Glenn Frey: Eagles Album Saved Band

Steve Kroft Interviews Members Of The Legendary Band

(CBS)  Here is a good trivia question for you: what's the biggest selling album in American history? You're probably not going to get it.

It's the Eagles' "Greatest Hits 1971-1975," which was released, ironically, a year before some of their greatest hits. Along with the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin and Garth Brooks, they are among the top five all-time best selling artists in the U.S.

As correspondent Steve Kroft reports, what's new is that three weeks ago they released their first new material in 28 years, a double album called "Long Road Out Of Eden," which opened at number one on the Billboard charts and has already gone platinum. But like everything else the Eagles have ever done, the process wasn't easy or peaceful, which is probably why you have never seen them sit down together for a television interview. Until now.

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Kroft and the 60 Minutes team met them last month at a stripped down rehearsal hall in Los Angeles. Four lead singers, with just as many styles, careers and egos, were honing the first new Eagles songs in nearly three decades, saving harmony for their music.

"There's a certain sound that we make when we sing together. That over the past 35 years has become ingrained in people's minds. And you know, I can't sound like that with anybody else except these guys," Don Henley explains.

Co-founders Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit are all pushing 60 now, and have been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for nearly a decade. There is nothing left to prove except that they can do it again, one last time.

It all began in 1971 with a smooth California sound that was part country, part rock, and an antidote to the turmoil of the late 60's. Their debut album produced three of their many hits.

Thirty-six years later, Glenn Frey and the Eagles look different, but they still sound the same. And fans line up to pay hundreds of dollars for their rare three-hour concerts.

Asked why he thinks the band is still so popular, Frey tells Kroft, "Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Desperado, Tequila Sunrise, Already Gone, Best of My Love, One of These Nights, Lying Eyes, Take It to the Limit, Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane, New Kid in Town, I Can't Tell You Why, The Long Run, Heartache Tonight."

"It was important for you guys to come up with new material and not just go out and play the old songs?" Kroft asks.

"Well weren’t gonna, we were gonna be done. We’d been the guardians of the Eagles legacy for some time now and I wouldn’t wanna have it end - you know you're just sort of doing a caricature of yourself, your just doing a tribute to yourself. We either had to fold our tent or make a record. And fortunately, and I'm so glad we did, we decided to make a record," Frey says.

There are 20 new songs crafted to fit with their body of work, and they feel comfortable and familiar. In Los Angeles, they were still learning how to play them in a drill they call the "circle of fear."

Why is it called the circle of fear?

Says Frey, "There's nowhere to hide. You like to kinda come out here and see that everybody's got it and we're all, you know, singing the right things."

"And to do that it's repetition. You have to do it over and over and over," Schmit explains.

"Yeah, just 'cause you wrote 'em don't mean you can play 'em," Walsh adds, laughing.

[j-p-adamson]

The "Long Road out of Eden," is one of the best works of recording art I''ve listened to over the ages, and will most certainly leave its mark on the pages of time, regardless of ones political view. Well produced and engaging. You have taken the Eagle''s creative voice to a higher level. Well worth the wait.

[zykracosmos]

This is the best album by any artist of any genre in the last ten years. Don''t believe me? Take the trip to Walmart or Sam''s Club and pick it up. I didn''t even know there was a new Eagles album out until I stumbled upon it while executing my wife''s shopping list a couple of weekends ago. Bought it spontaneously without having heard anything about it, and I have been playing it ever since. Here''s one for you...we played it on the hour drive to see the Police reunion concert (and all the way back). Wish I had spent the $1000 coughed up for the 4 seats at that concert for a chance to see the Eagles do this work in person. You''ll find that these tunes are easy to get stuck in your head. It has been a long, long time since that has happened to me.

[thomderr]

When my wife gets bored with the TV, she plugs in the ''Farewell 1 from Melbourne'' DVD.

They still sound as great as ever.

[cica2]

I saw the Eagles in concert last month in Los Angeles'' Nokia Theater for the "Long Road Out of Eden" tour. They were in their finest form ever. I was astonished how rich their voices were and how tight their musicianship was. They were having a great time performing together, genuinely supporting each other''s time in the spotlight and we felt their affection toward each other and toward the audience. I had the pleasure of taking my high school kids with me and they were amazed how I knew EVERY word of those songs...and my kids loved the music. The Eagles graciously played so many of their old hits so when I bought the new CD I was excited and surprised to hear how excellent the new songs are. I agree with the previous posts: the songs are catchy, engaging and will stand the test of time. This is one band that has grown better with age- a rare feat. Never thought they could improve on past performances but they have reached a new peak.

