Will the Eagles Invite Don Felder Along for Their Farewell Tour?

[@martinsutlovich144]

Don Felder was the best musician the Eagles ever had in the band. His playing elevated their music to a higher level on every song. He wrote the music to 'Hotel California' perhaps the Eagles greatest song. Don had to fight to get credit for that song and was denied credit on many of the Eagles songs.

[@mojo4376]

Eagles aren’t the same without Felder.

[@dannydine5263]

I was never crazy about the Eagles but I do love that man's guitar playing. I mean you gotta love his guitar playing. It's that good.

[@georgebudimir7801]

Not the same and not as good.

[@ScottyPLane]

Stuart Smith can hang. He's an excellent technical guitar player.

[@mben-david2064]

They are just fine, Slugger, and their incredible popularity and the quality of their live shows proves it. Stay stuck in 1978 if you like, but 99% of us have moved on without you.Felder's great, but hardly irreplaceable.

[@stevelacker358]

The Eagles haven't existed since they pushed Felder out. Its a shame.

[@3fsw3]

The Eagles became a tour d force when Felder joined. Joe Walsh was icing on the cake. Without Felder, it’s the Joe Walsh show. With Felder, it’s the Eagles. Nothing compares to Walsh/Felder guitars in the same band.

[@ieronimo18]

Most of us won't be able to afford a good seat at an Eagles farewell concert. That's OK...you can get a ticket to see Don Felder with his band and have a very good facsimile of an Eagles concert at a fraction of the cost. I've seen Felder twice and he puts on an AWESOME concert!

[@barriekelley2241]

The group put out one farewell concert DVD; why not another? It would be a lot cheaper than a concert ticket for those of us that can’t afford the show.

[@TheDupresdoDisney]

He plays shows at Epcot at Disney every year ... we plan our trips to make SURE we are there.... he really is amazing and on a whole other level.

[@Krsnaloka333]

His physical appearance on stage was underrated .Great guitarist as well.

[@derhandtrommler]

Millions flocked to Eagles' shows to see Felder's scrubby beard. I can certainly understand why. Who needs music when you can get THAt ?

[@mben-david2064]

yeah how many fans miss his Levi's and scraggly beard ? Don't be a dimwit.

[@pncombies]

@@mben-david2064 That was 1976, dimwit!

[@Ohcomeonnow2222]

I just bought tickets to see Don Felder at Bethel Woods in August. I will applaud extra loud for all of us 😊

[@debbiejones9300]

Have seen Don Felder perform twice at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls Canada. So Nostalgic! And he signed my Hotel California Album.

[@lexpeters735]

That was a spot on take on this whole ridiculous situation. Henley has the power to give the fans the best possible version of the Eagles for one last time.. Unfortunately, as you said due to his ego, that will never happen because it will take the limelight away from him. And , heaven forbid, he will have to share more money!

[@joanstone6740]

My friend works as a chauffeur for limousine company he drives Henley all the time out to Malibu . He told me all the drivers who drive him say he's a complete a hole

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@joanstone6740 Hopefully one hit wonder band The Ataris don’t need to pay Henley royalties because their biggest hit is a 2003 cover of his solo hit Boys Of Summer

[@BobE316]

Not a chance, Henley will never let it happen.

[@kilo54]

Good!!!!

[@hansvandiejie]

​@@kilo54 when your ego is bigger than the whole US, you don't bend. They'll keep Gill. the Felder replacement whose name I don't care to remember, and muddle on. Big bucks for Henley!

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

If Henley dies before a chance to mend fences with Felder, that'd suck

[@kilo54]

@@Thomasmemoryscentral Glenn and Felder had a huge dislike for each other in The end. Banned for life. Don’t think Don will alter that

[@mben-david2064]

You gotta remember that four people voted Felder out of the band in 2000. Walsh and Schmit accepted the offer that Felder turned down and bitched about, Felder said he regrets making that choice, in his own book.He could have taken generational wealth and 20 years of fame into his latter years and he said "Gimme, gimme" and walked away alone. He tried to rebuild friendships with Tim and Joe and they'd have none of it. Schmit was especially put out. Henley and Frey weren't the only ones who wanted Felder gone.This is all in Felder's own book.

[@drumlover1687]

Any lifelong Eagles fan such as myself would love to see Felder back! Probably won't happen, but I'll still keep the faith.

[@mben-david2064]

Never gonna happen, Champ. Hope you enjoy 1978 because you're trapped there. The rest of us have moved on.

[@drumlover1687]

@@mben-david2064 Thanks for your unsolicited input Champ!

[@danielrose3434]

mben-david2064 You left out "Ar$holes" who don't recognise the playing of Felder and combination with Walsh have moved on to the tribute band.

