh, oh!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the response and the amusing story and insight as to your experience … I’d love to hear more details as far as the “love/hate” as to why…

[@user-wl7rb5ri5m]

This is a fascinating discussion. Sooo… I listened to the Jethro Tull song. In fact I bought that album, Stand Up, when it was released. I think JT would have a very strong case as the similarity is unquestionable. My 2¢.

[@FrankPersico]

I appreciate the comment and input

[@marcos3ltrv6]

No one has mentioned that Tull's song has a solo that soarts on a flue and then transitions into electric guitar and the HC track copies that too😱

[@FASFatherandSon]

Always bringing the heat Frank, thank you for this channel.

[@FrankPersico]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@user-xd3ql7cj4l]

I used to listen to Jethro Tull Stand Up album when I was a teenager a very long time ago. I remember thinking that JT song sounded like Hotel California...

[@FrankPersico]

😎 thanks for sharing. Yeah it’s hard not to hear the blatant similarity

[@jamesrivas6394]

I think we can all say without a doubt that Don Henley is a raging asshole it's now common knowledge. He is a legend in his own mind and being proud of it. Pride is a Cardinal sin in the bible but the fact that Don Felder wrote the music I don't know what the problem is.

[@FrankPersico]

👍

[@bobcole612]

To paraphrase “The Ruttles” Felder sued Henley, Frye and Schmidt Schmidt sued Frye, Henley and Felder Frye sued Felder, Schmidt and Henley And Henley sued himself, accidentally

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaah my goodness

[@UncleDanBand64]

Well, Don Felder wrote the music for Hotel California. HE actually sued Don Felder for doing Hotel California live even though he wrote the Music😂. What a turd.

[@FrankPersico]

Good lord lol

[@bobcrowseattle]

There is actually a slight difference in the chord progression: the second-to-last chord in the Jethro Tull song is a Major 2 chord (aka "5 of 5"). F# major in the key of E minor. Hotel California has a minor 4 chord in that spot. If we were to play HC in the key of E minor, that would make that chord an A minor. Given that, the different melody, groove, etc, plus the fact that Henley didn't write the chord progression, there's nothing to sue for. Fun as it sounds, you can't just sue people for being an a**hole.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the input!

[@robstore22]

Anyone bothered to ask Ian Anderson? Saw him asked the question in an interview and he just said, "Well, Hotel California's a great song".

[@FrankPersico]

He has always been gracious about it

[@uapuat]

Ian Anderson himself has declared this to be a non-issue.

[@FrankPersico]

Yes he was very cool about it

[@deadbeatgus4155]

Hotel California was Felders song no?

[@FrankPersico]

Music was… I believe

[@JoMarquez]

Yes it was Felsers music and chord progression the lyrics are Henley’s

[@amusicalheart7]

As I understand it Felder wrote the melody and Henley wrote the lyrics.

[@stephenhill8675]

Just re-listened to Jethro Tull we used to know and absolutely did Henley rip it off it the beginning is identical.

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah eagles ripped most likely. Henley himself didn’t write the chord structure but really doesn’t matter. It’s still HIS material and you can’t tell me he didn’t know. And that’s fine technically they are ok to do it. It’s just funny how he is so eager to sue and go after people but it’s ok for him to be on this song that is a ripoff..

[@vincentrigby5611]

Excellent true statements, some people in the world are so greedy and never satisfied and never seem to see the wood for the trees, sheer selfishnes and aragent...

[@FrankPersico]

Most of the accounts that you hear about Mr. Henley seems to fit your above comment …. Sad but true

[@taproot381]

Imagine if the situation was the other way round.

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah that’s what I can’t help but think.