[avryan]

I''m sure they won''t talk about how their new album is only offered at Wal-mart, a corporation that has forced many companies to out source jobs and ruining local economies all over the country and the world.

I will never support or enjoy the Eagles again. BUY LOCAL

[suzeemermaid]

have you heard their new song "Waiting in the Weeds?''
I can''t wait till it becomes mainstream.
To me it is like 7 minutes of THERAPY - of any kind. To me it is pure magic.
I love it and can''t wait to hear the feedback from others who also "get it".
thanks Guys for the new Album!!
love Suzee Mermaid

[lkingman-2009]

To answer 60 Minute''s question "is it about the money" ...

Either the Eagles are minimally conscious with respect to Wal Mart, or it is of course, preponderously, the money. They want to show they can still play? Great. But they didn''t have to do it through Wal Mart. No class at all.

You lost us at Wal Mart.

[lumber009]

I HAVE BEEN AN EAGLES FAN FOR YEARS. HAVE SEEN THEM IN CONCERT WHEN THEY WERE TOURING THEIR 1ST ALBUM AND TIMES SINCE. NOBOBY AND I MEAN NOBODY CAN TOUCH THEM.
FREY AND HENLEY ARE THE MOST CREATIVE SONGWRITERS EVER.
SO THEY WENT THRU WALMART FOR THIS ALBUM. BIG DEAL
SMART BUSINESS WITH THE NO. 1 RETAILER.
ALL NEGATIVE COMMENTS ARE JUST SOUR GRAPES

THE EAGLES ARE THE G R E A T E S T

[lkingman-2009]

nice caps

[lkingman-2009]

OK. Sorry about the "caps" remark.

But really, why couldn''t they have shown a little more taste? I''m a baby boomer. Very likely I was listening to them before you. I ask this for real.

If it''s really about the music, about their place, etc., not the money as they say because, according to the 60 minutes piece, they had too much money actually (rewind & play), why choose the most thuggish, aggressive, greedy outlet possible to market it?

If ever there were a group financially disinterested enough as they claim to be, this is a group which could have made an example of a Web release. At least something??? in between.

But Wal Mart? That''s just tacky. If they didn''t need the money why''d they do it then?

Savvy business decision? Sweat shops in China a la Wal Mart.

How about a savvy human, artistic decision?

[missut2]

Do any of you EVER read the articles before posting or do you just not understand what you are reading?

"The business of trying to market their new album within a dying record industry, presented all sorts of challenges. It''s hard now even to find a record store, and copyright infringement and online piracy seem to be unstoppable.
So the Eagles decided to press their own records, and signed an exclusive distribution deal with the nation''s largest music retailer, Wal-Mart. The chain agreed to buy three million copies directly from the band, sell the double set album for the bargain-basement price of $11.88, and spend tens of millions of dollars to promote it."

The Eagles went to Wal-Mart to promote and distribute their album...Wal-Mart did nothing wrong...neither did the Eagles. Let''s see you go anywhere else in America and buy a double-set CD for less than $20...

This is about the Eagles, the greatest band ever...not about Wal-Mart...please try to stay on topic.
"Seven Bridges Road" is still my favorite Eagles song.....

[missut2]

Savvy business decision? Sweat shops in China a la Wal Mart.
How about a savvy human, artistic decision?

-----------------------------------------------
Posted by lkingman at 11:08 PM : Nov 25, 2007
********************

You are joking, aren''t you??? You think Wal-Mart is the only retailer that offers merchandise made in China? If you''re the name-brand type, more than likely, it was made in China for 10-15 times less than what you are paying for it....Tommy shirt made in China for less than $2.50 and you and your ilk run to your local Macy''s or boutique and shell out $60-$100 for that shirt...SMART! Check out some of your favorite brands and see where the trail leads...Wal-Mart looks *** good to me...saves me a lot of money on the everyday needs of my family. If you choose to spend more for these same things, that''s YOUR problem, not Wal-Mart''s!

[red164]

LED ZEPPELIN 02 LONDON DEC 10, 2007

EAGLES LOVE THE BAND 1994 HELL FREEZES OVER
AWESOME SHOW SD STADIUM

WALL MART SUXS BEEN THERE A COUPLE TIMES EVEN BOUGHT A NICE PATIO SET FROM THERE BUT THE STORE IS GROSS PERIOD.....