[@mben-david2064]

@@danielrose3434 Hey Spanky, I'm a pretty good guitar player and I regard the Walsh/ Felder duo as one of the best. That doesn't change the fact that it's over, finito, no mas, Nyet. Steuart Smith is 95% 0f Felder and I'm fine with that considering all that's happened. Life goes on and people come and go,. Let these guys move on, You and I certainly have, right ?

[@Taylor-kd6lr]

I had an uncle that was a big time promoter in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. Anyway he once told me that Don Henley was “very greedy”, and by far the most difficult musician he had ever negotiated with, and said he wasn’t a very good person. He also said that Irving Azoff (the Eagles manager) was plain wicked. It’s funny that they treated Felder that way, because he wrote the music for the best Eagles song ever. Hotel California.

[@harrisongelles685]

I love Felder, but HC being the best Eagles song is your opinion and it was the most well known. I love the Eagles, but Lying eyes and New Kid in town are my favorites. HC was their most popular song and album, but the best is open to opinion.

[@danielrose3434]

harrisongelles685 2 The song that catapulted them to superstars you mean, saw them in '75 when Walsh was with them but not quite full time yet and they rocked! Saw the History Of tour when Leadon was "used" for a bit more authenticity but until Walsh came on there was a bit of unrest as Henley rambled on and one by one they joined him, when it was Walsh's turn the place exploded. I like Henley's solo music, saw him live it was excellent but the best lineup live was with Felder.

[@jackhays1194]

Tons of money and coke can do that.

[@Taylor-kd6lr]

@@jackhays1194 Yes. I fully agree! Good point!

[@glennabaker3922]

Life in the Fast Lane is my fav.

[@jamesbyersmusic]

I'm in two minds. If it were to happen then I'd be all for it. While Don Felder and The Eagles seemingly haven't needed each other over the past 20 years, there has though, for my ears been something rather lacking in their sound since they threw "Fingers" out with the trash. So, if for no other reason, it would be great to have Don Felder back with them to have a good ending to the story and it would be fantastic to have that combination of Don Felder and Joe Walsh together again!!

[@marshallgeorge3819]

I lost respect for Joe Walsh after Felder was fired. Don helped him get sober and he could have pushed back against Henley and Frey but I don't think he did.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@marshallgeorge3819 While I dont want to fully trash Joe Walsh, he seems to be more of a nervous guy not wanting to blow up a fight bigger than it needs to be and just stayed quiet because of Henley's rage

[@57Jimmy]

Someone said something like “Nobody sucks the fun out of a room as fast as Don Henley” Henley had a solo album with a song about ‘little tin gods’… Sounds like an autobiography!🤣

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Funny thing is Stevie Nicks collaborated with Don Henley and she’s kind of a control freak herself in Fleetwood Mac but unlike Henley, she isn’t a day one member

[@justsomeguy6133]

I believe it was actually Glenn Frey who said that.

[@deanfackrell488]

Spot on Michael. It’s amazing how sheer greed gets in the way. Band were never the same once Felder left, at least in my eyes.

[@mben-david2064]

yeah a guitar player who can't write and can barely sing really makes the Eagles happen.Are you mental ?

[@57Jimmy]

I think we all see it through the SAME eye!

[@ronaldomadrebien7045]

I completely agree

[@timcastens1150]

Most successful dysfunctional band ever

[@derhandtrommler]

@@timcastens1150 possibly. in The Police Sting and Stewart Copeland regularly punched each other's lights out. They didn't quite sell what Eagles have, but they were a gang fight with guitars.

[@josecuervo1747]

Don Felder’s melodic solos were just as much responsible for making Eagles songs hits, as the lyrics and verse/chorus melodies written by Frey and Henley. It’s a crime that Felder didn’t get writing credits.

[@muskykingjoe]

He didn't get writing credits because you get writing credits for writing songs, not guitar solos.

[@patricklogan7238]

@@muskykingjoe Obviously!

[@MultiEviscerator]

@@muskykingjoe Unless you read the various books, you wouldn't understand that Felder did contribute to some of the lyrics and even musical changes he didn't get credit for. Both Frey & Henley had a saying, "change three to get a fee". Thus when outside song writers gave them music, they changed things up with a couple of words, and got song writing credit. As just one of many examples of where Felder didn't get credit, was the song OOTN. Henley had penned "I've been searching for the daughter of the devil himself, I've been looking for the the daughter of God", and Felder insisted he change it to "angel in white" because people would have freaked out with Henley's original version. That type of change would have earned Frey or Henley song writing credit, but not Felder. Also the bass part for the same song was all written by Felder while Randy was away with his family. Felder was a team player and naively didn't realize how greedy and corrupt Frey & Henley were at the time.

[@jimle22]

Yea, he frickin' wrote the music to Hotel California. Frey and Henley did write the lyrics.

