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DonFan
02-02-2007, 05:48 PM
Don had an article to print in The Desert Sun today:

When Don Henley read what the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' MusiCares Foundation had to say about him, he cringed.
Selected as the organization's 2007 Person of the Year, he thought, "If that don't say you're old... ," he says with a laugh from his recording studio in Malibu. But the reason for the award, to raise money for musicians who need medical care and can't afford it, touches a nerve.

"A lot of these guys have nothing," he says. On Feb. 9, he'll headline the MusiCares gala in Los Angeles.

But Henley has worked hard for his success since he was a kid growing up in Texas. If he wanted to, he could certainly rest on his past accomplishments.

Every album he's ever recorded, either as a member of The Eagles or as a solo artist, has gone multi-platinum. Since The Eagles re-grouped in 1994, he's either hit the road with the band (they played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in 2005) or toured solo. On Saturday he'll perform at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.

As part of the American front charged with breaking the British Invasion stranglehold over the Billboard charts, The Eagles were labeled "country rock" when they made it big. But as a true Texan, Henley resents being pigeonholed.

"They had to smack a label on us," he says of record company execs and music writers who still like to put musicians in a box.

But Henley and his bandmates fooled 'em. And as The Eagles' music evolved and matured, so did the strain on the band of having to put out the mandatory album per year and the accompanying tour to promote the record, not to mention the growing personnel differences between them.

By the early '80s, The Eagles imploded and Henley struck out on his own. Freedom. The freedom to write and record his own music and to collaborate with other musicians.

As for the future, Henley and the other Eagles are working on a new disc to be released (hopefully) in late spring. And there's his own next solo album. But that may not hit the stores for a while.

"My contract says I owe Warner Bros. two more records," he says.

"Let's just say I'm just glad I started in this business when I did."

DonFan
02-02-2007, 06:04 PM
And, this interview from Don printed in Billboard:

February 02, 2007, 10:20 AM ET

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003541201#/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003541201

Freypower
02-02-2007, 06:12 PM
Thanks for those DF. I love the 'we need somebody to do something' line. I think that song will be on the album. It's interesting that it's 'as yet untitled'. Maybe they have ditched 'The Long Road To Eden'.

DonFan
02-02-2007, 06:29 PM
I love this line about Walmart:

"They can't be any more evil than a major record label, that's the way I look at it. "

That is pure Don. :wink:

Brooke
02-03-2007, 11:52 AM
I like the "do something" line. I think that song will now be on the new album. At least it's a great hint! :D

timfan
02-04-2007, 03:46 PM
The hint of "Do Something' is a great omen as far as i can see..that this song will be on the album and that the Eagles are really going to get the album finished this time! :D

DonFan
02-04-2007, 06:06 PM
Okay, Don played Palm Springs last night and I just read a review from someone who attended. The reviewer said he was in great voice, and also posted this about the show:

Don dedicated “New York Minute” to both Super Bowl teams and people who bid on them.
After “Hotel California”, Don said the song won a Grammy 30 years ago, so they ask him to present the award this year. Don said they ask him if he’d like to present the award with Scarlett Johansson or Gwen Stefani, Don said something like “why not both?”…


That's my guy, all right! :wink:

sodascouts
02-04-2007, 06:09 PM
lol! You go, Don. ;)

Maleah
02-05-2007, 12:32 PM
:laugh: One of my favorite things about Don is how witty he is lol

DonFan
02-06-2007, 01:41 PM
Another really good interview with Don:
(It's long, but worth it! Finally, a writer who did his homework!)

Don Henley on war, peace and Wal-Mart (http://articles.latimes.com/2007/feb/06/entertainment/et-henley6)
The singer-songwriter sees no conflict with the Eagles' Wal-Mart deal. 'This is the world we live in.'
By Geoff Boucher, LA Times Staff Writer
February 6, 2007

sodascouts
02-06-2007, 02:01 PM
The part about his daughter was so cute! As for Walmart justification... well... no comment, lol. But at least Walmart's deadline seems to have kicked them into gear.

DonFan
02-06-2007, 04:09 PM
This article is just full of great quotes. I love the description of Don as "a maverick and rock's most cerebral grump." The line that says "It's not that Henley isn't funny, it's just that people are so accumstomed to his serious mode that the jokes can slip by," is great too. He really is funny sometimes, but some people just don't "get" him. :D

I'm not too happy to hear him saying that they only have "one more world tour" in them, then they may just ride off into that old sunset, however. Hopefully the fans can change their minds on that one.

I know how he feels about helping his daughter with her language homework--as a parent who is often called upon to help her 14-yr-old daughter with her Spanish, I feel equally useless. I also know how he feels about the legal pads--I take all my notes on legal pads when I am working, and sometimes I don't want to see them, either!

Still, a good interview all around. And I know he will be happy when the hot water heater is fixed :wink: . As a very astute person posted on another site, knowing Don's past as we do, I bet he isn't very accustomed to taking cold showers! 8)

glenneaglesfan
02-06-2007, 05:13 PM
Thanks for posting that, DF, it's a great article.

I agree totally with the language problem - both of my sons studied German, but I did French, so I've been no help at all.

timfan
02-06-2007, 06:31 PM
Thanks DF for finding and posting that! It really looks like the album is happening! yay!! :band:

In terms of the "one more world tour", I was not to happy to read that either. But.. these guys have been known to stretch the one tour over a few years (remember Farewell 1). So... we may not be done with them yet! :D and we also need to remember after the HFO tour they said they were done and here they are all these years later.

With the Eagles I have learned never say never! :wink:

DonFan
02-06-2007, 06:52 PM
With the Eagles I have learned never say never! :wink:

Amen to that, timfan!

DonFan
03-07-2007, 12:06 PM
Thanks to this Google Alert from the Dallas News, we know what Don was up to this weekend.
Dang, these lush birthday parties are quite the rage these days! Wish I had some extra $$$ lying around so I could afford a gig like this!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pickens' Vegas bash had it all (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-peppard_0307gl.ART.State.Edition1.4453cf2.html)

12:00 AM CST on Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Alan Peppard apeppard@dallasnews.com

glenneaglesfan
03-07-2007, 03:44 PM
That's a great find, DF, thanks for posting it. When one of us wins the lottery we'll organise a bash like that! How cool that Don donated his fee to the Walden Woods project.

sodascouts
03-07-2007, 10:10 PM
This kind of thing makes me more jealous of rich people than those nice cars, jewels, homes, or buckets of bling that I see on "The Fabulous Life"!

Ive always been a dreamer
03-07-2007, 10:33 PM
No kidding! Hmmm - I think I'll get Don to play at my next birthday party. All of you are invited. However, I have to warn you that I'll have to charge each of you a pretty steep cover of around $25. That should help raise enough so that we can make a generous $250 donation to Walden Woods. :D :D :D

DonFan
03-13-2007, 07:40 AM
Just when I was wondering when Reba's new album would be ready so I could hear her collaboration with Don, I read this:

Bob Seger's New Album "Like a Rock" hits airwaves

MUSICALLY, "Like a Rock" is an across-the-board venture, with Seger and the core of the Silver Bullet Band -- saxophonist Alto Reed, bassist Chris Campbell, keyboardist Craig Frost and backup singer Shaun Murphy -- using a variety of session notables (including keyboardist Bill Payne, drummer Russ Kunkel, guitarist Rick Vito), a full horn section and guests such as Don Henley and the Weather Girls to custom tailor the sound of each song.

Freypower
03-13-2007, 08:15 PM
Sorry, I don't understand that. Like A Rock was released about 1985. Bob Seger's new album is called Face The Promise and Don is not on it. He may well have been on Like A Rock, but I never bought the album on CD.

DonFan
03-13-2007, 11:16 PM
Well, then I don't understand it either. This was a Google alert I received March 12. Why they are reporting old news, I don't know, but it does make me want to go buy Like A Rock.

sodascouts
03-13-2007, 11:19 PM
Hmm, weird that Google news alert is putting out "old news" - perhaps there's a rerelease! I do have Like a Rock - it's a great album.

DonFan
03-14-2007, 12:09 AM
I think I'll get Don to play at my next birthday party. All of you are invited. However, I have to warn you that I'll have to charge each of you a pretty steep cover of around $25. That should help raise enough so that we can make a generous $250 donation to Walden Woods. :D :D :D

BTW, Dreamer, I meant to tell you--just let me know whenever you want me to pony up that $25 donation for your party! :wink:

Ive always been a dreamer
03-14-2007, 12:54 AM
BTW, Dreamer, I meant to tell you--just let me know whenever you want me to pony up that $25 donation for your party! :wink:

Okay DF - I'll keep you posted. As you know, I can't get a committment on the date until after the tour schedule is finalized. :wink:

SweetHolly
03-16-2007, 02:15 AM
No kidding! Hmmm - I think I'll get Don to play at my next birthday party. All of you are invited. However, I have to warn you that I'll have to charge each of you a pretty steep cover of around $25. That should help raise enough so that we can make a generous $250 donation to Walden Woods. :D :D :D
It would be worth it. I'll be having the Don perform at my next birthday. And no one who insults the Don will be allowed to be in Don Henley town on August 28, 2007 for my party :evil:. Y'all are invited too.