[@mikecrean8849]

Just listen to We used to know. Yes very similar. Actually it’s a really good record. Even the guitar solo on Hotel California is very similar to this. Was a big Tull fan back in the day but never heard this before. Great track. While I’m on, question. There’s a great tribute band in the U.K. called The Illegal Eagles. Seen them numerous times and they’re really great. They tour all over Europe and play the big festivals. But how do they get away with it. Why haven’t they fallen under Henley’s take down. 🙋‍♂️👏👏🇬🇧

[@FrankPersico]

That song is fantastic. I had never heard it either until til this was brought to my attention via the comments in my last video. I suppose the band you are referring to can get away with it because the venues they play pay a yearly royalty fee to the licensing agencies ASCAP BMI etc. … just a guess though

[@kerryfromaj9032]

Listen to “We Used To Know” and it sounds like a remake of “Hotel California” but one of them was first. “We Used To Know” sounds like an early demo of “Hotel California” Will Don cling to his ownership of “Hotel California” with his dead cold hands after his death? The ghost of Don Henley will roam through purgatory holding on tight, unlikely to let go.

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah it’s almost like a more rootsy version of Hotel. It rocks

[@plusfour857]

I received a copyright strike for a cover of Desperado.

[@FrankPersico]

Ughhh sorry

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

@@FrankPersicoI received one last week for One Of These Nights, it had been up for ten years😢

[@rickscarpellotherapy]

Just further exposes Henley for his insecurities. Unfortunate really. Great channel and food for thought🤘🔥🤘

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks. 🙏

[@gregiskat8354]

ALL of our original music is a compellation of our our influences & basically everything we have heard our whole lives. IMHO the ONLY things that should be copywriteably protected are lyrics and melodies

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment. You have a great point

[@stringmantony]

Great video! Henley proves constantly that, “You are what your record says you are!”.

[@FrankPersico]

Once I learned about the fact that those chords structures were identical and then knowing what a stickler Don is for copyright.. I just had to speak on it. I wanna like Don because I do love his voice and music so I really try to be polite here about how I go about delivering my feelings. Wish he wasn’t the way he was

[@LeopoldoGonzales-og9wc]

It sounds like Don Henley left but never checked out.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha 😂

[@weedywet]

its melodically similar as well. I don't think there's any question that it could be actionable,

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing.

[@adamrussell658]

I always thought it was BS that George Harrison lost the lawsuit over the similarity between My Sweet Lord and He's So Fine. Im not a musician so not qualified to say whether Hotel California is more or less of a copy than My Sweet Lord.

[@FrankPersico]

I agree. ☝️

[@williamphillipson548]

This has probably been mentioned but wasn’t it Don Felder who wrote the music/put the licks and chords together for Hotel Cali….and not Don Henley??? Don H. more than likely wrote all the words…which he is brilliant at.

[@FrankPersico]

Yes it was. I had no clue so I appreciate it … thanks for posting

[@everTriumph]

From what little I know of music (and it is very little) chords tend to form 'sets', so if you are in the key of 'C' you will use the major and minor chords of that key. That does put a mathematical limit on the number of chord arrangements. You are not of course limited to those chords, but the chords then used will have some tonic relation to the chords of the major key, or else it can sound rubbish. So music has some attributes of a 'state machine' where some patterns of behaviour are more likely than others. But that would be more likely for short runs rather than whole songs. I am in Mr Andersons corner on this.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment. Crazy when you think that all of the western music ever written was done with only 12 notes!

[@bernzeppi]

Just checked out the Jethro Tull song. Definitely Hotel California copies that progression. Even the phrasing is similar on vocals, guitar rhythm and lead break.

[@FrankPersico]

For sure. Thanks for commenting

[@winnykooyman4851]

In Europe was Take it to the limit with amazing singer Randy a big hit.

[@FrankPersico]

👍👍

[@andrewhudson8966]

Hotel California sounds a lot less like We Used To Know than Stairway To Heaven does to Taurus

[@FrankPersico]

Good point

[@dukeofearl4117]

Don Henley is turning his legacy into something he might not have expected. People will tire of him and his music. As for the similarities of the two songs, I’d say Don did in fact use the same chord progression and doing the exact same thing he’s doing to everyone else. As for me I’d be happy that people would want to do my songs. It would in fact make people gravitate to my music.