[@doctordetroit4339]

He got credit for the music, not writing. It's not all about the words. Plus Felder is no doubt making cash from the Eagles just Like Perry is from Journey.

[@stormcop55]

Very well said brother!!! Oh how awesome it would be to see those guys on stage again!!

[@mben-david2064]

"I tried bands as democracies and it never worked. I needed a benevolent dictatorship to get order restored and my songs played right."-Bruce Springsteen

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@mben-david2064Springstein’s own former fans have tod me that he’s an asshole like Henley.

[@djthebest0613]

Amazing way to express yourself 👏🏻 thank you for supporting what should have to be done

[@kevinreily2529]

You are missing so much about the Eagles. Don Felder took them from a soft rock country band into Rock n' Roll, which widened their fan base exponentially. He had a CONTRACT that they were all equal members of the band. But Frey, Henley and their MANAGER were "cooking the books" and spending a lot of $$$$$ on themselves. As a CFO Felder asked questions and was fired. Also, Don Henley was such an egomaniac he got upset when Joe Walsh & Don Felder did guitar solos and had fun dancing around, because the CAMERA was not on Don Henley. Don Henley did not like them getting attention. He decreed that they couldn't dance on stage. Don Henley also harassed Glen Frey to the point where Glen Frey took it out on the stage hands, roadies and other band members, calling them rude pet names. You completely leave all these FACTS out!

[@jamesrudd8705]

Nailed it!

[@MultiEviscerator]

Indeed

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

Under those circumstances alone, Henley would never ask Felder to be a part of the final tour!!! Henley would want the final tour to be all about his narcissistic self...!

[@asafiske]

And Bernie too. Think of that twanging solo in peaceful easy feeling -probably my favorite of them all.

[@fivestring65ify]

​@@trailerparkcryptoking5213The tours that are going on now are Henley and the backups.

[@mercuryrising2424]

Team Felder here.

[@willswalkingwest7267]

Can you imagine what the ticket prices would be? No thanks.

[@maelinjoli]

Irving Azoff's last chance to hit the jackpot one more time

[@wc1994]

@@maelinjoli Exactly...

[@markmacisaac4505]

Notwithstanding all the infighting over the years, the Band should have packed up the van, so to speak after Glenn's passing. The sound of the Eagles is not, and will never be the same without him especially the glorious vocal harmony between Henley and Frey. Of course money creates the path for all venture, sadly. Some things should be left alone to rest peacefully and rightfully with time, and gracefully into music history. Enjoyed the post, Michael! Cheers!

[@jackhays1194]

It’s a tribute band. Like skynyrd.

[@BruceColon-BSides]

I see what you did there, Michael. 😄 Felder’s never coming back imo. It’d be a cool thing to do, but Henley’s always been an ornery and egocentric cuss. I don’t see him ever extending an olive branch, not even for one guest appearance. I guess fans really don’t come first. I agree with you about the touring revenue here. On the road, everyone makes the same sacrifices, so the rewards should be more evenly split (if you’re a real band, not a corporation, which is what the Eagles became). Felder’s big mistake was allowing himself to be sweet talked by that snake Azoff and agreeing to terms in the first place. Azoff clearly prioritized Don and Glen’s interests. Once Felder agreed to terms, he had no right complaining from that point on. He should have held firm as he had leverage at first since the band really needed him due to Walsh still dealing with addiction issues. Felder was the steady glue that held those early reunion shows together.

[@johnnydev9318]

Totally agree with everything you said in this vid - concise and to the point, my man. Yes, if egos were taken out of the equation then things would be a lot simpler. These guys are towards the end of their active careers and just need to get over all this nonsense and go out with grace.

[@Jomor44]

Remember what Henley said when Frey died ? It’s Glenn’s band the Eagles are done. But the lure of big money was enough to change his mind. How about Paul and Ringo get together with Julian and Dhani for a Beatles farewell tour?

[@48musicfan]

I don’t see it happening, but if this is actually it, Felder, Leadon and Meisner should all be included and Vince Gil out.

[@derhandtrommler]

Meisner is not well. He had a chance to participate in the "History Of The Eagles" 2014/15 tour and opted out. You'll recall that Bernie Leadon was a fixture on that tour.

[@DavidJohnson-tn2py]

Yeah, Randy is in bad shape, I hear..

[@48musicfan]

@@derhandtrommler So very sorry to hear about Randy’s health.

[@mben-david2064]

@@DavidJohnson-tn2py That is true. He probably will be jamming with Glenn in the not too distant future from what I've been told.

[@mben-david2064]

@@48musicfan indeed, brother. Randy hasn't played in years, he's just trying to make it through another Tequila Sunrise, as it were. I mean the solar event, not the drink.

[@bpabustan]

I heard somewhere that Don Henley is always angry at something, an attitude you grew up with can never be changed. And this will continue with Don Henley, Felder is not coming back even for just one concert or even one song in a concert.