DonFan
03-16-2007, 10:09 AM
Thanks, SH--count me in! :wink:

SweetHolly
03-16-2007, 04:28 PM
Thanks, SH--count me in! :wink:
You're welcome! :wink:

DonFan
03-19-2007, 11:38 PM
Reuters had an article about Bob Seger on tour today, with a little mention about Don:

"I've been messing a little bit writing songs... in the dressing room," Seger notes, "'cause I've got a lot of time between soundcheck and the show. There's two songs I really like that are left over from the last bunch, and I'm trying to re-write them."

Among those is a track called "Outland" which he's been working on since 1997 and, according to Seger, is desperately in need of a bridge section. "Worst case scenario," he says, "I'm gonna send it to somebody (like the Eagles' Don) Henley or somebody -- 'Write me a damn bridge, will you?! I've been working on this for 10 years!'"

Reuters/Billboard

(Don't know why he wants to send the song to Don to finish...guess he knows Don, Glenn and the rest of the guys know what it's like to take 10 or more years to finish a song! :twisted: :wink: )

SweetHolly
03-19-2007, 11:47 PM
Reuters had an article about Bob Seger on tour today, with a little mention about Don:

"I've been messing a little bit writing songs... in the dressing room," Seger notes, "'cause I've got a lot of time between soundcheck and the show. There's two songs I really like that are left over from the last bunch, and I'm trying to re-write them."

Among those is a track called "Outland" which he's been working on since 1997 and, according to Seger, is desperately in need of a bridge section. "Worst case scenario," he says, "I'm gonna send it to somebody (like the Eagles' Don) Henley or somebody -- 'Write me a damn bridge, will you?! I've been working on this for 10 years!'"

Reuters/Billboard

(Don't know why he wants to send the song to Don to finish...guess he knows Don, Glenn and the rest of the guys know what it's like to take 10 or more years to finish a song! :twisted: :wink: )
Cool. Thanks for sharing. It'll probably never get finished if Bob sends it to the Don. :twisted:

glenneaglesfan
03-20-2007, 04:18 PM
That's rather cool that Bob Seger cites Don as someone to call upon when the muse is lacking. It's nice to know that these guys give each other credit. Thanks, df!

Ive always been a dreamer
03-21-2007, 08:10 PM
That is a great compliment from Seger. But, I'm with you all, Don and the guys are rather busy at the moment. Besides speedy songwriting is not exactly their forte. :wink:

SweetHolly
03-21-2007, 11:50 PM
That is a great compliment from Seger. But, I'm with you all, Don and the guys are rather busy at the moment. Besides speedy songwriting is not exactly their forte. :wink:

Yup. :wink:

Maleah
04-24-2007, 01:05 AM
For those interested, it looks like Don will be performing at an event by the Shoah Foundation

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070423006198&newsLang=en

sodascouts
04-24-2007, 08:22 AM
Thanks for posting the news. Anybody going? ;)

DonFan
04-30-2007, 11:56 AM
Looks like we will be treated to several tell-all books dealing with the recording industry in the next few months. Everyone has read news blurbs about Don Felder's upcoming book, and now we have Warren Zevon's memoir.

Don and Warren Zevon were friends for years, and Don sang on Warren's tribute album, "Enjoy Every Sandwich." Warren ex-wife, Crystal, has just published his memoir written mostly from his diaries, and this showed up in a review of the book, called "I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead":

--------------------------------------------------
The lack of show-business artifice is precisely what makes the Zevon story so telling. What was even more unusual than his dark thoughts — like resenting the fact that Jackson Browne and Neil Young had lost people close to them and written beautiful, much-admired songs about those deaths — was his willingness to admit to those thoughts. On his deathbed, discussing the merits of having a funeral, he said, “I just don’t want to have to spend my last days wondering whether Henley” — Don Henley of the Eagles, who did not attend — “will show up.”

---------------------------------------------------

Ouch.

Ive always been a dreamer
04-30-2007, 01:33 PM
Thanks for that article DF. But, you hit the nail on the head here - OUCH is right.

sodascouts
04-30-2007, 04:29 PM
Dang, that's harsh.

I read a similar article discussing Zevon's biography. I have some of his albums and admired how sharp he was, but it seems the life he led wasn't very fulfilling, at least in terms of personal relationships. I guess it's true what they say- sometimes the guy who jokes the most is the one who's hiding the most pain. That DVD he made before his death made me cry, as did the song "Keep Me in Your Heart for a While."

As far as the Felder book goes, I think I'll reserve judgment until I read it. I wonder if part of the settlement wasn't something to the effect of "You can write your book, but you have to leave out [dirty secrets x, y, and z]."

Freypower
04-30-2007, 08:14 PM
Much as I admired Zevon as a singer-songwriter, as a person it sounds like he was similar to Van Morrison, i.e. extremely difficult to deal with. :?

glenneaglesfan
05-02-2007, 03:16 AM
It sounds as if he must have had quite a tortured soul. I hadn't realised. As for the Felder book, I think it will be 'interesting' - I just hope that he doesn't let bitterness get in the way of the truth.

DonFan
05-05-2007, 03:49 PM
A little tidbit from the nzherald, referencing the Boys of Summer:

"What do Don Henley and LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy have in common? Cary Grant and Deborah Harry? Princess Diana and Bret Easton Ellis? They have all contributed to the iconic status of a pair of heavy, angular sunglasses that were invented in 1952, worn by movie icons in that era and then revived by rockers in the late 1970s, and the Hollywood brat pack in the 1980s. Now, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer is about to have an almighty comeback."


Ahhh...Don in Wayfarers...it doesn't get much cooler than that. 8)

DonFan
06-09-2007, 09:28 AM
Here is a pre-show interview with Don before his Borgata performances. I'm still surfing the net for reviews.

BUT--he has announced that the new Eagles album will be out on October 30--my birthday--and Timothy's! What a great birthday present that will be!
-------------------------------------------------------------

Eagles superstar Don Henley brings solo act to Borgata
Flying Solo
By ERIC FINE For At The Shore, Thur, June 7, 2007

Don Henley has much more in common with Paul McCartney than Ringo Starr. Unlike many musicians who leave a well-known band, Henley boasts enough solo material to fill a “greatest hits” collection. He’s no more stuck with “Hotel California” than McCartney is with “Let It Be.”

Henley was one of four musicians who founded the Eagles in 1971 after backing Linda Ronstadt on her album “Silk Purse.” His first solo album, “I Can’t Stand Still,” included the single “Dirty Laundry”; the same year, Henley and Stevie Nicks recorded the hit “Leather and Lace.”

His 1984 album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” featured “The Boys of Summer,” which peaked at No. 5 on the charts. The Grammy winner’s other hits include “The End of the Innocence,” “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” and “Sunset Grill.”
Henley, performing Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, at Borgata, answered a variety of questions that touched on his career, politics and the record industry.

Q: What’s a Don Henley concert like?

A: I have an extraordinary band, some of whom have been with me for over 20 years — very talented and versatile musicians. Most of them have the ability to play a variety of instruments, and they’re good singers, too. Just as importantly, they’re all intelligent, interesting people, and they have great senses of humor. We all get along really well, and that’s just as important as the talent. When choosing songs for any given show, I will often consult the band — ask them what they think we ought to play.
We have a very extensive repertoire, and we try to play what we think people would want to hear. Plus, we like to throw in a couple of out-of-the-ordinary selections to give the fans a little something different and to keep us on our toes, too. In my solo shows, I don’t normally play drums. People see me do that in the Eagles, and I like to keep at least some contrast between my two careers. So, in my solo shows, I usually play guitar and sing.


Q: Looking back, how difficult was the transition between playing drums in a supergroup and playing the part of a frontman in your own band?

A: I have talked about this extensively in the past. It wasn’t easy. It took me a few years to adjust to the change. But now, after about 22 years of touring in a solo capacity, I think I’ve got it down. Also, as the fans already know, since the Eagles reunited in 1994, I don’t solely play drums in those shows, either.


Q: How does your personal approach differ from the Eagles?

A: There’s less drama.


Q: In this day and age, how strong is the relationship between politics and pop?

A: Well, I suppose that would depend on how you would define pop music. Obviously, some musicians are interested in politics, but many aren’t. The same could be said of politicians — some of them are interested in music and in the music business, and others couldn’t care less. Speaking as a musician who has been around the block a few times, I think it’s really a shame that more musicians, singers, songwriters and their managers don’t take a more active role in government affairs. Because what goes on in Washington, D.C. — and even in certain state capitals such as Sacramento, Nashville and Albany — has enormous bearing on musicians, their rights (and) their livelihoods. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons — many of which are illogical — musicians on the whole are not well organized nor sufficiently informed and engaged in the political process. Therefore, they’re always getting screwed and then wondering why.”


Q: Do you hold out hope for the record industry?

A: The record industry, as we have known it, is pretty much over. There will be a painful period of transition, which has already begun. I don’t think that anybody really knows how things will end up. The digital age has proved to be both a blessing and a curse. Those who didn’t get on the train in time are paying a big price now. Everybody’s trying to play catch-up, including the government. It’s the Wild West — the lawless frontier all over again.


Q: As a young musician, who were some of your influences?