[@FrankPersico]

Nothing turns off the public like an ungrateful rich person imho

[@ToddSauve]

I am pretty sure that Don Felder is the one who originally came up with the guitar part of Hotel California. Has anyone asked him about it?

[@FrankPersico]

👍

[@mikecomerford4353]

Too much of a coincidence I think, why not just own up to it - copyright??

[@FrankPersico]

Agreed

[@LeopoldoGonzales-og9wc]

So what did the line “ we haven’t had that spirit here since 1969” mean ? Not flower power. Only time will Tull.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha time will Tull

[@kellermax]

This might seem radical, but it's a topic I think has gone out of hand... I think that copyright is mostly there to protect the people who are already making plenty of money. So much of Rock and Pop music is made of the same basic principles that I think copyrighting it is almost like copyrighting sentences. Like in books: quote your sources and that's it. That's my suggestion. Like this both parties win. You don't want anyone to use your idea? Keep it to yourself then.

[@FrankPersico]

I am definitely of the opinion that copyright law needs some serious reform.

[@edsanders9605]

I have to say- YES- they are pretty much the same but this one is on Don Felder alone! He "wrote'" (like you said a rather non-standard chord progression!) all the chords. The chances of him just strumming and coming up with that- I don't really think so?? By the way Felder was not in the band when they played with Jethro Tull! Don Henley is off the hook.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for posting

[@wretch1]

Ironically Hotel California was originally in Em.

[@FrankPersico]

Wowwwww I did not know that. The plot thickens

[@iamanovercomer3253]

Just think if Don had a conscious with the money he's spending on those lawyers and used the money to help 🇺🇸 homeless veterans, he probably would be a happy man ‼️

[@FrankPersico]

I wonder if he does charity? I did see that in some of his law suits he did settle with the other party if they donated to his charity of choice. So I guess if you make someone else donate to charity so that they won’t get sued by you it’s technically YOUR contribution. But I’m sure he must do some charity even if it’s only for tax purposes

[@iamanovercomer3253]

​@FrankPersico hopefully people give because they believe in the cause. Giving shouldn't be about tax purposes BUT to help. The dead sea is dead because it only takes in water, doesn't flow ( give) out. Yet a river has life because water comes in and goes out.

[@ricomajestic]

Chords and chord progressions are not copyrightable. Only melodies, riffs and lyrics are copyrightable.

[@FrankPersico]

👍

[@brin57]

2 important factors - 1: Fair use does not apply if you are making money from it (eg: monetized YT channel) and 2: That chord progression is just an elaborated version of an Andalusian cadence. So much of the point of this video is off the mark.

[@modjohnsenglishdisco]

Good call. In a previous comment I mention how I "accidentally" wrote HC myself. Indeed I was messing around with the Andalusian cadence via Del Shannon's "Runaway", then "Stray Cat Strut", and "HC" popped out!

[@FrankPersico]

You can teach copyrighted material under fair use on a monetized youtube channel. AND every chord progression is rooted back to something else. So the eagles “elaborated” on it the exact same way as jethro Tull after being on tour with hi . That being said I do not know if this is copyright infringement and I DO think Hotel is a very diff song. My point of the video is that given what we know about Don do you think that he would have been cool were the roles reversed. I respectfully think you missed the point. Thanks for commenting though. I appreciate the dialogue about it

[@Hammerman48]

It tends to be Melodies that are copied, not chord progressions.

[@FrankPersico]

👍

[@cmted41]

If George Harrison got sued for millions My Sweet Lord then The Eagles should be sued for Billions for copying We Used to Know! Total rip off

[@FrankPersico]

Good point

[@andrewhudson8966]

The music was Don Felder’s,he had it all complete on a cassette.When the group recorded it Felder started playing a different solo to the cassette and Henley stopped him and insisted Felder play it exactly as he had played it on the cassette.