[@jamesrudd8705]

Like Frey said, Henley sucks the life out of the room the instant he walks in. I have a friend who was in Henley's solo band in the early 2000s who reaffirmed that. Said Henley is always unhappy. It's as if he doesn't know how to be anything but miserable.

[@jamesdaniels3699]

' I hate the eagles,man!' The Dude abides.

[@jeffreyduus5440]

Love the Eagles, they are why I started playing guitar when I saw them on the Midnight Special show in the early 70s. But.....(there's always a but..) as others have commented. Henley would never bring his ego down enough to let Felder tour with them unfortunately.

[@rev.ericlinder8264]

I saw one of their farewell tours in 94 or 95 I thought.. either way. I won't be going to another.

[@muskymac4063]

Being a lifelong Joe Walsh fan, my viewpoint is that the Eagles hit super stardom when he joined on the Hotel California album. His clean guitar playing is in all the hits from that point forward. He and Don Felder sound great together and I would love to see a reunion.

[@stevebiloschaetzke779]

I'm afraid you have it wrong, it's Felder's guitar that took the Eagles to the next level. Look at the Eagles library of music and look how many songs Felder plays lead on compared to Joe.

[@Thataintnothing]

Felder is the one whom got Walsh to join the Band ,Helped Him clean up !!

[@muskymac4063]

@@stevebiloschaetzke779 We all have our opinions. Maybe you feel the same way about Felder as I do about Walsh. That’s great! Here is a good bio that may help give you some insight. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5-2k6OKeq1lhbssi=Cu7GvrmYgVLqqzjc

[@johngolden4468]

Hey Brother Michael, Just wanted to let you know that I love your work and I've subscribed two or three times. I re subbed on the Randy Meisner video this AM. I'm wondering if the overlords at 'Tube are up to no good. Thanks for maintaining the rock n roll hair.....I dig it! Thanks again Michael! John from Tennessee

[@martinstitchener2430]

It would be amazing to think that Don Felder could be part of this last tour and that all the past animosity could be buried. But worry that this will be a Henley-led farewell with no real chance of Felder being part of it. Let's hope it's about the music and taking it to the limit, one more time(damn you've got me at it now).

[@MultiGratte]

Great video. Felder is one of my favourite guitarists. The Eagles wouldn't have gotten so big without Felder, he co-wrote their biggest hit Hotel California after all.

[@yourguitarist]

Hey Michael...I love your channel. We refer to you a lot on my podcast. 🤘😎 In the eagles documentary, Frey and Henley came across as total pricks to Felder. I don't think that I am alone in saying that Henley will never let him back in. So this so called "reunion" will be Henley and his friends jerking him off to his own greatest hits. Quite frankly it's shameful.

[@DavidSanchez-bo3uv]

I remember when the Eagles were called “ The corporate” band. And that was in the 1970s.

[@chetthebee1322]

It must be unbearable working with Don Henley.

[@kilo54]

Felder is a Absolute JERK!!!

[@kilo54]

Clash???? Glen fired his ass!!!

[@mben-david2064]

Oh stop it, with your bitter bullshit. Henley is a man with high standards. Every musician who is willing to pay attention becomes a better player with a guy like him.That's the way the best bands work.

[@mben-david2064]

@@kilo54 The entire band democratically voted Felder out. IT"S IN HIS BOOK, you rube.

[@kilo54]

@@mben-david2064 nope!!! Glen stated in an interview he FIRED him over the disrespect Felder did to senator Allan Cranston! Fact.

[@BirdYoumans]

I so agree with you, but, the problem is greed. And for what? These guys are worth so much money, they will never spend what they have already. What they would make on the last tour would make no difference whatsoever in their lifestyle. But I guess grudges are more important than friendship. Sad really. You listenin' Henley? But you are so right. What a show that could be to just get all the past members on that stage would be phenomenal!! They could pull off some of the best concerts in history. You listenin' Henley?

[@michaelmathes1991]

The Eagles. Coming to a nursing home near you.

[@j.kliban9156]

Felder recently said that he's open to it--he left any bitterness behind upon publication of his book. It would be nice for the fans to see that reunion, but really, why? And so what? Good stuff as always, Michael.

[@docsavage8640]

He left it behind after publishing his dirty laundry. Why would anyone want to associate with him now? For what reason? The audience has shown it doesn't care if he's on stage.

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

@@docsavage8640he had to publish it. Don Henley and Glenn Frey practically vilified him just because he wanted his fair share. He had every right to it , he was one of three eagles to hold the original contract and it was binding right up until Henley and Frey fired him. That was his way of getting back at them and rightly so.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020 Reminds of Sammy Hagar publishing his own book detailing his time in Van Halen with all the ups and downs but even Eddie patched things up with Sammy before passing away.