A: My musical influences were all over the map. Drummers ranging from Gene Krupa to Ginger Baker to Al Jackson to Russ Kunkel. Songwriters almost too numerous to mention — but to name a few: Stephen Foster, Lennon and McCartney, Hank Williams, Cindy Walker, Randy Newman, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, Joni Mitchell. I’ve been influenced in some way by everything I’ve ever heard — even the bad stuff.

Brooke
06-09-2007, 10:12 AM
Great news about the album DonFan! A REAL date! From the "horse's mouth"! Thank you! :D

glenneaglesfan
06-09-2007, 11:21 AM
Thanks for posting that, df! This does actually sound like a more realistic date. Nice article, too!

Freypower
06-10-2007, 02:02 AM
It sounds more promising, that's true. I've been trying to come to grips with it all day.

Freypower
06-10-2007, 10:47 PM
Of all the influences Don mentions, I had never heard of Cindy Walker. Well, she was a fellow Texan, and one of her songs is Dream Baby, the Roy Orbison hit which the Eagles played in the early 70s. And didn't Don cover You Don't Know Me, although he isn't listed here? I note that Van Morrison did it too. If it is the same song I'm afraid to say I've never heard Don's version.

http://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/fame/walker.html

Then I looked up Russ Kunkel, who seems to have played with everyone (including Don). Note the list of drummers on the left of the page. Henley is not listed. :? As Glenn once said, Don is an 'underrated' drummer.

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Russ_Kunkel.html

EasyFeeling
06-11-2007, 10:38 AM
There is a REAL date for the album release? :shock: :shock: I can't believe it. :D

sodascouts
06-11-2007, 12:38 PM
Amazing to have a REAL date! Perhaps I should finally allow myself to get my hopes up.

Additionally, it's wonderful of Don to be so generous.

Ive always been a dreamer
06-12-2007, 12:17 AM
That is a great story you posted, DF. You can only imagine how thrilled that lady must have been to get that autographed drumhead. And those AC pics are wonderful. Don looked great, IMO, plaid shirt and all! :wink:

Now, as far as Don's 'announcement' about the album date, while I agree that this is the most promising thing we have heard about a date, it is still hardly an official announcement. Other than giving a specific date, how is this any different than Don's "60 to 90 days" or Glenn's "two, three, four months..." comments earlier this year? Call me a skeptic, but I've heard too many similar comments in the last few years to start the celebration just yet. If this date is firm, why hasn't the band publicized it yet? I still maintain that I want to see an OFFICIAL announcement before I pop the cork on my pink champagne. If something happens and the album doesn't come out on that date, sure, there will be egg on Don's face .... BUT, Don's had egg on his face several other times before, so I don't think he would really care. If he or Glenn decides for some reason that the album is not ready to be released, then it won't be released.

Freypower
06-12-2007, 12:44 AM
I think if it is October 30, they may start to publicise it when they're back together in September. At the moment when all these solo dates are happening, there doesn't seem much point in any 'proper' announcements or publicity.

sodascouts
08-05-2007, 10:56 PM
A new article. Check out the photo!

http://www.elpasotimes.com/entertainment/ci_6528651

Brooke
08-06-2007, 02:36 PM
Great! Thanks Soda!

I especially like the part about the new album coming out "by the end of the year." Nice and vague, huh! At least it's something! :D

SweetHolly
08-06-2007, 07:12 PM
I especially like the part about the new album coming out "by the end of the year." Nice and vague, huh! At least it's something! :D
I'll buy it when it comes out. I guess I seriously need to get a life. :D

Ive always been a dreamer
08-06-2007, 08:21 PM
I'll buy it when it comes out. I guess I seriously need to get a life. :D

Welcome to my world SH! :wink:

SweetHolly
08-06-2007, 08:39 PM
I'll buy it when it comes out. I guess I seriously need to get a life. :D

Welcome to my world SH! :wink:
At least I'm not the only one who thinks like this. :D :wink:

DonFan
08-07-2007, 11:54 AM
From the Oklahoma newspapers:

DON HENLEY ROCKS THE OKC ZOO—8-6-07

With a voice that hasn't changed in more than 30 years, rocker Don Henley proved Sunday night to an Oklahoma City audience that his music and his message never goes out of style.
The former Eagle got the near sold-out crowd at the Zoo Amphitheatre on their feet first with "Dirty Laundry,” joking later that he was dedicating the song to Court TV star Nancy Grace and the American press.

The next song, "Sunset Grill” mellowed everyone out a bit, but almost everyone in the audience seemed to be singing along.
Henley then took the audience back to 1972 with a performance of "Witchy Woman” and then spanned ahead more than a decade to "New York Minute,” the crowd singing along to every word.
Henley seemed comfortable in a standard untucked plaid shirt, black jeans and white sneakers. During the hour and 43-minute set, he played guitar and took a turn at the congas during an encore performance of "Hotel California,” but he never stepped up to the drums, the instrument he played while with the Eagles.
Also on encore, Henley played "Desperado” letting the crowd sing solo the line "let somebody love you.”

Politics and environmentalism were never far from the surface during Henley's performance. He changed the words in "End of the Innocence” to "Cheney had to lie,” which drew applause from the crowd. His last two songs were "Disappearing World” by David Gray and "I Will Not Go Quietly.” Of "Disappearing World” he said, "This is very personal,” and "I need sunscreen.”

Henley did not sing one song from his last album, "Inside Job.” He also did not introduce his band — two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer and two men rotating between piano, synthesizer and keyboards.

At the end of the show, Henley thanked his Oklahoma audience for inviting him to their party.

------------------------------------------------------------
NEWSOK.COM 08-07-07 Don Henley Takes Fans Down Memory Lane

Rocker Don Henley proved Sunday night to an Oklahoma City audience that his music and his message never go out of style.
Lucinda Williams opened for Henley, beginning just a few minutes ahead of the concert's 7:30 p.m. start time and playing about an hour. The crowd was ready to dance and party, however, by the time Henley took the stage at 8:55 p.m.

The former Eagle got the near sold-out crowd on its feet first, dancing with "Dirty Laundry,” joking later that he was dedicating the song to Court TV star Nancy Grace and the American press. The next song, "Sunset Grill,” mellowed everyone a bit, but almost the entire audience seemed to be singing along.

After singing the first two songs, Henley said hello to his Oklahoma audience by singing "where the wind comes sweeping down the plains.” "Great song,” he said. Then he joked that his new favorite song is "Spider Pig” from "The Simpsons Movie.” Henley then took his audience on a tour through the decades, starting in 1972 with a performance of "Witchy Woman” and then spanning ahead to 1989 with "New York Minute.” The crowd sang along to every word, even the oohs and aahs, and Henley hit every high note, which brought huge applause.

Henley seemed comfortable in an untucked plaid shirt, black jeans and Converse sneakers. His set was no-frills with only a few lighting effects throughout the night. During the hour-and-43-minute set, he played guitar and took a turn at the congas during an encore performance of "Hotel California,” but he never stepped up to the drums, the instrument he played while with the Eagles. Also on encore, Henley sang the classic, "Desperado,” letting the crowd sing solo the line "let somebody love you.”

Though Henley did not overtly speak much about politics and environmentalism, his pet themes were never far from the surface during his performance. He changed the words in "End of the Innocence” to "Cheney had to lie,” which got big applause from his audience. His last two songs were "Disappearing World” by David Gray and "I Will Not Go Quietly.” Of "Disappearing World,” he said, "This is very personal,” and "I need sunscreen,” undoubtedly referencing his passion about global warming.

He played other favorite hits such as "The Heart of the Matter” and "The Last Worthless Evening,” but the absence of even one song from his last album, "Inside Job,” left some in the audience wondering what's going on in Henley's life, for a man who wears his heart so obviously on his sleeve in his music.

Henley also threw in a few curves by singing a Mark Knopfler song, "I'm the Fool,” and the Tears for Fears tune "Everybody Wants to Change the World.” The audience didn't seem to mind, jumping to its feet and dancing to the '80s hit. At the end of the show, Henley thanked his Oklahoma audience for inviting him to their party.

DonFan
08-07-2007, 11:58 AM
From a Dallas newspaper:

POP REVIEW: Don Henley, Pretenders mix rock, social commentary at Nokia--Monday, August 6, 2007
By THOR CHRISTENSEN / Music Critic

GRAND PRAIRIE – The defining moment of Saturday night's Don Henley/Pretenders/Stray Cats triple-bill came when Chrissie Hynde tore into "Popstar," a song about how vapid today's chart-toppers are. "They don't make 'em like they used to," she sang. At its best, the four-hour concert made her words ring true.

Hometown boy Mr. Henley headlined the show with a lesson in the fading art of mixing rock and social commentary. He dedicated the show-opening "Dirty Laundry" to Rupert Murdoch, saying "Y'all gonna be getting naked pictures with your Wall Street Journal now."

The near-capacity Nokia Theatre crowd laughed. But not everyone was pleased when he snuck a jab at Vice President Dick Cheney into "The End of the Innocence." For the most part, Mr. Henley let his hits do the talking – from solo gems such as "Boys of Summer" to Eagles classics like "Desperado" and "Hotel California." At age 60, his voice is in better shape than a lot of his peers': He nailed the falsetto on "Witchy Woman" with offhand ease.

And just when the show was getting too slick and the songs too note-for-note perfect, he switched gears. After reinventing "The End of the Innocence" with a sultry gospel-blues intro, he caught fans off guard with a bold reading of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." "I didn't write this song," he said, "but it seems to be appropriate these days."