[cica2]

Regarding the WalMart protesters: why don''t you do what I did and order your CD online directly from the Eagles'' own website if it is so distasteful to you to shop at WalMart. No ''local''store or business has it''s hands clean when it comes to manufactured goods nor is there any ''pure'' business providing consumables for the general population so it is pretty hypocritical to chastise the Eagles for making a business decision with WalMart. The record industry is a different animal today with Lime Wire, Napster, Itunes, etc. Good for them to come up with an intriguing and, frankly, smart way to do business and maintain some control over their product. Sorry you won''t be enjoying the Eagles- I sure will.

[edward1975-2009]

Eagles aren''t the first band or artist to let Walmart handle their material exclusively. They are by far the best band that America has ever produced. And These guys don''t need the money. A song I wish they had put on this, was a tune called " Whole In The World". They wrote the song the night of 9/11.

[lkingman-2009]

Really touches a nerve, apparently.

What does the subject of other "artists" having gone through Wal Mart, have to do with this? Is this the "they''re no worse than the other guys" defense? Is that the best we can come up with for the Eagles?

The point is, if they didn''t do it for the money, if they don''t need the money as they say in the piece, then why could they not make a greater statement, and deliver their new work independently? Or at least through a respectable retailer?

That''s all I asked. Citing what other bands have done is just distraction.

Following a long, successful career, they have a chance few will ever enjoy, and it''s just sad they chose the Wal Mart path. That''s all I said. Don''t make more of it than this.

[aiki5]

Holly Cow! What an album. Each song is a trade mark of the individual sounds that each member contributes to this band. Each part of each individual that will make this band whole. Here is a band that has stepped up so wonderfully with their music about US in America and in doing so - they make it affordable to enjoy both at the counter and on stage. I''ve been a fan since day one - been to the concerts. My kids grew up listening to the sound. Their music has now crossed generations. I haven''t run into many people yet that has not gotten their copy and it is the one with the recycled paper. I wonder what type of copy those same people whom complain will have and what rights they will infringe to abtain it. Perhaps the pot calling the kettle.

[oeangus]

LOL Floyd, the Doobies had - what? - one year of popularity?

The Doobies. LOL...

[oeangus]

Regarding the WalMart protesters: why don''''t you do what I did and order your CD online directly from the Eagles'''' own website if it is so distasteful to you to shop at WalMart. - Posted by cica2

Problem solved. Some good advice for you, Ikingman ;)

[pacfandave]

Great interview, but missed asking the big question: What''s the story on the summary dismissal of Don Felder, lead guitarist brought on board with Joe Walsh? Between the two, I believe Joe had the creative edge, but Don was clearly the more technical.
The Eagles'' ditching Don wasn''t as catastrophic as Journey''s ditching of Steve Perry, but it was much worse than Chicago''s loss of Peter Cetera. They just aren''t as relevant to me without him.

[oeangus]

pacfandave - This is a bit of info flating around the internet. Apparently, Felder was more interested in writing new material, while the rest of the group was happy touring and singing their old stuff... all arounf the time of their Farewell 1 tour (DVD of concert in Melbourne is FANTASTIC!).

[hwy71so]

Is this about the Eagles or Wal Mart? I''m lost.

The Eagles have been the best American Rock band since they formed.

Wal Mart has been there for the "little man" who couldn''t afford or find what he needed when he needed it. I can''t believe folks actually begrudge Wal Mart their prosperity. These same people who make 6 figures a year and wouldn''t take less... HYPOCRITES.

[bobmclearen]

I''m glad that the Eagles have roosted again. Next, I would like to see a story about the Dave Clark Five and the reason that their music is not available on CD''s, or elsewhere for that matter.

[excoachken]

Watching them last night on 60 Minutes, they reminded me of any couple that had benn married for 36 years, sweet music when the work together, bt some rough spots when they start thinking selfishly. The only difference is these guys come in a 4-Pack, each with a 6-Pack.

[omega39-2009]

and if you want Genius in American Music listen to Steely Dan.

*puke*

[barbaraf4]

Pure bliss! All "story songs". None of the trash that is being recorded today!

[oeangus]

oeangus, you have to be kidding?! The Eagles farewell tour sucked! Hell Freezes Over was much better and they had to practice their brains out to pull that off. I''''m telling you, the Doobies are MUCH better and if you want Genius in American Music listen to Steely Dan. - Posted by FloydZepp

Okay, you went from comparing the Eagles to a group that was popular for a few brief years - the Doobies - to comparing them to a band that had one hit!

Thanks for the Felder info. And like I said, the Eagles Farewell 1 Tour DVD is dynamite! Can''t understand why you''d think otherwise, unless it''s because you haven''t watched it.

[oeangus]

Next, I would like to see a story about the Dave Clark Five and the reason that their music is not available on CD''''s, or elsewhere for that matter. - Posted by bobmclearen

Try this link:

www.dave-clark-five:and-some-of-us-are-even-still-alive!