[@muskykingjoe]

Of course he'd be open to it. He realizes he is nothing on his own.

[@michaelrochester48]

Michael you also have to remember that the Eagles during their reunion tour, “Hell freezes over” they were the first band ever to charge $100 a ticket for some seats … and that’s not even for the best seats in the house…And that was BEFORE the entire Napster thing and the excuse to charge higher prices to make up for nobody buying records anymore.

[@neilouellette3004]

True!! Frye & Henley wrote the "book" on how to charge your fans extra $$$ for concert tickets. They were the Authors!!

[@maelinjoli]

Irving Azoff's idea

[@lornestein7248]

I also remember that big jump in ticket prices. Happy I paid that price in 1994 for that tour. Never saw them again for much bigger $$s.

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

@@lornestein7248lol me too. I saw them in 1994 and paid $100 which to me was crazy considering all the ticket prices up to that point which were averaging at around $40-$50. Saw them that one time only but worth every Penny.

[@jamesrudd8705]

The irony is the most boring live band ever is the one that started the price gouging.

[@CC-hg9un]

How can you have The Eagles without Glen Frey, let alone Don Felder?

[@Caged63Man]

Love to see Bernie, Randy and Don, do their own Eagle show ... Certainly be as authentic as Henleyz, and guaranteed, Walsh would jump ship easily! Now that would be a 'peaceful easy feeling' of a show to watch!

[@terryballard4674]

Randy is in really bad shape...

[@Caged63Man]

@@terryballard4674 arent we all, once we hit 50 & beyond...

[@DonRRicks]

Randy died. Will never happen

[@Caged63Man]

@@DonRRicks No shit Sherlock!

[@shipsahoy1793]

It’s hard to be a fan of an egotistic musician when you get to know him. Especially when you realize just how much of his success had to do with other people’s involvement. Everybody could do with a little humility. I have no respect for people who enjoy great success in life and become insufferable assholes..👨🏻

[@johnnytungsong8719]

You’ve got me with tears in my eyes here, Michael. Since being ‘introduced’ to The Eagles and their timeless songs in the early seventies, I’ve always been a huge fan and eventually got to realise my dream of seeing them ‘live’ in 2008 at the O2 in London, UK. My son had just been born in February and the concert was in March, so a bit of a dilemma! Needless to say, The Eagles won ! Then the opportunity arose, which I obviously I took, to see them again, along with my eldest daughter (I saw her as she lived in Birmingham!) at the NEC in Birmingham,UK, in 2014! Then, some friend mentioned that they were playing at the Leeds Arena, 2019, UK….so because I now have ( 2019) an eleven year old boy who was literally brought up on the Eagles songs, we bought tickets and watched the concert! My son, who can comfortably play many Eagles songs on his guitar, was totally overawed that we were there….he just kept repeating....’Joe Walsh…I’m actually watching Joe Walsh’! An experience that he will never, ever forget! Anyway, it would be absolutely brilliant if the Eagles, past and present, could, for at least a few months, forget their ‘differences’ and just work towards producing a show that will be forever remembered by their lifelong fans! They need to remember that, at their age, they could be ‘yesterday’s news’ tomorrow….a few mentions for a few days in a few (dozen) papers! We all have our personal ‘attitudes towards others’…..but ,if we ‘suspended’ our bias for just one day…(and I’m the biggest hypocrite on Earth for even suggesting that!)…then I know that, perhaps a small gesture, an acknowledgment of past achievements, WILL go a long way to easing historical tensions! Take it easy, guys and gals!

[@willbuckley54]

Bollocks

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

You’re not familiar with how powerful narcissism is! The narcissist can’t control themselves....it’s not that Henley won’t allow it.....he can’t allow it...! FYI....Henley and Frey were major narcissists....and anyone that ever got an ounce of attention more than them was soon to be gone....keep in mind Felder wrote their biggest hit that made them world wide sensations....a normal person would make sure to keep him around.....a narcissist wants them gone for stealing some of the spotlight!

[@KenKaplanpch]

Great points. I like the line “More of a replacement than any of the replacements’ Good stuff!

[@KarlHalliday-q6j]

Always enjoy hearing your take on The Eagles Michael.

[@tklrrbccar3906]

Don Henley's ego is HUGE! Glenn and Don screwed Don Felder no doubt. So truly the ONLY original member left is Don Henley! All the rest are just as you said Michael, hired guns! Also, look at the ticket prices to see the Eagles. $700 for middle seats! Cheap seats are $250. They are ripping the fans off. BUT, if the fans are willing to pay it, then why not take it. As you said, it is about the buck. They had to get rid of Folder somehow. But rest assured my friend. It irks Henley to no end that the most popular song that they ever recorded and the most requested is "Hotel California" which Felder wrote the music to. And that my friend pisses Don Henley off each and every time they play it as the closing song in concert. Just a quick note Michael. I do so enjoy your channel and comments. You have a unique perspective on things as you ARE a musician AND a fan. You are honest in your words and true to reality. My compliments and admiration go to you my friend. God bless you!!!!