Like Mr. Henley, Ms. Hynde wasn't about to keep her opinions to herself. "It's time in the set to make some enemies," she said, launching into a mini-diatribe against the meat industry and the "slaughter" of innocent animals. "Oh, what the [expletive] – we'll do one for the meat-eaters now," she said Saturday night, introducing "Back on the Chain Gang."

Artistically, the Stray Cats have never been on the same level as Mr. Henley or the Pretenders. But since they rarely tour, it's easy to forget how much fun they are onstage. Drummer Slim Jim Phantom began "Rock This Town" by leaping from atop his drum kit, Lee Rocker climbed all over his stand-up bass (while playing it, no less), and Brian Setzer darted around, his blond pompadour shining in the spotlight. "We're still here," he said, grinning, "and not looking too bad either, I might add."

SweetHolly
08-08-2007, 12:36 AM
You know this suprises me that Thor actually gave a positive review of the concert because his reviews are usually very negative. My friends and I can't stand Thor and whenever we go to concerts, we always hope that the Dallas Morning News doesn't send him and when they do, we really hate reading about the negatives about the concert when his reviews run in the paper. I seem to remember a few months ago, one lady wrote into the opinions section in the Metro section complaining about his negativity.

From a Dallas newspaper:

POP REVIEW: Don Henley, Pretenders mix rock, social commentary at Nokia--Monday, August 6, 2007
By THOR CHRISTENSEN / Music Critic

GRAND PRAIRIE – The defining moment of Saturday night's Don Henley/Pretenders/Stray Cats triple-bill came when Chrissie Hynde tore into "Popstar," a song about how vapid today's chart-toppers are. "They don't make 'em like they used to," she sang. At its best, the four-hour concert made her words ring true.

Hometown boy Mr. Henley headlined the show with a lesson in the fading art of mixing rock and social commentary. He dedicated the show-opening "Dirty Laundry" to Rupert Murdoch, saying "Y'all gonna be getting naked pictures with your Wall Street Journal now."

The near-capacity Nokia Theatre crowd laughed. But not everyone was pleased when he snuck a jab at Vice President Dick Cheney into "The End of the Innocence." For the most part, Mr. Henley let his hits do the talking – from solo gems such as "Boys of Summer" to Eagles classics like "Desperado" and "Hotel California." At age 60, his voice is in better shape than a lot of his peers': He nailed the falsetto on "Witchy Woman" with offhand ease.

And just when the show was getting too slick and the songs too note-for-note perfect, he switched gears. After reinventing "The End of the Innocence" with a sultry gospel-blues intro, he caught fans off guard with a bold reading of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." "I didn't write this song," he said, "but it seems to be appropriate these days."

Like Mr. Henley, Ms. Hynde wasn't about to keep her opinions to herself. "It's time in the set to make some enemies," she said, launching into a mini-diatribe against the meat industry and the "slaughter" of innocent animals. "Oh, what the [expletive] – we'll do one for the meat-eaters now," she said Saturday night, introducing "Back on the Chain Gang."

Artistically, the Stray Cats have never been on the same level as Mr. Henley or the Pretenders. But since they rarely tour, it's easy to forget how much fun they are onstage. Drummer Slim Jim Phantom began "Rock This Town" by leaping from atop his drum kit, Lee Rocker climbed all over his stand-up bass (while playing it, no less), and Brian Setzer darted around, his blond pompadour shining in the spotlight. "We're still here," he said, grinning, "and not looking too bad either, I might add."

DonFan
08-08-2007, 08:05 AM
Former Eagle on time, on a roll in El Paso
By Victor R. Martinez / El Paso Times

08/08/2007

Don Henley wowed the crowd during his Tuesday night performance at the Plaza Theatre.
For much of his 2 hour, 17-song set, the singer and songwriter stood proud in his black, untucked button-down shirt with matching black jeans and black athletic shoes -- much to the pleasure of the sold-out crowd of more than 2,000 fans.

After opening with "Dirty Laundry" and "Sunset Grill," Henley playfully apologized for starting on time. "I'm sorry for that," he said. "Obviously, you guys weren't expecting that."

Henley then talked about how he used to dedicate "Dirty Laundry" -- "my Valentine to the American news media" -- to Rupert Murdoch, "who bought the Wall Street Journal, by the way, so now you will get naked ladies with your stock quotes. "Now I dedicate it to (CNN Headline News talk show host) Nancy Grace; and how a woman like that could have grace in her name is beyond me," he said.

Every song Henley played had a story behind it. From "Sunset Grill," his ode to the working class, to "Last Worthless Evening," about a girl he and Jack Nicholson were "working on" ("she finally left with Jack but I made millions writing this song").

Henley appeared to be in a great mood, constantly complimenting the audience and even saying something nice about the venue. "We are not used to playing in places like this," he said of the Plaza Theatre. "This place is beautiful, take care of it."

Henley and his six-piece band of two keyboardists, two guitarists, bass player and drummer, kept the crowd grooving in their seats until they busted out into Eagles favorite "One Of These Nights."

Watching some in the crowd, it seemed they were out of practice, most sat in their seats seemingly forgetting they were at a rock concert. They would occasionally stand, but after Henley busted into "Dance," the crowd stood and swayed to the music.

As the leader of the 1970s superstar band The Eagles, Henley was the voice and lead writer of some of the band's biggest hits, including "Desperado," "One Of These Nights" and "Hotel California," all which he played Tuesday night.

Henley showed off his pitch-perfect tenor in the opening chorus of "End of the Innocence." One of the surprises of the evening was the Joe Walsh-like playing of the lead guitar work of Frank Sams, who was excellent in "Life in the Fast Lane," "Hotel California" and "I Will Not Go Quietly."

Age has added a quality to Henley's music and not all musicians can claim to be as fine- tuned as he was Tuesday after two hours and two encores of some classic rock that left El Pasoans waiting for the next tour.

---------------------------------------------------

Frank Sams?

Love the postscript to the Last Worthless Evening story!

sodascouts
08-08-2007, 01:51 PM
She chose Jack over Don? Maybe she thought he was richer, lol. It certainly couldn't have been looks.

DonFan
08-08-2007, 02:21 PM
Seriously. :shock:
There's no accounting for taste!

DonFan
08-09-2007, 06:16 PM
I am lovin' these reviews of Don's concerts--this one is from a fan. (The "meat" comment refers to the fact that at every venue, vegan Chrissie Hynde urges people not to eat meat. As you can imagine, that went over VERY well with the Texas cattle crowd. :roll: And, I have to disagree with the statement about Don not holding the notes as long as he used to--I think he actually holds them longer, and just as beautifully.)
-----------------------------------
"Don Freakin' Henley."

The Stray Cats drew dancing fiends to the front of the stage area to get the concert started. Setzer and crew were in good form and managed to rouse the sparse opening crowd. I have always loved Chrissie Hynde's voice...so distinctive. The Pretenders were pretty good and didn't embarrass themselves with a very nice rendition of Brass in Pocket as the highlight of their set. And YES CHRISSIE I EAT MEAT! deal with it!

As the 3rd major ticket holder perk in 2 weeks, the Peak Festivus was probably the best one. Henley may not be able to hold those high notes as long as he used to ...but you really don't notice. The new arrangements of the old standards are good, the band rarely missed a note. Highlights of the concert for me were the still haunting, still beautiful Desperado and End of Innocence and the rousing and manic Hotel California, Dirty Laundry and All She Wants to Do is Dance.

DonFan
08-23-2007, 10:58 AM
Pancakes, anyone?


From mtv online news:
DON HENLEY OPENS UP ABOUT THE LONG ROAD OUT OF EDEN. With The Eagles putting the final touches on their first album in 28 years, Don Henley spoke to Rolling Stone about what took so long. He said, "They say everything in life is a matter of timing. And the time seems right for us to do this." Henley added, "I think it's okay to go away for a while. We've had some conflict within the group, and in terms of songwriting and recording, we just didn't feel like it up until now." The drummer also spoke about the feel of the group, explaining, "It may never be like it was in the past... (we're a) band who knows when to sit one out... Creatively, it was our time to get back in the studio."

Henley even divulged his theory about selecting songs for the upcoming album. He stated, "I have what I call the pancake theory. The first pancakes off the griddle are not very good. You usually have to throw them away because they're all kind of bubbly and burnt around the edges. So, the songs are sort of the same, you know. The first ones that we come up with might not be consumable. So, we're gonna keep doing it."

SweetHolly
08-24-2007, 03:42 AM
Thanks DF. I'm now hungry for pancakes. Anyone care to join me at IHOP or something?

DonFan
09-06-2007, 01:13 PM
From MTV News---on this day, September 6, in rock history:
--------------------------------------------------------

In 1993 Don Henley, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Sting and Aerosmith performed at a benefit concert in Boston for Walden Woods.
--------------------------------------------------------

DANG...what a lineup! Wish I had been there!

