Sweetwater interview with Don Felder

[FrankieVA]

That's dead on! I love Don Henley's music in the Eagles and I have all of his solo records but I think being in a band with him = one incredibly long day.

 

[gibson5413]

Love the Eagles and one of my all time favorite tunes is Take It Easy (don't judge me). One of the few tunes I sing lead on with my band. I tend to play the lead more like Walsh does. This is my favorite version of the tune with Joe and Don playing even if it may not be 100% live:

Always been a Joe Walsh fan and love what he did for the band (more rocking) but also like the early lineup too. Too bad they can't all figure out a way to get along. I prefer to remember them back from the 70s. As difficult as Henley can be he writes a great song and really like his unmistakable voice. Love Building the Perfect Beast. The Boys of Summer and Sunset Grill will always be some of my favorite tunes for summer time listening (it's required for me).

 

[TrueTone500]

Don't forget about Randy Meisner! Letting him leave the band was a huge mistake IMO. TBS is a good singer, but his vocals are too soft. Randy's vocals are as unique as it gets, as are Joe Walsh's vocals. Glenn and Don have been tying to get Randy back in the band; but according to Randy, his health won't permit. He's done things recently, so some are speculating that he doesn't want anything to do with Don and Glenn.

In terms of band morale and loyalty to one another, it should be remembered that the original lineup of musicians were not friends to begin with... The Eagles band was primarily a construct of the industry. Whether that matters, I have no idea? I do think it would be difficult to ask a close friend to leave a band, merely because they don't want to sing a particular song... It would be for me anyway.

 

[FrankieVA]

I think we want to believe that all bands are boys and buds and they like each other's company. We romanticize it that way and I'm guilty of it as well. A lot of these bands are basically a business entity. It's no different from your job. We all have co-workers we work with and we work well with them but we really don't like them and would rather not spend time with them. I learned to separate the music I love and the actual people long ago. I admire Henley for his artistry and I love his songs but I probably would not want to be friends with him.

 

[TrueTone500]

I think we want to believe that all bands are boys and buds and they like each other's company. We romanticize it that way and I'm guilty of it as well. A lot of these bands are basically a business entity. It's no different from your job. We all have co-workers we work with and we work well with them but we really don't like them and would rather not spend time with them. I learned to separate the music I love and the actual people long ago. I admire Henley for his artistry and I love his songs but I probably would not want to be friends with him.

This is one of the aspects I liked about being a drummer... Per my experience, it's the position of least resistance within a band. It's also the best seat in the house when it comes to drama queen singers and guitar players...

 

[sytharnia1560]

I do think it would be difficult to ask a close friend to leave a band, merely because they don't want to sing a particular song... It would be for me anyway.

don't forget the fact they had been on the road for yrs by then and were basically running on ego's, drugs and alcohol so being in each others space constantly will erode what ever friendship was there to start with.

For me randy's vocals were always a little bit to country so I prefer timothy for the poppy/soft quality he brings .... yes i'm a sucker for a good soft ballad


All I know is I am going to see them in 8 days for the first time since 96 so can't wait......not to fussed whos in the band, just wanna here all those great songs

 

[TrueTone500]

I do think it would be difficult to ask a close friend to leave a band, merely because they don't want to sing a particular song... It would be for me anyway.

don't forget the fact they had been on the road for yrs by then and were basically running on ego's, drugs and alcohol so being in each others space constantly will erode what ever friendship was there to start with.

For me randy's vocals were always a little bit to country so I prefer timothy for the poppy/soft quality he brings .... yes i'm a sucker for a good soft ballad


All I know is I am going to see them in 8 days for the first time since 96 so can't wait......not to fussed whos in the band, just wanna here all those great songs

I'm just such a huge fan of Take It To The Limit. They replaced Randy with Timothy, yet I've never heard Timothy sing TITTL? Unless I'm mistaken, Bernie Leadon is back in the band.

 

[gibson5413]

I do think it would be difficult to ask a close friend to leave a band, merely because they don't want to sing a particular song... It would be for me anyway.

don't forget the fact they had been on the road for yrs by then and were basically running on ego's, drugs and alcohol so being in each others space constantly will erode what ever friendship was there to start with.

For me randy's vocals were always a little bit to country so I prefer timothy for the poppy/soft quality he brings .... yes i'm a sucker for a good soft ballad


All I know is I am going to see them in 8 days for the first time since 96 so can't wait......not to fussed whos in the band, just wanna here all those great songs

I'm just such a huge fan of Take It To The Limit. They replaced Randy with Timothy, yet I've never heard Timothy sing TITTL? Unless I'm mistaken, Bernie Leadon is back in the band.