[@luvstellauk]

I think opinions on this may differ depending on who's side of the story you believe, what you put was pretty much Don Felder's side of the story, Henley said in an interview that Don Felder presented Frey and Henley with a "Work in progress" and said it in a rather derogatory way, reading between the lines I think Henley meant substandard and needing a lot of work. Personally given the way Don Felder was treated by both Frey and Henley I'm inclined to err towards Felder's version of events being closer to the truth.

[@FrankPersico]

👍🙏

[@nigeltrueman5931]

Imagine if the Beatles had behaved like Don, the world would be a much poorer place. Don seems to be a very sad man. Ian Anderson is a talent who has not received the credit he is due in general and I'm sure is not holding his breath waiting for Don to do it, love Jethro Tull (particularly with Martin Barre).

[@FrankPersico]

Very good point

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

The real issue regarding the MUSIC is not Henley but “Felder”, the other Eagles “Don”! Henley was the wordsmith Felder was the musician. I sometimes wonder if Henley isn’t mentally ill? OCD?

[@FrankPersico]

Could be that he is. Who knows ?

[@Hughenn]

Probably already mentioned somewhere in the comments but it’s well documented Don Felder wrote the whole chord progression for Hotel California so not sure if Henley could be held accountable for any alleged plagiarism.

[@FrankPersico]

I wonder is everyone on the copyright responsible. But even without the copyright specifics Don certainly knew the song was a rip off of jethro Tull

[@johnphillips752]

Ah, but would that stop him from suing someone for copyright infringement on the song he didn't write the chords for? You see the hypocrisy?

[@robertgrimsted877]

Hi frank you would have thought if you wrote a really good song and played in a group and got famous you would’ve been proud of people trying to learn your songs it’s just money gone to there head love the vids 😀🎸

[@FrankPersico]

I would think that’s how I’d be. :)

[@grahamthompson2594]

Popular chord progression during the Baroque era.

[@FrankPersico]

Really?!? Now I’m dying to know what pieces … headed down the rabbit hole

[@chrisbotelho7212]

I suppose when the Eagles were nobody's playing in bars they never did cover tunes. It's amazing they were able to do that. As an aside: Is Jackson Browne allowed to play Take it Easy or does he need Don's permission?

[@FrankPersico]

That’s a good question… I would imagine that yes they eagles payed covers and that Jackson Browne can play take it easy lol 😂

[@mrapollo2918]

As the music for Hotel California is credited to Don Felder, how is it possible for him to have - either deliberately or subconsciously - picked up the chord sequence for We used to Know while touring with a band he wasn't to join for another three years? It is of course possible that he heard the record. It's also possible that he did come up with it independently. Just because a chord sequence is not common, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that two people could have the same idea.

[@FrankPersico]

I don’t know. But that is a good point. Why didn’t Don Henley bring that up when they asked him about it? 🤔 live drilling into these subjects and thanks for the diff vantage point

[@skintslots]

As there are only 12 notes in the Western music system and millions of songs and compositions have been made over the millenia,it's more likely that chords and chord sequences will overlap. Nobody owns 'music' it belongs to everybody. Artists do own their lyrics and that is as far as it should go,but in such a highly litigious society,particularly in the USA and Europe,where there is an opportunity to make money there is always a queue of willing people who'll try any way to get it. Under fair use Henley should be countersued and get stung so much he becomes shy of trying this stuff again.

[@georgefinn2054]

I have written a song or two that I have thought were the highlight of my musical journey only to realize after playing them often to familiarize myself with them, that I had subconsciously been playing something that had been recorded long before my epiphany.

[@leepatterson7790]

I understand people’s issues with Henley; with his age and wealth he shouldn’t be playing the “get off my lawn” role, but, simply put, I enjoy listening to HC way more than “we used to know”…

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing

[@donaldlococo954]

Don Felder wrote the chord progression.