Brooke
09-06-2007, 02:05 PM
Now that would have been a show to see! 8)

Btw, has anyone seen Aerosmith live? They are awesome, wild & crazy! How in the world Steven Tyler can do all that screaming and singing in one song is something to behold! :D

sodascouts
09-06-2007, 02:46 PM
With Don Henley AND Sting there, DF, I think they would've had to carry you out. ;)

DonFan
09-06-2007, 03:54 PM
With Don Henley AND Sting there, DF, I think they would've had to carry you out. ;)


You are so right! :heart: :heart:

DonFan
12-07-2007, 01:12 AM
Well, it's not really "press," but I got a Google alert tonight about a cooking series and one of the featured recipes is a step-by-step video showing how to prepare "Don Henley's Favorite Filet Mignon Recipe."

http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/fillet-mignon.htm

They do say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach... :wink:

sodascouts
12-07-2007, 10:57 PM
lol!!! That's great. Thanks for the link.

Getting hungry....

DonFan
01-08-2008, 11:52 PM
Don gave a new email interview yesterday to the Texarkana Press. His interviews are always articulate and interesting, and this one is full of little tidbits such a the fact that "marketing genius" Irving Azoff was solely responsible for their exclusive Walmart deal, and oh, by the way, there is talk within the band of touring, maybe even "something in the spring. " yay! :applause:

Read and enjoy:

A Fortunate Son (http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/accent/2008/01/06/a-fortunate-son-80.php)
Linden native Don Henley continues success with new Eagles album
By: Aaron Brand - Texarkana Gazette - Published: 01/06/2008

Ive always been a dreamer
01-09-2008, 12:20 AM
Thanks for posting that DF. That was a great read. Don sounded so positive and the thoughts of them possibly "doing something in the spring". AAAACCCCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!!!

And now that I have regained conscientiousness, I wouldn't think there is any way that they could put a full-blown tour together in the spring so quickly unless they have been secretly working on it for some time. However, they may do a few dates. Something is better than nothing, that's for sure!

sodascouts
01-09-2008, 02:29 AM
This article made me smile. I love how upbeat Don sounded. He has every right to be extremely proud of Long Road Out of Eden and I know he and the rest of the guys must be gratified that it's selling so well. They're making history once again.

A spring tour (or spate of shows) makes me happy! Time to save up my pennies...

katherine5832
01-09-2008, 11:33 PM
Thanks for posting this article Donfan. I love reading and listening to his interviews. No matter what people may think of his opinionated ways, he always comes across as an extremely intelligent and interesting person.




An idea for a song can come from reading a great book, watching the evening news, reading a magazine or observing other people. Sometimes I get ideas for songs when I’m doing simple, everyday tasks like loading the dishwasher or gardening.
:D It's nice to think of him as an "Ordinary Average Joe!"


We’ve had several years of really bad music in this country and people, especially those in the Baby Boom generation, are ready for some good melodies and lyrics again... There’s too much vapid pablum on the radio, too much airheaded, clichéd junk that doesn’t mean anything. There’s very little that grownups and thinking people can relate to out there these days. Those are some of the reasons that this album has been so well received.

Amen to that! Mature adults writing mature lyrics - how refreshing!


Again, we wanted a collection of songs that dealt with a great variety of subject matter. We wanted songs that would showcase both our harmony singing abilities and our musicianship and, as always, we put a tremendous amount of effort into writing lyrics. In some cases, such as the title song, I even did research just as you would for a thesis. I enjoy doing that.
I wonder if he needs a research assistant? That would be right up my alley and I'm in the market for a different job!



We’ve also been nominated for a Grammy for “How Long,” which was the first single to be released from the album. The entire album will not be eligible for a Grammy until next year.
I was wondering how this worked. How great would that be if they get more nominations next year?



My own relationship to songwriting and music hasn’t changed a great deal over the years. I still enjoy the process, although it can be very difficult at times. I like to think that I’m getting better at songwriting and that my best work is still ahead of me.
Glad to hear that! I don't care if it's solo work or more Eagles' tunes - I'd love to hear more from him in the coming years.


Unfortunately, we still have some government officials who are not forward-thinking people. They don’t see the value in tourism or in historic architecture. It’s really a shame...When I see these television commercials touting “Clean Coal,” it makes me sick to my stomach. That’s one of the biggest lies ever perpetrated on the American public and, unfortunately, some people are buying into it.
Ah, yes, here's the Don I know and love!


Any touring that we might do in 2008 is still in the preliminary planning stages. We’ve been talking about doing something in the spring.
Don't forget the Motor City!


When I was a kid, I was always fascinated by the covers of the vinyl albums and I read every word of the liner notes. When all that got shrunk down to CD size it was disappointing, but at least there was still something to look at, something to hold and to read.
I miss this too! Not so much the sound quality of vinyl, but the album covers and liner notes.

DonFan
01-09-2008, 11:51 PM
"Mature adults writing mature lyrics--how refreshing!"
Katherine, have you seen the commercial with James Lipton translating for a customer with Gyco Insurance? He says something along those lines and it always makes me laugh. I have watched his interviews on Inside the Actor's Studio for years.

One of my now-favorite phrases from Don's article above is "vapid pablum."

Oh, and don't bother applying for the research assistant job--I have that one all sewed up! 8) :wink: :twisted:

katherine5832
01-10-2008, 12:01 AM
"Mature adults writing mature lyrics--how refreshing!"
Katherine, have you seen the commercial with James Lipton translating for a customer with Gyco Insurance? He says something along those lines and it always makes me laugh. I have watched his interviews on Inside the Actor's Studio for years.

One of my now-favorite phrases from Don's article above is "vapid pablum."

Oh, and don't bother applying for the research assistant job--I have that one all sewed up! 8) :wink: :twisted:

I haven't seen that commercial, but I do get a kick out of James Lipton. My cable company doesn't get Bravo (unbelievable as that may seem!), so I don't get to see his interviews unless I happen to catch one while I'm at my mom's house.

I agree with you on the "vapid pablum" phrase. I have to admit, I had to look up "pablum." Just today, my sister and I were discussing how we love to use big words and interesting phrases around each other. It's like we have this contest to see who can impress the other more with our vocabulary. If I can only find a way to fit "vapid pablum" into one of our conversations, I think I'll have her beat!

As for the research assistant job, I'm thinking there's enough work to go around for the both of us. I have no objection to sharing him - uh, I mean the job - with you.

DonFan
01-10-2008, 12:16 AM
I agree with you on the "vapid pablum" phrase. I have to admit, I had to look up "pablum." Just today, my sister and I were discussing how we love to use big words and interesting phrases around each other. It's like we have this contest to see who can impress the other more with our vocabulary. If I can only find a way to fit "vapid pablum" into one of our conversations, I think I'll have her beat!

As for the research assistant job, I'm thinking there's enough work to go around for the both of us. I have no objection to sharing him - uh, I mean the job - with you.

As a writer and an English major, like Don, I love words and the use of language, but I confess that I have added more words to my vocabulary in the last 3 or 4 years since I began reading about Don and reading his personal interviews than almost all of the years beforehand. Want some examples? Excoriate, cognoscenti, paroxysm, misanthropic, anodyne, iconoclast, to name a few. One writer said one of Don's songs was "a long vituperative screed"--that is probably my personal favorite. :wink: Don is endlessly fascinating and continues to be an invaluable source of knowledge. (Not to mention he is gorgeous and his voice makes me weak in the knees, but that is a whole 'nother conversation 8) .) Good luck impressing your sister, BTW.

Oh, and the "sharing" part? I guess we can work something out....

sodascouts
01-10-2008, 01:18 AM
Oh, and the "sharing" part? I guess we can work something out....

Don't trust her, Katherine! As soon as DF gets within arm's reach of Henley, all bets are off. ;)

DonFan
01-10-2008, 09:15 AM
Oh, and the "sharing" part? I guess we can work something out....

Don't trust her, Katherine! As soon as DF gets within arm's reach of Henley, all bets are off. ;)

Ahh, you know me too well, Soda. :twisted:

Ive always been a dreamer
01-10-2008, 12:00 PM
Hey - wait just a second. I thought we had a rule here on the board about playing nice and sharing! :twisted:

DonFan
01-10-2008, 12:06 PM
Hey - wait just a second. I thought we had a rule here on the board about playing nice and sharing! :twisted:

Do I HAVE to? :tonguewag:

Well...okay...I'll be glad to share. :lie:

Ive always been a dreamer
01-10-2008, 12:35 PM
Right DF - I like totally trust you! :lie:

Brooke
01-10-2008, 04:30 PM
I don't trust ANY of you, so I'm getting there first! :bye:

Finally got time to read this. Loved the article. Thanks DF! Don sounds wonderful and was in a really good mood that day! Must have been trying to impress "Santa"! :wink:

I'm glad to hear he helps out with the dishes, too, and is just, sometimes, an everyday guy. And even if he isn't "flavor of the week", I think he could be "flavor of the century"! :twisted:

DonFan
02-23-2008, 10:27 AM
How about Don--or at least, one of his songs--in the movies:

--------------------------------------------
From yesterday's New York Daily News:

NEW SEX AND THE CITY MOVIE TRAILER PREMIERES:

The three-minute preview, set to a remix of Don Henley's "Heart of the Matter", picks up where the ladies left us when the show ended in 2004.
-------------------------------------------

Only problem is, the movie producers used another singer to sing it, not Don.
There is just no accounting for taste (or the lack thereof).

