Although band members deny the comparison, The Eagles were once dubbed “The Beatles of America” when they first hit the music scene. While this might seem like an audacious claim, their rapid rise to fame and ability to bring country rock into the mainstream mirrors how the Fab Four revolutionized music with their boundary-pushing sound.
From the moment their debut album Eagles got released, it was evident that the band’s music would have a long-term influence. Even decades after their initial breakthrough, their impact remains strong as they sell out venues on their final tour.
Glenn Frey became acutely aware of this enduring legacy following the band’s 1980 breakup. Despite no longer creating music together, their songs continued to thrive and touch the hearts of many.
“While the band did break up in 1980, our music continued without us,” Frey once reflected. “It became increasingly apparent to me that, no matter where I went or what I did, for the rest of my life, I would always be an Eagle.”
One of the key reasons behind their lasting success was their musical evolution. The Eagles were not confined to a single genre, instead seamlessly blending elements of rock and country to offer something new with each album. The arrival of Don Felder in the band further pushed their sound, adding a harder rock edge to their country roots.
This shift became especially noticeable on Hotel California, where Felder’s influence was undeniable. Tracks like “Life In The Fast Lane” showcased the band’s heavier side, earning praise from rock icons like Slash, who lauded the song’s “killer” riff.
Frey himself acknowledged the pivotal role Felder played in their growth. “Since we got Felder in the band, we’ve had a much better second half—the rock ‘n’ roll half—in our shows,” he said. “The softer part, the vocal-harmony part, was always strong, but Felder nails down the harder stuff.”
He even compared Felder to legendary guitarist Duane Allman, noting, “When Felder plays slide, he drives the band, and the whole thing revolves around him. He’s like Duane Allman: he drives the band on certain songs.”
The Eagles’ legacy lives on, not only in their chart-topping hits but also in the ways they shaped country rock and influenced generations of artists to come.