[@FrankPersico]

👍

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

The real issue regarding the MUSIC is not Henley but “Felder”, the other Eagles Don! Henley was the wordsmith Felder was the musician

[@FrankPersico]

Deff a good point thanks for commenting

[@taskmaster58]

The way I understand it from The History Of The Eagles it was always Glen & Don's band and the other were just employees. When Glen died I guess everything just went to Don.

[@FrankPersico]

Quite possible. Thanks for the comment

[@andrewhudson8966]

@@FrankPersicoHenley,Frey,Meisner and Leadon were all equal partners and when they asked Felder to join he was made an equal partner.It was when when Henley and Frey tried to make him sign a contract for a tour,essentially turning Felder into an employee,that Felder said no thus causing the the split between him and Henley and Frey.Though one cannot be sure about it as Felder is not allowed to talk about the situation,in all probability Felder is still an equal partner in any Eagles Ltd.Walsh and Schmit have only ever been employees.

[@Markothunder]

Even after Don Henley dies, his family in his estate, will still make KZbin take down covers of his songs (whether with The Eagles or from his solo career).

[@FrankPersico]

I have heard Jimi Hendrix family is like this

[@Markothunder]

@@FrankPersico Yep, like they like to take down actual recordings of his songs

[@michaelsimpson4831]

As much as I am disgusted by Don Henley’s arrogance and behavior towards past band mates and the public for, in my view, legitimate use of Eagles songs for educational purposes, I have never heard the similarity between “We Used to Know” and “Hotel California.” I bought Stand Up when it came out, one of the great albums of all time, and just never thought “We Used to Know” bore the slightest resemblance to “Hotel California.” It never even occurred to me.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment and your perspective.

[@manfredworner8528]

I was waiting for a comparison of both songs but then lol oh ya forgot you can’t

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha I know a comparison would have been the right thing to do but I will not play eagles 🦅

[@darrylboom5973]

Just listened to it. Sounds familiar!

[@FrankPersico]

For sure

[@onusgumboot5565]

I was working on a song that used the chords from "take it easy" backward. Then I realized Henley didn't write that one. Now I need to find a different song to do that with, but I don't care that much for Henleys songs. I preferred the songs written by Meisner, or Frey. And some of Leadons songs. So I don't really know which ones he wrote. Desperado I guess, but I hate that song. The worst song on the album. I can't listen to it long enough to figure out the chords.

[@FrankPersico]

Hmmmm gotta do a google search and find out then start reverse engineering lol

[@davidgollop2807]

Chord progression should be free domain.....Somewhere in the past it was played before.....What about the "Blues" prrogression....they all sound the same......or "Polka " music?

[@FrankPersico]

True but those progressions are far simpler than these. I challenge you (or anyone else reading) to find me that 8 bar progression in any other song other than the two mentioned

[@davidrapant6398]

KFC should sue Henley for impersonating the Colonel Sanders. He's a jerk.

[@FrankPersico]

Lolol

[@Robowx]

Chord structure and chord progressions are not copyrighted. It's the melody, that is copyrighted.

[@FrankPersico]

👍

[@Hammerman48]

Don currently mimes live and has been for the last 5 years at least. I love the Eagles back catalogue…..but to be honest they are ripping off people who are paying a fortune to watch them live. Wings Of Pegasus website proved positive that he is lip syncing. Paul McCartney doesn’t sound great live these days…..but at least he is singing live.

[@FrankPersico]

Fair enough. Thanks for sharing

[@SteveK-fz7xo]

Personally I have never bought the story that it was Don Felder who came up with the tune. Sounds like a convenient way for the band to avoid a potential lawsuit. That the band previously opened for Tull is just way too much for it to be a coincidence in my books.

[@FrankPersico]

That’s an interesting perspective … hmm now you have me wondering

[@erikgainesmusic4399]

I might add "We used to know" to my set....

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah man do it brother

[@midrider335]

If I’m not wrong I don’t think a chord progression can be copyrighted, yes? A melody can be copyrighted I believe.