Ive always been a dreamer
02-23-2008, 12:54 PM
You are right, DF. Why not go with the best :?: :?: :?:

DonFan
04-03-2008, 09:36 AM
Don Henley Casts Blame for Winehouse's, Spears' Troubles (http://www.spinner.com/2008/04/02/don-henley-casts-blame-for-winehouse-spears-troubles/)
Posted Apr 2nd 2008 2:00PM by Steve Baltin
Filed under: News, Exclusive



-----------------------------------------
Wouldn't you just love to get Don & Rupert Murdoch in the same room for once? :shock: :argue:

sodascouts
04-03-2008, 01:14 PM
Don really does seem to loathe Rupert Murdoch. He talks about him so much you'd think the man was the root of all evil. I mean, "This is the world that Rupert Murdoch made and we all have to live in it"? Murdoch's acts are determined by profit margins. If the people weren't buying it, he wouldn't provide it. Of course, a more noble person would ignore the market and do the right thing even if it meant losing money, but let's just say Murdoch isn't the only one who doesn't take that route. As a whole, the general public doesn't have to live in this kind of paparrazi-filled world; they choose to. In the end, we need to look inside ourselves for the current state of the world. JMHO. :)

It's interesting that he focuses on managers. I wonder if Irving ever told them to stop doing dope? Or was he doing it right along with them? lol Of course, Don says they didn't have to be told because they could handle it, but when I look at what happened to Joe... he wasn't given an ultimatum until it became obvious his lack of sobriety would interfere with the Eagles "resumption." I'm not saying they didn't care about Joe - I'm sure they cared very much - but they didn't step in until then.

Don is right in that people need to be straight with these folks and tell it like it is when they're getting out of control. However, it takes more than that to get someone out of that kind of downward spiral. In the examples he mentions....

Amy Winehouse and her husband went to rehab together this summer to please their families and because her record company Universal gave her an ultimatum: "Get help or forget your career." As their press release put it more tactfully, "Amy decided to enter the facility today after talks with her record label, management and doctors." Once she and her hubby got out, they were seen using again "within days." Her father said he has even considered getting her forcibly "sectioned" by a hospital, but she is not considered "a danger to herself or others" so they refused.

The same goes for Britney. She has said that she was "tricked" into rehab by her parents (whom she is now estranged from) and her manager, whom she fired. She then surrounded herself with "yes men." She is not just a victim.

The truth is, rehab is useless unless the person is committed to getting help for their own reasons, not forced into it.

I guess it comes down to personal choice again. "They try to make me go to rehab, but I say, 'NO, NO, NO.'" - Amy Winehouse

DonFan
04-28-2008, 09:34 AM
There was an article in PARADE magazine in our Sunday paper yesterday about Dana Delaney, one of the newest housewives on Desperate Housewives, and it said that she had dated Don Henley.

My youngest daughter, Christina, and I watch Desperate Housewives together. Some episodes are better than others, and sometimes it is so "desperately shallow" that I vow to stop watching it altogether, but there aren't that many TV shows that my 16-yr-old will watch with her ol' mom, so I hang in there. Anyway, Christina saw that article and said, "Mom! She used to date DON! Can you believe it?" :lol: I grinned and said, "So, Don has a thing for brunettes named Dana--only that was the wrong Dana." She said "Mom!" and made a face just like this: :roll:

Brooke
04-28-2008, 10:12 AM
Haha! Funny, DF!

I watch DH, too. Or try to! :lol:

sodascouts
04-28-2008, 02:42 PM
lol DF!

I wonder when they were an item?

tbs fanatic
04-28-2008, 05:11 PM
Your post about Don and Rupert Murdoch is right on the money, Soda. Some very good points. You are absolutely right about rehab. My eldest son is in rehab now but I don't think it is really working because he doesn't really want to be there. He's simply doing what they want him to do to get himself out of there. You have to want to do it for yourself else it is one huge waste of time and money. My son is in there because, well, we have to do something and this is the 'something' everyone does but until he wants to help himself it isn't going to work.

Glennsallnighter
04-28-2008, 05:33 PM
There was an article in PARADE magazine in our Sunday paper yesterday about Dana Delaney, one of the newest housewives on Desperate Housewives, and it said that she had dated Don Henley.

My youngest daughter, Christina, and I watch Desperate Housewives together. Some episodes are better than others, and sometimes it is so "desperately shallow" that I vow to stop watching it altogether, but there aren't that many TV shows that my 16-yr-old will watch with her ol' mom, so I hang in there. Anyway, Christina saw that article and said, "Mom! She used to date DON! Can you believe it?" :lol: I grinned and said, "So, Don has a thing for brunettes named Dana--only that was the wrong Dana." She said "Mom!" and made a face just like this: :roll:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Very good Dana. I watch DH as well. It can be so shallow, but there are so many twists in the story that even missing one episode can throw me off kilter!!

Ive always been a dreamer
04-29-2008, 04:26 PM
tbsf - I hope your son will decide to get clean sooner rather than later. I totally agree with everything you said. I have a brother who is an alcoholic/addict, and his life has been a very long and sad saga. He is in his 50's now, and has been clean for about 5 years now, which is wonderful. Unfortunately, there has been irreparable damage to his health, and he now has these serious issues to deal with.

tbs fanatic
04-30-2008, 03:34 PM
I'm so glad your brother got clean (though sorry he now has health problems). I fear we still have a long way to go before our son wakes up to reality (although he keeps assuring us he has :roll: ).

Ive always been a dreamer
05-01-2008, 10:59 AM
Well, best of luck with him. I think you are right though - you'll know when he is ready to really change. As you know, dealing with an addict is extremely tough and affects the entire family. I hope all of your family seeks whatever help they need to deal with this.

sodascouts
05-01-2008, 11:56 AM
Same from me, TBSF. I've never had an addicted family member so I don't know first hand what you're going through, but I'm sure it's breaking your heart as a loving parent. Here's hoping that this time, he can pull through.

DonFan
05-06-2008, 09:11 AM
From today's Tuesday Rock Roundup on tleewaor.blogspot.com:

Instead of announcing a full tour, the Eagles are announcing scattered dates for their outing in support of Long Road Out of Eden. Don Henley tells us, "This summer we're gonna tour every other month, and we'll do that on and off for two years probably because that's how long it will take us to do the globe at that rate."

sodascouts
05-07-2008, 12:13 PM
Oh MAN - check this out! I've heard about politicians lying, but usually they lie about things like tax reform, not about a relationship with Don Henley! Here is an excerpt from the article:


"Questions Arise About Carrollton Mayor's Claims of Singing Career" (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/carrollton/stories/050708dnmetmiller.38fa010.html?npc)




Sang backup for Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne. Engaged to Eagles singer-songwriter Don Henley. Devastated by a brother's death in Vietnam.

All are part of the colorful past described by Carrollton Mayor Becky Miller, acquaintances say.

But spokesmen for the famous singers said the three don't know her. And the mayor's father said she never had a brother who died in the war.

Mrs. Miller's challenger in Saturday's mayoral election, Ron Branson, first expressed doubts that her brother had died in Vietnam, and checks by The Dallas Morning News also raised questions about her singing career and whether she attended Western Kentucky University.

The mayor, who is seeking a second term, said that the singers are wrong and that she went by another name when she associated with them during the 1970s. She initially declined to give that name but said Monday that most people at the time called her Pinky.


---------------------------------


:shock:

DonFan
05-07-2008, 01:20 PM
I just read about that, Soda. Talk about delusional!

Brooke
05-07-2008, 01:41 PM
What a farce! :lol: Delusional fits it perfectly! :roll:

DonFan
05-07-2008, 02:51 PM
More excerpts from the Houston Chronicle:




CARROLLTON, Texas —

... Miller says she never made some of the claims and attributed other discrepancies to dirty politics by challenger Ron Branson.

Branson said he is most upset by Miller's claim that she had a brother who died in war. Miller's father, Edward Sampson, told the newspaper that his son is alive but never served in the military.

Miller first suggested her 80-year-old father didn't get his facts right and said he suffers from Alzheimer's disease. She later said the man who died was not her biological brother but a "blood brother" was as close to her as a real one. She declined to give his name.


-----------------------------------
This woman is NUTS. :crazy:

Don & Sharon live in Dallas--don't you know they are just thrilled that this crazy woman is making claims about him in the town where they live?

sodascouts
05-07-2008, 06:58 PM
That's right - I had forgotten how close Carrollton is to Dallas. I can't believe that woman's gall!

Freypower
05-07-2008, 07:16 PM
'Pinky'....surely she means Elton, not Don.

After all, 'Pinky's as perfect as the 22nd of July' .... oops.... :twisted:

DonFan
05-07-2008, 10:35 PM
From CountryHound.com:

Don Henley and The Eagles are somewhat new to the Country Music scene, but Don already has noticed some interesting things about it. The music group has made great strides into the world of Country Music, headlining the second annual Stagecoach Festival and performing at the CMT Awards, but Don has seen how he and his band can still get away with more than some of their contemporaries.

“I think people expect us to do what we do, and where other people might not be able to get away with it - like our friends the Dixie Chicks - we get away with it,” he said. “I’ve said some outrageous things about Bush in the press…and nothing has come of it.”

Don also said the reason they get away with it might have something to do with their past.

