When it comes to band breakups, not every former member holds a soft spot for their old friends. Don Henley, the Eagles’ longtime frontman, has made it clear that his relationship with ex-guitarist Don Felder has been anything but smooth, particularly after Felder’s departure. Felder’s influence on the band is undeniable; his guitar lines gave life to many Eagles hits, including his iconic contribution to Hotel California. Yet, for all his skill, Felder’s backstage relationships were fraught with tension.
While Henley managed to lead the Eagles through several turbulent years, he acknowledged that Felder was often vocal about his grievances and had tried to influence the band’s dynamics. Felder, who joined the Eagles as a seasoned musician, felt that his contributions deserved a more democratic approach, but he clashed with the band’s vision early on. By the time they recorded “Victim of Love,” Felder was already on the fringes, with his input sidelined by the other members.
Years after his departure, Felder continued to air his frustrations in a tell-all book, sharing stories about alleged mistreatment within the Eagles and the harsh business dynamics he felt excluded from. However, Henley dismissed these portrayals as exaggerated.
In an interview with The Guardian, he stated, “A lot of people on the outside believe a lot of the bullshit in Don Felder’s book…Felder’s just bitter because he got kicked out of the group, so he decided to write a nasty little tell-all, which I think is a really low, cheap shot.”
Despite Felder’s account, Henley stands firm that he and the late Glenn Frey were responsible for the band’s longevity, not tyranny. To Henley, Felder’s bitterness overshadowed his true reasons for leaving. Although the Eagles may have lost Felder’s unique guitar style, Henley quickly filled his role with other skilled musicians. The addition of Steuart Smith, a versatile guitarist known for his range, and Vince Gill, a country legend with a knack for modernizing classic riffs, kept the Eagles’ sound sharp and authentic.
While Felder’s contributions were foundational, Henley asserts that the band’s evolution has never depended on one member. With the Eagles still going strong, Henley finds comfort in the band’s enduring success, something that seems to validate his choices along the way. For Henley, the Eagles’ journey is as much about carrying on the music as it is about leaving the past behind, even if some bruised egos never fully heal.