[@BigBearCarolina1]

Don Felder will always be an Eagle. Henley's ego and greed will follow him to the grave.

[@clydekimsey7503]

How many farewell tours have they had?😅

[@jamespursell272]

I so agree with Michael Noland , Glenn and Don's egos were the major part of this band , Vince Gil , is a great musician , but has no business being an Eagle , Deacon covers his father flawlessly , as much as Jason Bonham could have surely done with Zeppelin , and the beef with Felder needs to end and needs to be back in the line-up , Timothy B. Schmit was a replacement and although a great bassist and musician , was no Randy Misner ( Take it to the Limit , R.I.P.)

[@rsu5327]

Just discovered your channel & love your straight talk! Im a fan. Thank you for speaking the truth! Love & miss Randy, he will always be in my heart! 💔💯🙏🏼

[@tod3msn]

Michael…This goes beyond Napster. Glen and Don wanted to basically turn Don Felder into a “hired hand” which had intense financial ramifications. For example, if in 1994 when “The Eagles” regrouped Don Felder agreed to accept the Glen and Don get the lion’s share and Don gets less Don Felder may put into jeopardy his being a full member of “The Eagles.” Don went along with the new arrangement after 1994 but over a few years he was never getting any answers from Glen, Don or management about his situation. Only when he filed suit did the matter get resolved and his vast investment in “The Eagles” get protected. Don Felder reviews all of this in his book “Heaven and Hell : My Life With the Eagles.” Great book for “Eagles” fans.

[@robintaylor485]

Big Don, he did write the music to their biggest song & one of the most popular songs on rock music history which would be Hotel California

[@muskykingjoe]

Is Hotel California an instrumental? Did i miss something?

[@robintaylor485]

@@muskykingjoe he wrote the music lyrics, written by Don, Don & Glenn. The music itself was written entirely by Don Felder . So yes you did miss something.

[@doctordetroit4339]

@@muskykingjoe Ever hear the Boys of Summer (Henley's biggest it?). It was the MUSIC by Mike Campbell that made it big....Henley wrote the lyrics in a day. Yer welcome.

[@TheKingInHiding]

Like most huge groups…it started out so fresh & simple. Just watch them at CalJam ‘74. Although Felder was a great addition. Michael I hope you cover the original California Jam someday. I’ll bet many of your younger audience are completely unaware of that awesome show…often bizarrely overshadowed by Woodstock/Monterey Pop/Live Aid/Altamont/Isle of Wright etc Your take on that incredible show would be terrific!🤘

[@BobJohnson-mq2dr]

Another Farwell tour...ah. who cares. So over all the those again and again Farwell tours..you guys can have it

[@blueshawk5649]

The Current Eagles, are nothing more than a really really good cover band. No Felder, No Leadon , and so sad to think, no Randy Meisner.. That was the classic and best sounding version of the band. Frey, Henley, Leadon, Felder, Meisner... that is the lineup I think of. Now it's just a money grab. You nailed it when you said Greedy Don and Glen. If you watched the Eagles Documentary, you realized Don and Glen were just nothing more than money hungry ego maniacs. Joe Walsh threw Felder under the bus, even after Don Felder was a great friend to him, and helped him through recovery. Walsh would not even play on Felders album, when asked. Lost a lot of respect for that guy.

[@jamesy4003]

Don Felder and Randy and Bernie were real Eagles - not Joe Walsh

[@michaelrochester48]

Actually I’m going to be seeing Don Felder this summer in Batavia New York. As an autograph collector I hope I get some Eagles stuff signed

[@MovementGraffiti]

me too, but in Jersey!

[@CatfishCounts]

Great breakdown of the history, and even better advice on what should happen now. SUBSCRIBED

[@colinturner4158]

Thanks Michael for the in depth video about my favourite band

[@chriscollins7604]

The Eagles are now basically Don Henley and friends tour. not that same

[@lovly2cu725]

SORRY READ HIS BOOK HE WAS BROUGHT ON AS A FULL PARTNER HAS A CONTRACT.

[@CaryOn11]

Hell won't freeze over twice unless DH can live up to the lyrics of his own song Forgiveness.

[@SouthernSierra56]

You mean Heart Of The Matter?

[@Nugmania1]

I agree with you about Vince Gill, as Vince Gill, solo artist he is the shiznit. Excellent songwriting, lead playing and singing, par excellence. With the Eagles just not enough grit and angst.