;)

[adventurepa]

What a great interview last night.
I stopped what I was doing to watch the Eagles interview and even turned up the surround sound.
Great job CBS and 60 minutes.

[olebd]

A true band of super talented, real musicians. Listen how much more sophisticated and intricate their music and lyrics are compared to what new bands and artists are putting out today. This is quality.

[olebd]

Steely Dan was/is awesome as well. Michael McDonald was in Steely Dan in the early years providing background vocals and toured with them in 2006. That was a great show. Michael sang many if not all of the hits he had with The Doobie Bros.

[oeangus]

oeangus, you obviously have no musical skills or ear if you think the Eagles are better musically than *****/Becker. - Posted by FloydZepp

Floyd, I''m glad you''re a big fan of whoever. But I''m guessing if we all held a Best Band poll, 9 out of 10 people would place the Eagles much higher on the list than the Doobies. And I question if Steely Dan would even crack the top 100. I mean, it''s nice to be a social rebel, and to go against grain and all, but c''mon... at some point reality and the facts do play a part in determining what''s what. The Eagles are poplular because they''re terrific. You think a new Doobies or Steely Dan album would get any national media attention whatsoever?

[antoniof123]

Posted by FloydZepp at 06:09 AM : Nov 26, 2007

The Eagles are a great band but for my money Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin are by and far much better but that is a matter of personal opinion on my part. That is the era that I grew up in so maybe I do know something about them too.

The Super bands were real musicians they could read and write music unlike todays who can''t read or write and all they really do is swear and dance on stage.

So the Eagles are back great I like them and have seen them many times over the years and I probably will again if they come here.

[evadk-2009]

From the article: Co-founders Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit are all pushing 60 now, ...
_______________
CBS/60 Minutes must not have a Rock ''n'' Roll fact-checker. The original band members were Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Henley, with Henley being the last addition to the "original" group.

I''ve liked all of the various manifestations of the group, but the first mix was my favorite if I had to pick one. I do think Joe Walsh was a particularly cool addition. They''re all cool with me.

[charlienys]

does anyone know if CBS will be replaying the interview with the Eagles anytime???

[rebeccabrow1]

The return on the $11.88 that I spent at Wal-Mart was pure pleasure! The Eagles ARE the greatest American band! I can only compare them to the Beatles but then they weren''t American. Kudos to the Eagles and Wal-Mart for putting the CD out there at an affordable price for the working American. Love the CD, love the Eagles!

[klawkat]

Steely Dan was/is not a ''band'' but two musicians-Walter Becker and Donald *****-with pick-up session players. They couldn''t tour as they were unable to reproduce the ''studio'' sound until very recently. As for the Doobies, basically, it was Michael McDonald for me. If he sang lead (Takin'' It To The Streets, What A Fool Believes),I loved it. If not, Doobies just average. For me, the Eagles, along with the Allman Brothers and Earth,Wind and Fire are the great AMERICAN bands of all time.

I give the Eagles a lot of credit for there accomplishment. Theres just not a lot of bands out there willing to do what they have, are even try these days. Bob Dylan once said its been a long time since anybody came out with some real music, music that has some real meaning to it and sounds good.

[denn034]

I''ve got that album. It''s great and the Eagles are great as well. Go Eagles.

[steeplejack3]

I only read the article and did not see the video but it seemed that Kroft, for all the acimony talk, never asked about Don Felder and the reasons he was "excused" from the band.
BTW...Chevy Chase was the first drummer for Steely Dan...that and 50 cents gets ya nothing. An indiosyncratic musical experiment that is talented but great? I don''t think so.
Essentially, the Eagles are like fast food...pleasant,popular but not much nutrician...Henley alone is deeper. Having been gone 14 years, now it seems they are everywhere. Saying that there Farewell Tour I gave them permission to have Farwell Tour XXVI or whatever is bogus and a tad silly.

[erichsh]

Don McLean identified a single point in time in "American Pie" when he sang about "the day the music died". I''m referring, of course, to August 1, 1981, the day that MTV went on the air, the day that "Video Killed The Radio Star". Ironically, sadly, and prophetically, that Buggles song was among the videos aired that fateful day. I remember at the time how put off I was with the sheer, unadulterated *** that all of a sudden replaced the great 70''s bands - a pattern that has only gotten worse since 1981. Genuine musicians were all of a sudden replaced with good-looking, dancing clowns for the videos - and today, they don''t even pretend to dance, sing, or play an instrument - just look nasty and spout out a string of expletives. It only makes me more proud of the music from my 70''s roots - Eagles, Boston, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zep, etc. I can''t think of a single band founded in the 80''s or 90''s that still instills passion and retains the avid following that so many of the 70''s bands still have.