[@FrankPersico]

I do think you are correct. But I will say that this is such a distinct progression and one that is 8 bars long. I don’t know that this is a copyright infringement and wouldn’t think it’s that big a deal…. But the double standard of the band that copied it is just something that doesn’t sit right w me

[@mikecrooks8085]

It does not matter much what is the law when first you have to overcome an army of lawyers. It's like showing up in Vegas with a roll of pennies and expecting to sit at a big money table, forget it.

[@GordonPavilion]

It gives me a warm feeling, deep inside, knowing that Henley is emptying his wallet so lawyers can take another European holiday.

[@FrankPersico]

Ahahah

[@deanoguitarguy2171]

I believe Don Felder wrote the music to Hotel California, so maybe you’ve got the wrong Don.

[@FrankPersico]

😝

[@griffinbeall2425]

Felder wrote it and btw do you know how many chord progressions are the same, take a capo and its completely different your point is just unfair

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for chiming in. Yes I do know that there are many chord progressions that are very similar or the same. However this song in particular not really the case. This is not a simple 4 bar pattern which is why I bring the point up. And a capo only changes the key if a song. I don’t categorize using a capo and changing a key as “completely” diff however you may disagree. Thanks for watching and adding to the conversation:):)

[@chin49]

Yes. Definitely plagiarism. Jethro Tull should have sued them.

[@FrankPersico]

👍👍

[@user-dd7cf5rh8n]

Theres a reason you can play thousands of songs with just simple four chord sequences theres only so many sounds that work

[@FrankPersico]

True. But this sequence is 8 chords that aren’t commonly together

[@richardfranklinmorse]

If you could copyright a chord progression everyone would get sued for everything. This sort of thing is stupid. I’m a professional musician, gigging several times a week. I rarely cover the Eagles, only when someone asks, because they’re boring and hackneyed. Henley being an asshole is just one more reason.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment and your perspective

[@TheMNB]

Henley didn't write any of the music, just the lyrics for Hotel California. Don Felder wrote the chords and was not part of the band when the Eagles toured with Jethro Tull. We Used to Know's rhythm is very different. It doesn't sound at all like Hotel California. There are a couple spots from one chord to another where you feel the similarity but only because you're looking for it and it's very brief. Totally not a rip off and would never stand up to a challenge in court.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for your perspective. But the question is if the shoe was on the other foot what do you think Henley would do? That was the point of the vid and I’m curious your thoughts

[@user-dd7cf5rh8n]

Oh wow the fact they toured with jethro tull would add credence

[@FrankPersico]

I agree

[@michaellandreth1392]

I don't know. Why don't you play the 8 chord structure and we can see. Or at least tell us the chords....

[@jed1166]

Just listen to the song here on KZbin… it’s an exact rip off…

[@FrankPersico]

You took the words out of my mouth thank you. 🙏

[@FrankPersico]

Because the purpose of this video is not to me to show you the song. It would have made the video too long in my opinion. It was not meant to be a forensic analysis. They are the same chord structure that is fact. So me stating the chords really doesn’t matter. 🤦

[@Telewest792]

Don Henley is such a sad man he has millions and that’s not enough maybe just boycott his music never play his records and if you are a band don’t include any eagles songs in you set let the sad man live his days out in his sad little world. Every other band in the world are just great full that people play their music and hence they go out and buy the original album and that is a win win for all.

[@FrankPersico]

I for one don’t play it: he doesn’t want me to lol

[@M5guitar1]

Someone needs to write a song/video called Dom Hedley as anti Henley meme. Illustrate the over the top lawyer stuff and lip syncing. Dom wears a black Esteban outfit with that bolero hat with dangling balls.

[@FrankPersico]

Rotfl 😂

[@bobbycaldwell7430]

Little dreamer, van Halen. Similar to hotel California

[@FrankPersico]

Oh wow I gotta check that out

[@mrj6642]

You should have PLAYED the Jethro Tull tune!

