The Eagles' Live Legacy: A Review of 'Eagles Live'
The Eagles' 1980 live album, 'Eagles Live', is a fascinating yet tumultuous journey through the band's history. Released on November 7, 1980, it captures the group's sweet harmonies and intertwined guitars, but also reveals the internal strife that plagued them. The album's creation was a result of the band's messy breakup just months prior, with tensions high and a deadline looming.
The story begins with the Eagles' relentless pursuit of perfection on their previous album, 'The Long Run', which took 18 months and five studios to complete. This attention to detail, however, led to a bitter falling out between band members Glenn Frey and Don Felder, who came close to physical violence in Long Beach on July 31, 1980. Despite their issues, the Eagles were contractually obligated to deliver another album to their label. The result was 'Eagles Live', a live album pieced together by a band in disarray.
The album's creation process was chaotic, with band members quarreling and sending tapes back and forth across the country. This led to a self-conscious approach, with endless overdubs and a focus on preserving the band's legacy rather than embracing the moment. The only new song, a cover of Steve Young's 'Seven Bridges Road', was an afterthought, and the inclusion of Joe Walsh's solo material only added to the album's superfluous nature.
Despite the band's internal struggles, 'Eagles Live' became a commercial success, reaching number 6 on the charts and earning seven times platinum status. However, the album's title was a stark reminder of the band's current state - they were far from 'live' and 'well'. The album's liner notes, with five different lawyers thanked, further emphasized the band's disunity.
'Eagles Live' is a testament to the band's ability to create music despite their personal conflicts. It showcases the band's musical prowess and the enduring appeal of their sound, even in the face of turmoil. Despite its flaws, the album remains a significant moment in the band's history and a reminder of the power of music to transcend personal struggles.