[mightyfee]

Won''t buy the CD, won''t see them in concert, even though I can afford it. The prices these vultures charge for live performances are inexcusable, and the fact that they''ve signed an exclusive distribution deal with union-busting, poisonous Chinese junk-peddling Wal-Mart is despicable. The Eagles'' collective social conscience is on a par with that of Grover Norquist, Henley''s precious Walden posturing notwithstanding. They are arguably among the most talented songwriters America has ever produced, and their greed, egotism, callousness toward their audience, and complete lack of concern about the condition of the country makes me shut them off whenever they''re on my radio, despite how much I idolized them growing up.

Donny boy, you''re no Jackson Browne . . .

[katchef]

Bought the CD and I''m thrilled. What I was disappointed about in the interview was that Steve never got on to the music. This is, as I have explained to my son, his first protest album. Those of you who are under thirty (I''m over 40 and counting)and trying to wrap your head around the Wal-Mart thing, grow up. It was a great delivery device for a message. But, it is a long road out of Eden.....

[devinsbuddy]

It''s been too long since their last album! Their latest makes this 60+ year old feel eo much younger. Right now they have total control of my iPod. Thanks for the interview!

[cattlekate]

"Co-founders Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit" Please correct this.

Joe Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon in 1976, probably partially as a result of Bernie hooking up with Patti Davis and letting her say she was a co-author of I Wish You Peace. Eventho Ronnie''s daughter was pretty and cool, she still was Ronnie''s daughter.

Timothy B. Schmit replaced Randy Meisner after Randy collaborated on the Eagle''s greatest album, Hotel California. It may have been due to Randy becoming too religious.

The founders of the band were Don, Glenn, Randy, and Bernie. They sang back up to Linda Ronstadt prior to splitting off and creating their unique LA-country-rock sound.

The greatest guitarist the Eagles had, Don Felder, joined in 1974 as a slide guitarist, and wrote the music to the Eagles'' greatest song, Hotel California, which Don and Glenn originally didn''t like and thought was too Mexican. Don was cruelly fired in 2001 and it was the Eagles'' loss.

[cattlekate]

Now back to the cutest guy the band ever had - Timmeh.

He not only replaced Randy in the Eagles, he had also replaced Randy in Poco. He also did backup for Linda as well.

Timmeh''s sweet falsetto voice quickly got Poco airplay on top-40 stations, altho Poco was drifting back and forth between a Flying Burrito Brothers kinda bluegrass-country sound, and a more ballady-country rock sound.

Timmeh''s long hair added a rockish look to the band, and he helped the band produce a more-top-40 album, probably Poco''s best, Crazy Eyes, with Gram Parson''s long and haunting ballad, Crazy Eyes, and JJ Cale''s breath-catchingly-beautful Magnolia.

Gesus CBS - dont you have any post-fifty Eagles & Poco groupies on your staff?

[cattlekate]

From the mid 1970s to now, the only time Timmeh wacked off his hair was in the early eighties. That was so sad. Perhaps he gave it to a wigs for cancer place.

In 1984, he released Playin It Cool, which gave a song, So Much In Love, to Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

The album had a few goofy songs on it, but did have Tell Me What You Dream, probably one of the greatest ballads ever written. It got little airplay, at least until Restless Heart did a cover.

Restless Heart''s version was blah. Timmy''s was so nice and dreamy. Occasionally you will hear it on Safeway''s mix, as you wheel your cart down the frozen foods section.

[cattlekate]

Just to make it clear: The founders of the band were Don, Glenn, Randy, and Bernie.

CBS - don''t be like FAUX News and try to rewrite history. Some of us are still around and remember the good ol'' days.

PS Ericsh - you are so right! Do you remember the horror you felt when MTV insisted Ann Wilson''s image be stretched out, so she wouldn''t look so fat, on the videos from Alone? That was a travesty.

[mightyfee]

I''m not quite sure what the "message" is that "The Wal-Mart thing" delivers. The Eagles (and some of their fans, apparently) want us to "get over" out petty gripes about this and that, gripes which they can''t voice because they are mega-millionaires. Those millions were built to a large extebnt on the backs of many epople who can no longer afford to see them live because of the ridiculous ticket prices they demand.

Besides, what do these guys have to "protest" about? They want more tax cuts maybe?

[allisonxb-2009]

I just wonder how Ed BradlEy would have done with this exceptional group. Sure miss his STYLE !!!