This! I love that tune and anyone singing it but Randy is a travesty (IMO). For me, it is his country sensibilities that kept them rooted in that genre. It was a great mix with Walsh.

I just know my Rig-Talk red is dying as I type here. I can't help it if I love me some Eagles.

 

[petethorn]

I have played guitar in Don Henley's solo band since 2009.

I'd like to just say that he's always been very nice to me, he has a good sense of humor, and I really enjoy playing with him. Playing those songs is epic, of course. And yes he is a perfectionist, and always expects you to deliver and do your best, which I really enjoy because I finish every gig with a sense of satisfaction and pride. But he also goes above and beyond sometimes to just show appreciation- a recent example, we did a private gig last month in Dallas, where Don lives. And although we already had a dinner meal provided, Don went out of his way and got his local BBQ place to bring food for the whole band and crew (which was delicious).

I sent him an email after he inducted Randy Newman into the R&R hall of fame, I just wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed that segment of the show and mentioned that it made me want to learn about and listen to more Randy Newman music. He promptly sent me back an email listing a bunch of his favorite tracks, where to start listening, etc. I really appreciated that.

FWIW. Carry on!

 

[gibson5413]

I have played guitar in Don Henley's solo band since 2009.

I'd like to just say that he's always been very nice to me, he has a good sense of humor, and I really enjoy playing with him. Playing those songs is epic, of course. And yes he is a perfectionist, and always expects you to deliver and do your best, which I really enjoy because I finish every gig with a sense of satisfaction and pride. But he also goes above and beyond sometimes to just show appreciation- a recent example, we did a private gig last month in Dallas, where Don lives. And although we already had a dinner meal provided, Don went out of his way and got his local BBQ place to bring food for the whole band and crew (which was delicious).

I sent him an email after he inducted Randy Newman into the R&R hall of fame, I just wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed that segment of the show and mentioned that it made me want to learn about and listen to more Randy Newman music. He promptly sent me back an email listing a bunch of his favorite tracks, where to start listening, etc. I really appreciated that.

FWIW. Carry on!

That's awesome Pete! What a great experience to play with a musician like Don (and for him to get to play with you too).

 

[TrueTone500]

I have played guitar in Don Henley's solo band since 2009.

I'd like to just say that he's always been very nice to me, he has a good sense of humor, and I really enjoy playing with him. Playing those songs is epic, of course. And yes he is a perfectionist, and always expects you to deliver and do your best, which I really enjoy because I finish every gig with a sense of satisfaction and pride. But he also goes above and beyond sometimes to just show appreciation- a recent example, we did a private gig last month in Dallas, where Don lives. And although we already had a dinner meal provided, Don went out of his way and got his local BBQ place to bring food for the whole band and crew (which was delicious).

I sent him an email after he inducted Randy Newman into the R&R hall of fame, I just wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed that segment of the show and mentioned that it made me want to learn about and listen to more Randy Newman music. He promptly sent me back an email listing a bunch of his favorite tracks, where to start listening, etc. I really appreciated that.

FWIW. Carry on!

It behoves any employer to treat (current and potential future) employees in a dignified manner, if the employer hopes to achieve the best possible results.

Yes, Randy Newman is an incredible talent; though I never expected his name to be mentioned here on RT... Did he do a piano version of "Lay It Down" that I don't know about?

 

[FrankieVA]

I had a chance to meet Don at a book signing in the early - mid 90's but wasn't able to get a copy of the book. haha I guess I blew my one chance. It's good to hear the other side. All of our accounts and opinions are based on what we read and what we hear when someone (like Don Felder) goes public with their side of the story. I don't know the guy and have never even met him so I'm certainly open to having my opinion changed. Thanks Pete!

 

[TrueTone500]

...I'm certainly open to having my opinion changed. Thanks Pete!

...I think I'm going to be sick.

 

[FrankieVA]

...I'm certainly open to having my opinion changed. Thanks Pete!

...I think I'm going to be sick.

You know him personally? haha I'm just saying my opinion of him has been formed only by reading what others think about him. That's really not fair. It's good to hear another side.

 

[TrueTone500]

...I'm certainly open to having my opinion changed. Thanks Pete!

...I think I'm going to be sick.

You know him personally? haha I'm just saying my opinion of him has been formed only by reading what others think about him. That's really not fair. It's good to hear another side.

I've never met Don Henley. I had a ticket to see them on the Hotel California tour, but a nasty hangover prevented me from attending. I made it to the next show, which was the Frampton Comes Alive tour, but passed-out through most of the show. I drank a bottle of MD 20/20 before the show, and that as they say was that. I came-to for a few Kansas numbers... I puked again, then passed-out for most of Frampton's set.

What were we talking about?