“I don’t know if people just ignore that part of it because they love the old stuff so much,” he said. “Maybe we’ve just made such a deep inroad into their hearts and minds that they forgive us when we do something that offends them.”

glenneaglesfan
05-08-2008, 08:24 AM
That Carrollton woman is barking mad. Fancy lying about her brother, then trying to wriggle out of it by saying it was a blood brother. :? I wonder anyone can take anything she says seriously.

I like those comments from Don. Thanks, Df!

Brooke
05-08-2008, 09:33 AM
“I don’t know if people just ignore that part of it because they love the old stuff so much,” he said. “Maybe we’ve just made such a deep inroad into their hearts and minds that they forgive us when we do something that offends them.”

There ya go! I think this is what does it for me.

I even forgive you for that horrible brown plaid shirt that you keep dredging up! :laugh:

Thanks DF.

DonFan
05-08-2008, 10:09 AM
“I don’t know if people just ignore that part of it because they love the old stuff so much,” he said. “Maybe we’ve just made such a deep inroad into their hearts and minds that they forgive us when we do something that offends them.”

There ya go! I think this is what does it for me.

I even forgive you for that horrible brown plaid shirt that you keep dredging up! :laugh:

Well, I don't know if I can go THAT far...... :?

DonFan
05-09-2008, 09:25 AM
Under the title "Don Henley Eats" from SideDish, a website blog affiliated with restaurants in Dallas reports that Bonnie Raitt and Don Henley are in town to play an event for the 2008 Hilton Focus Service Owners Conference. Apparently, they had dinner at the restaurant, Nana, with some of their crew last night.

The writer then asks but "What is the Hilton Focus Service Owners Conference and how do they afford to pay Bonnie Raitt and Don Henley to play at a conference dinner?"

--------------------------------------------------

Then someone posted this comment:


"The Hilton Focus Service Owners Conference was a symposium targeting the escalting demographic; Baby boom seniors who are highly placed achievers in ‘ongoing rehab maintenence’ due to ‘wanton drug use in their youth’. Raitt and Henley were recommended by the Carrollton Mayor who “slept with one and sang with the other”.


:rofl:

sodascouts
05-09-2008, 10:02 PM
LOL - that guy's comment had me going for a bit!

DonFan
06-13-2008, 09:36 AM
Excerpt of an article about Don and the craft of songwriting:

Renowned Heartbreakers Drummer Stan Lynch Becomes Top Songwriter & Producer (http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/lynch.htm)
By Jayne Moore, www.songwriteruniverse.com (http://www.songwriteruniverse.com) 06/13/08


--------------------------------------


This quote is priceless:

"He once said to me that a song has to work from the waist down and from the neck up."

So THAT'S why I always love Don's songs! 8)

Brooke
06-13-2008, 09:59 AM
Very interesting piece, DF. Thanks! :D

Freypower
06-13-2008, 06:40 PM
I had always assumed that the words of Drivin' With Your Eyes Closed were written by Don. :?

And he says Don is still friends with Danny Kortchmar. I thought they had fallen out.

glenneaglesfan
06-14-2008, 06:10 AM
Thanks for posting that, DF. I love your highlighted quote!

Mrs Frey
06-17-2008, 02:27 AM
This quote is priceless:

"He once said to me that a song has to work from the waist down and from the neck up."

So THAT'S why I always love Don's songs! 8)

Now, now, DF - you're REALLY being a bad girl this week! :twisted: :wink: :lol:

Mrs Frey
06-17-2008, 02:29 AM
To help refine his songwriting skills, Lynch said Henley and Kortchmar gave him a title, a legal pad and a track on a cassette and told him to write some words to a song that became “Driving With Your Eyes Closed”. “I came in with the pad full of ideas and the first thing Don did was correct all my punctuation and spelling with a red pen. He said, ‘I can’t look at this crap, I can’t read a thing on here.’ These guys were so straight up with me, like only brothers could be. They got me reading better books and helped me step up to the plate professionally. They told me that I could really be something.”



The highlighted piece really amused me! :lol: That sounds like me! Well, the part where Don corrects the punctuation and spelling. I'm probably a little more tactful, though! :wink:

DonFan
06-17-2008, 08:51 AM
This quote is priceless:

"He once said to me that a song has to work from the waist down and from the neck up."

So THAT'S why I always love Don's songs! 8)

Now, now, DF - you're REALLY being a bad girl this week! :twisted: :wink: :lol:

Just this week? 8) :lol:

sodascouts
06-17-2008, 10:17 AM
I loved that "Correction" part too. I feel your pain Don! lol

DonFan
07-21-2008, 09:56 AM
From today's Toronto Star:

Eagles in it for The Long Run- Disharmony behind them, Frey, Schmit, Walsh and Henley hit ACC for three shows (http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/Music/article/463930)

TimothyBFan
07-21-2008, 11:07 AM
I especially love the last line --Bigger than all of us-Sounds pretty humble in my opinion-nice interview! Thanks for posting.

sodascouts
07-21-2008, 06:29 PM
I love that Don often takes time to do quick little interviews with the local papers. It's always so nice to read them!

DonFan
07-21-2008, 06:43 PM
It is nice, isn't it? I wonder if the guys have designated Don as the press contact on the tour, because he seems to be the one who does most of the advance PR when they arrive at each city.

Love the new av, soda--that pic is one of my all-time favorites.

sodascouts
07-21-2008, 08:10 PM
Ah, yes, I love that avie. I call it "avieDonBeautifulEyes." And so people know what we're talking about once I change my avatar again...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/glennfreyonline/avatars/avieDonBeautifulEyes.jpg

DonFan
08-01-2008, 11:51 AM
Here is a very interesting interview with Don in advance of the New Brunswick show. Along with his usual articulate and thoughtful responses, he gives some insight into the routine of the various band members:

NEW BRUNSWICK BUSINESS JOURNAL, 8-01-08, BY ALAN COCHRANE

Interview with an Eagle--
From the haunting tones of Hotel California and The Boys of Summer, his songs have chronicled the lives, loves, fears and heartbreaks of a generation.

Born in Texas on July 22, 1947, Henley has been the voice and thought behind many of the Eagles biggest hits and a driving force behind one of popular music's most enduring bands. He has also enjoyed a successful solo career as a musician and social activist. His lyrics are often the product of self-reflection in the glaring spotlight of fame.

In advance of the Eagles show at the Magnetic Hill Concert Site on August 2, the Times & Transcript requested an interview with a member of the band. Although telephone interviews were not possible, promoters asked the newspaper to submit questions that could be answered by e-mail. Henley answered our questions by e-mail from his laptop computer.

In this e-mail Q&A, he talks about his daily routine of life on the road, the legacy of the Baby Boomer generation, the trap of drugs and alcohol that has destroyed many talented young people, changes in music over the years and the Eagles' philosophy involved in writing, recording and performing songs that people can relate to.

ALAN COCHRANE: Congratulations on a new album and touring. How does it feel to be back on the road again together?

DON HENLEY: Thank you. We're very happy to be back on the road again. We have actually been touring regularly since we reunited in 1994. It's been going extremely well.

A.C.: Can you tell us about the set list/production for this show? Have certain songs included, or left out, for particular reasons? Do the songs reflect the Eagles history as well as the solo projects/hits by individual band members?

D.H.: Our set list is a mixture of classic Eagles hits plus songs from our respective solo recordings and, on this tour, we're including several songs from the new album. It's a good cross-section of material that spans the 36 years of our recording careers, both as members of the Eagles and as solo acts.

A.C.: Which songs bring the greatest crowd reaction?

D.H.: Well, it's a bit different every night, but you can always be assured that "Hotel California" will get a huge reaction.

A.C.: Do you see generations of fans coming together in their appreciation of your music?

D.H.: We have been very gratified to see a lot of younger people at our concerts in recent years. Obviously, baby boomers make up our core audience, but it appears that our fan base is becoming more cross-generational and we think that's great.

A.C.: The Moncton show is so far the only outdoor venue on the tour. What are the pros and cons of outdoor versus indoor shows? Have you ever been to this part of the country before?

D.H.: Weather is always a concern at outdoor shows, plus if our show starts before dark, then neither we nor the fans get the benefit of all of our high-tech lighting and video equipment. I just think there's more magic after dark. On the other hand, the music sounds just as good at any time of day and it's fun to be able to see how big the crowd is.

A.C.: Do you expect the tour to be mentally/physically draining? How do you prepare for it? What is the daily schedule like?

D.H.: Touring has always been mentally and physically draining, regardless of how it's done. That's just the nature of the beast. No matter how glamourous and exciting it may look from the outside, it's hard, gruelling work and it takes its toll. Still, it beats the hell out of a 9 to 5 gig. All of us in this band, even in our worst, weariest moments, are deeply grateful for what we have. We've been extremely fortunate - but we've also found that the harder we work, the luckier we get.

The daily schedule is a bit different for each of us. The goal, on the road, is to sleep in for as long as possible because we work primarily at night and we need our energy to peak then. However, no matter how late we went to sleep, most of us are up well before noon because of our other job - parenting. Also, there is a lot of band business that must be addressed in the daytime. I start my day with a good, strong cup of coffee and then go to my laptop where there are dozens of e-mails waiting. I initially check in with my own office and then I check in the with the Eagles' management office in LA. On a typical day, I will exchange 30 or 40 e-mails and phone calls with our manager, plus more e-mails to family, friends, my charities, etc. If we are on the road, I go to the hotel gym in the early afternoon and spend about two hours there doing aerobics, weights, stretching, etc. The band usually leaves the hotel at mid-afternoon to go to the venue. Soundcheck normally begins at 4 p.m. Dinner for band and crew begins at 5 p.m.