[@FrankPersico]

lol I’m scared to!

[@johnphillips752]

I guess Don Henley must see himself as a copyright activist for the noble cause of all artists. But he comes off as the King of Narcissists.

[@FrankPersico]

👍public opinion is deff not too great in regards to Mr. Henley.

[@564df6g5h4d6f5g4h6d5]

Don probably sees himself as a victim. Seems to be the trend these days. The music industry has a very unsavory reputation. The music is great, I’d really like to understand what makes him tick. Anger, hatred, rage, greed, these seem to be at work inside of him. That Jethro Tull song may have the same chord progression but it’s a million miles away from Hotel California. What it does say is that musicians on the level of the Eagles are consummate musical practitioners with deep knowledge of the intricacies of music theory, something that they used to all deny. %99.99 percent of the music consuming public would never put those two songs together if you didn’t highlight the idea. Don gave the world some great music. Leave him a😊lone if that’s what he wants.

[@FrankPersico]

Yes me too. It’s like he won’t let the public like him lol.

[@bruceparks3124]

I am so tickled to realize that the Eagles ripped off Jethro Tull on Hotel California! Henley is a bitter, greedy, non-human who is frantically trying to hang onto his former greatness. And then the narcissist dies.

[@FrankPersico]

It’s deff heavily borrowed lol

[@J.Blogsblues-ns4to]

Having just listened to the Jethro Tull song I would say it is a rip-off. The chord progression is the same, there fore the tune is pretty similar as there is only so many ways a melody could follow that set of chords, even the guitar solo would fit straight into H*t*l C*l*f*rn**. I think it would be great if Jethro Tull did sue, but they won't as they aren't living up their own backsides. Should point out that the Jethro Tull song doesn't have a chorus but cycles through the verse for the whole song. Maybe it's fair game for any of us to write a song using the Jethro Tull chords and our own lyrics and have a mega hit and see what happens when the preciuous one hears about it!

[@FrankPersico]

Yes it’s just the verse section of hotel that is the same as the jethro Tull song. I was gonna play through the changes but don’t wanna even give Don and his mafia a chance to get themselves worked up about it just in case.

[@charlesklein1224]

His time has gone, shut up and go away.

[@FrankPersico]

😮👍🤘

[@winnykooyman4851]

Arrogant Don Henley ruined The Eagles with his awfull behaviour. And he ruined also the career of the original bandmembers, but finally they went their own way.They left the band with problems and Frey particpated in that. Now he is the only one and he also ruined his name. He is wellknown as a bad indecent man. He has made a big mess with all his bad actions.also with drugs and underaged girls. Wrong man, wrong choices, wrong attitude. In Europe he is very disliked since we know the story of his behavior. The last concert were only visited because Joe Walsh and Timothy were there. But it was not successful.It was literally freezing in hell.

[@FrankPersico]

Wow I didn’t realize he was so disliked in Europe. Thanks for the perspective.

[@RichlandCommunity]

Wow, just revisited the Tull song. It’s definitely a rip off, but at the same time, chord progressions are what they are; there’s nothing new under the sun, but again, I think Tull would have a strong case.

[@FrankPersico]

It’s interesting right?

[@gregrsvr3947]

Henley now proved to be miming, a horrible piece of work.

[@FrankPersico]

Cray cray 😜

[@user-mx9cc3ib2b]

i thought it was a different band….not jethro tull

[@FrankPersico]

Hmmmm

[@1rwjwith]

Of course DON FELDER wrote the progression and probably part of the melody of HC …you can copyright a progression but your point is well taken. Note..HENLEY does NOT write any chord progressions…he puts lyrics and possibly melodies to other musicians Chord progressions, another example. Boys of Summer ..music by Mike Campbell. Boycott the Eagles and Henley!

[@FrankPersico]

I just think given his territoriality over his ownership of the song it’s crazy how it’s based off of a ripoff of someone else’s progression… even if Don didn’t write the changes.