[@harveyevans644]

I have not listened to them since Don Left.. I went to 2 Hell Freezes over shows. 1st one at RFK Stadium with Cheryl Crow. Wolf Man Jack was in the front row and the brought him up on stage.. It was the best....

[@MrJohnmarr]

Right on....can't argue with any of that

[@jameskenneally5644]

You broke it down perfectly! Money ,drugs and booze destroys everything.

[@BreezyDaze]

Lifelong Eagles fan and you are a million percent correct. Mend fences. Reunite. Go out the right way. If Randy is well enough to sit through a show give him a priority seat in the house. Bring back Felder and Bernie. Now that would be a show to see.

[@tpatrick44]

I agree with you 100% You’re Spot on!

[@johnhartman765]

I doubt Felder would ever get on stage with Henley. He's too good a musician who has his own deal going too well. Henley is too wrapped up in himself.

[@jcsolomon6470]

CuZ,He DonT Have To!Hotel CaliForniA,The Album,The Song!Was The Reason,That I Bought,my first Big Boy Record,at 11!Don Felder,Life in The Fast Lane!Joe Walsh,Inspired!Randy Meisner!Try and Love Again!The Best Songs On that Record!Cant Be da King,of Songs,without these Precious,Players,now!Jcsx

[@borealis2112]

Well said and share your view.

[@markwarnberg9504]

You got it wrong dude, the trouble went way back before Felder joined the band, Glenn pissed everyone off. He figured it was his band and made the dicisions, he did not understand what Ltd. means, everything slit equal even the material recorded. Bernie whated to stay Country Rock, Randy and Don wanted their material too be recored. Bernie went his own way, Randy said "screw this" Don hung in there untill he´d had enough of Don and Glenns back stabbing on recording and the $. 1-man does not make The Eagles, it´s a Don Henley Cover Band av the Eagles....unless Bernie and Don come back in then it´s The Remaining Few Eagles.

[@thruthefirepubl]

I was never a fan. Today they would be country. Don Felder taught Tom Petty how to play the guitar. Interesting fun-fact. Joe Walsh solo...stellar. Don Henley had a few good songs for sure. Mike Campbell wrote Boys Of Summer for Petty but he passed on it.

[@PatrickHobson-x8t]

Good one, Bro!

[@1952ford8n]

RIP Randy Meisner

[@LarryGonzalez00]

I always thought it sucked the way they (Henley and Frey) treated Joe Walsh. When they did the Hell Freezes Over reunion tour, Don and Glen made it clear they were THE EAGLES and the other three were hired hands. Their rational was that they were the two that had strong solo careers so they deserved the lion's share. Joe Walsh was a popular and well respected player long before he joined The Eagles. Most fans credit Joe for bringing real balls to the band. I always felt he deserved better treatment, but Joe's been loyal to the leaders (like you pointed out about his treatment of Felder) so there you go.

[@wc1994]

To be honest Henley and Frey's Solo work is pretty lame...

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

@@wc1994nah as much as I dislike them as people, Henley and Frey did have the best solo discography of the rest of the eagles.

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

And that’s where their mistake was. The eagles are the members in the band, not Henley and Frey only, that’s how they perceived it. Their massive egos just got in the way and thus treated people like shit & that never flies. If you see that Bernie, Randy and Felder left after they had a falling out with one guy… Glenn Frey.

[@mben-david2064]

How many top 40 hits did Walsh have between 1980 and 1993 ? That'd be a big goose egg. The solo careers and endless, tiresome media appearances that Don and Glenn did in that period kept the name EAGLES on people's lips and in their consciousness. Walsh is a terrific player and a riot to listen to, but he was an underground artist during the "14 year vacation". Henley and Frey were the catalysts that drove sales of the "Common Threads: Songs Of The Eagles" tribute record that presaged the "Hell Freezes Over" reunion. You need context, Larry. Context,

[@LarryGonzalez00]

@@mben-david2064 Look, all I'm saying is Joe Walsh was already a "name" when he became an Eagle. "Funk #49", "Walk Away", Rocky Mountain Way", "Turn to Stone" and "Life of Illusion", classics all, came to The Eagles with Joe.

[@orbitsun]

Beautiful and accurate commentary, Michael. But for me, personally: no Glenn Frey, no Eagles. I'll pass on their latest goodbye.

[@brandonthailand2062]

Looking forward to the "Hell Freezes Over Again" tour

[@tommyhunter9641]

Felder is a critical part of the Eagles band.

[@kingtrance307]

In order for Felder to temporarily join the Eagles Corporation for the quote “final” tour, he would have to accept whatever contract Henley and Irving cooked up. Never say never but the odds of that happening are not good. Felder doesn’t want to get low balled which is why he’s no longer part of the “brand” in the first place.

[@barrybechtel8553]

Great video Michael and I totally agree!@ I have been a Felder fan for a lot of years and also Deacon has done a great job with the Eagles!! But the there is Henley and his damn ego!!!!

[@davehopping7212]

Henley's stuck with his (and Frey's) jerkhood, and I doubt Felder would have anything to do with it. Saw a fairly recent vid of the Vince Gill-Steuart Smith-Deacon Frey lineup. Sounded good -- for an Eagles Tribute. In an artistic/ethical context, Henley would do better by his legacy if he just quietly put the act out of its misery, but he's gonna flog that dead horse until there's nothing left.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

Hiring 60 people to copyright strike any uses of his music is somehow more useful to his ego then mending fences with Felder before dying.

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

At this point Dave, Henley is either changing if he has a near death experience or he finally spends too much and begrudgingly asks Felder for help to add more cash to the farewell tour

[@alanregynski8238]

Don and Glenn’s motto… change a word, get a third

[@themusicexpresswithrobertl8816]

Totally agree!

[@gerry1620]

Great great video. I agree with you on this stuff. Henley has to know what the fans really want. But does he care?

[@SpotWorksLNC]

Don Felder admits he was the one who opened the door (and offered the final straw) to get fired. He questioned how Don and Glen were spending the band’s money. Felder wanted more accountability. Henley was thinking “who do you think you are”?

[@Mike-ld7wn]

Steurt Smith as a brilliant guitarist, has been with the Eagles for many years and is not regarded as one of them. Felder was and is a brilliant guitarist and singer. Be great to see him return for at least one gig.

[@BILLYMORGAN1971]

If they're going to turn back the clock then they should lower their ticket prices by 90%. They should just get over their egos and call themselves the Beagles. They can tour the world and hand out copyright strikes to people doing cover versions of their songs and cry about the good ole days when their record company could bribe radio stations to play their music. They could also rename themselves after the line Gram Parsons bestowed upon them.

[@BILLYMORGAN1971]

@@grayrider1865 Donny is looking like Burl Ives without the charm....Too much hard rocky candy....

[@neilouellette3004]

Will?? When Hell Freeze's Over!! Between Don Felder's "almost" tell-all book and his undisclosed Eagles Lawsuit Settlement, which combined is rumored around $50 million, I wouldn't feel too sorry for him if not invited.

[@gregjameson2141]

You are spot on

[@runhardbc]

There is no Eagles without Glenn Frey since his passing this has just been about charging big money.

[@muskykingjoe]

So don't pay the high ticket fees. You have that choice.

[@runhardbc]

@@muskykingjoe Yep and I won't either.

[@johnflaherty9595]

"We don't talk about song-writing at that point, we talk about a damn good show." Trouble is, that's not how I understand the music industry to work. I believe most contracts stipulate that song-writers receive a portion of the take, a royalty, for each time a given song is played on the radio, on KZbin--or other media, or performed live. If that's so, Frey and Henley would be well within their legitimate bounds to require payment for their works being performed. You can't have a damn good show if you don't have material to perform.

[@chriscarlson3700]

Robert Plant must look at the current state of the Eagles and think, “This is why I say no to reunion tours.” That’s a band in the loosest sense of the term. It’s more like an egomaniacal cash grab. If Don Henley truly cares about legacy and the legion of Eagles fans, he would definitely call Don Felder, Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon and invite them to take one last trip around the country as the Eagles. Will he? I highly doubt it. But he should.

[@wc1994]

Randy Meisner's been dead for years...

[@chriscarlson3700]

@@wc1994 Nope, he’s still with us

[@zephyrbear]

@@chriscarlson3700 Not anymore...

[@wecandobetter9821]

Two of the biggest reasons bands fall apart are egos and greed. Sad but unfortunately true

[@mattstickle2725]

But you're completely right on about Joe Walsh and Timothy B Schmidt needing to deliver apology publicly to Felder. There are too p**** to do it. They've got their money. At this point Henley's not going to fire either of those guys. Henley's voices done so he needs all the support he can get. But you're right, Jor owes Felder a huge apology

[@nuclearcharlie6867]

Having. Don come back would be incredible as I know he is a gracious person. But it would be even greater if. Randy joined as Well

[@OFLHLGZ28]

Right on….every word of it…..

[@davehughesfarm7983]

I wish he would...He was awesome in there...

[@SigmaStoicGemini]

Don Henley: please let by-gones be by-gones, especially now that Randy has passed. Please let Don Felder have his rightful place on the final tour. You wouldnt be sorry....

[@thomasarmbruster1743]

Not a chance "the Gods" (Henley and Frey) screwed hm over royally, tried to rob him and kept him tied up in court for over a decade. Walsh (who is just an employee, not an Eagle) just said something to the effect of "sucks to be you, man" when they dropped the bomb on him. I wouldn't piss on any of them if they were on fire.