We all have our own, personal rituals that we do in our dressing rooms before every show. Timothy and Joe do voice exercises. I ride my stationary bike for half an hour and do a little more stretching. Glenn often takes a nap or watches a sporting event on TV to relax. He's very knowledgeable about sports; he's an avid golfer. Most shows begin at 8:15 p.m. because we like to wait until all the audience members have found their seats.

A.C.: Anything to say about the opening acts: John Fogerty, K.T. Tunstall or Sam Roberts Band.

D.H.: John Fogerty has long been one of my musical heroes and now I'm proud to call him my friend. I'm afraid I don't know much about the other two acts, but I wish them well.

A.C.: Much has been written about tension among band members in the past. Is everyone getting along?

D.H.: We're getting along just fine, thank you. But even when we're not getting along, even when there is turmoil within the band or the organization, we don't take it onstage with us. Our job is to give the fans the best performance that we are capable of, so we make every effort to leave our personal problems behind - at least for the three hours that we are performing. That's an important aspect of being a professional - not bringing your problems to work with you. The fans expect and deserve our best - every night. Our problems should never be their problems.

A.C.: The music of the Eagles has chronicled the ups and downs, loves, losses and heartbreaks of the Baby Boomer generation. What do you think are the generation's greatest achievements, and greatest blunders?

D.H.: That's a pretty weighty question. There's no simple answer. Being a Boomer myself, I can say with some insight that my generation, as a whole, didn't follow through on achieving or living some of the ideals it espoused in the 60s. We ended up becoming the first "Me Generation." At some point, we abandoned "Us" in favor of "Me." But the "Me" thing has gotten even worse with subsequent generations. It's totally out of control now, which, in my opinion, indicates a continuing cycle of bad parenting - bad and getting worse. Also, we have allowed our so-called leaders to place politics above science, especially in terms of the environment. So, we haven't made much real progress on that front, particularly during the last eight years. Speaking strictly as a citizen of the U.S., I think our biggest mistake was electing George W. Bush as President. I'm not sure that colossal blunder can be laid solely at the feet of the Baby Boom Generation, but we certainly played a large part in it.

On the positive side, there have been some encouraging breakthroughs in science, especially medical science. The mapping of the genomes is going to lead to some wonderful things in terms of cures for heretofore incurable diseases. Having lost several friends and family members to cancer and heart disease, I look forward to that day.

A.C.: So many musicians have fallen victim to their own excesses and the gruelling lifestyle. Do you have any advice for young players who want to make music but avoid falling into the traps of drugs, alcohol and self-destruction?

D.H.: I tend to refrain from giving advice to young people unless they ask me directly - except for my own kids, of course. I give them advice every day. Sometimes they listen; sometimes they don't. But to young musicians who want a career in music, I would say this: an enormous amount of time and talent was wasted by members of my generation doing things that were considered "cool" at the time. Many of those same temptations and distractions are still around.

Some say it comes with the territory, but it doesn't have to be that way. We have all read and heard about the jazz, blues and rock legends who had very self-destructive lifestyles, many of them meeting a tragic end at an early age. Young artists make the mistake of trying to mimic that kind of lifestyle because they believe it makes them and their work "authentic." I think that most artists - especially the younger ones - have a deep-seated fear that - to quote the great Paul Simon - they're just "Fakin' It." They know how fickle and fleeting fame can be, so they begin to self-medicate and many don't have the strength to break the cycle. The members of this band all went through that dark tunnel, but we made it out the other side. We all have strong survival instincts.

Also, young artists should work to have a strong group of friends and collaborators - people who will tell them the unvarnished truth about their work, their behaviour, etc. The same is true in terms of agents, lawyers and managers. It's often difficult to find business associates who are willing to risk their jobs in order to tell an artist what he or she needs to hear. They don't want to derail the gravy train. But it is possible to find honest, trustworthy guidance. It just requires a lot of digging and some sharp, gut instinct. We've had the same manager for 34 years and he has played a large part in our continued success.

A.C.: Music has undergone great changes over 30-some years, from country, hard rock and disco through punk, new wave, glam, big hair, the music video revolution, grunge, hip hop and beyond. Has popular music suffered or grown stronger from all these changes?

D.H.: Both, I think. There is an enormous amount of crap out there now - so much mediocrity and outright garbage. Of course, there always has been, but there seems to be so much more of it now, even in a declining business environment. Music, in terms of both art and commerce, is a cyclical thing. There are good years and bad years. The Internet - the digital revolution - has changed everything and soon there will probably be no more CDs - no physical product to hold in your hands. But music - the good, the bad and the ugly - will continue, although it appears that, in the near future, no one will get paid for writing and recording it. The only way a professional musician will be able to make a living will be in live performance - and that's certainly going to weed out a lot of the fakers. The teeny-bop acts and the talent-less rock bands will continue to come and go. They'll get their 15 minutes in the limelight, but eventually the public decides what is real and meaningful and what isn't. You can't fake it for very long.

A.C.: The music of the Eagles has continued to be an inspiration for young musicians and a favourite staple of radio airplay. What is it that people love about the Eagles?

D.H.: People seem to love groups. We have four distinct personalities, four different voices, four individual styles. We offer variety, both musical and personal. Fans have more to choose from in terms of who and what they like. But in the end, it's the songwriting and the musicianship that keep us around. We do honest work and we care about that work, and I think people sense that and they appreciate it.

A.C.: Some critics pass off the Eagles and other "nostalgic" bands as no longer relevant. Do you strive to be relevant, influence public opinion or be political, or just make music for people to enjoy? Do you think people want nostalgia, or cutting edge?

D.H.: If the opinions of the critics mattered, we would have been extinct long ago. We strive to write and record quality material that, first and foremost, meets our own criteria. Given the complications of the band dynamic, we don't always get there, but we try. We are all students of music history, both popular and classical, and we make a conscious effort to write and play in a variety of styles reflecting our numerous influences. We have a collective knowledge and a deep respect for all the great pioneers of blues, country, folk, jazz, soul and rock music and we draw creative water from that well. While love songs, of one kind or another, make up the bulk of our material, we do occasionally venture into socio-political territory, but we don't delude ourselves about influencing public opinion. We're just basically reporting; we're reflecting our culture and people can make of it what they will. We're not trying to tell them what to think or how to live their lives. We don't have that kind of influence.

At the end of the day, we want to make music that people can relate to; songs that make them feel like they are not alone but are part of a larger community that has the same desires, frustrations, hopes and regrets. For better or for worse, we're all in this together. It's not about nostalgia versus cutting edge. People of all ages just need to feel like their lives matter.

A.C.: Where do you look for inspiration these days?

D.H.: Books, music, films - there is so much stuff coming at us, these days, it's hard to cut through all the clutter, but a few times a year I will read or hear or see something that just knocks me out. Also, I look to my children, I look inside myself, I look at the world and, when I can find an unpolluted sky, I look up at the heavens. As battered and corrupt as it is, planet Earth is still a miraculous, awe-inspiring place, floating in an unfathomable universe. But I don't think people look up very much anymore. We all seem to be preoccupied with ourselves and our earthly issues, as petty as many of them are. I wish that every person on Earth could travel up to the International Space Station and look down at this little, blue planet. The human race needs a new perspective.

A.C.: What happens after this tour? Are more dates coming? More solo projects?

D.H.: After this tour - more touring. We will do this as long as people want to come and see us. There will be some solo projects, if time allows, but, right now, the Eagles come first.

A.C.: Anything else to add?

D.H.: We want our fans to know how much we appreciate them and how grateful we are for all the years of support. They are the reason that we continue to do what we do.

----------------------------------------------------------
Edited to add:

1- "After this tour-- more touring"--I'm glad to hear that!
2--Looks like we need to hang out on the hotel gym the afternoon before each show!

DonFan
08-01-2008, 05:00 PM
And DF - thanks for posting that interview. That was fantastic. I just loved it - that is Don at his adorable best!! :nod: :nod:
And at his quotable best. I just love the way he talks about finding inspiration:

"I look to my children, I look inside myself, I look at the world and, when I can find an unpolluted sky, I look up at the heavens. As battered and corrupt as it is, planet Earth is still a miraculous, awe-inspiring place, floating in an unfathomable universe. "

That certainly inspired me.

Mrs Henley
08-01-2008, 05:11 PM
And DF - thanks for posting that interview. That was fantastic. I just loved it - that is Don at his adorable best!! :nod: :nod:
And at his quotable best. I just love the way he talks about finding inspiration:

"I look to my children, I look inside myself, I look at the world and, when I can find an unpolluted sky, I look up at the heavens. As battered and corrupt as it is, planet Earth is still a miraculous, awe-inspiring place, floating in an unfathomable universe. "

That certainly inspired me.

I totally agree with you DF!

Ive always been a dreamer
08-01-2008, 06:04 PM
And DF - thanks for posting that interview. That was fantastic. I just loved it - that is Don at his adorable best!! :nod: :nod:
And at his quotable best. I just love the way he talks about finding inspiration:

"I look to my children, I look inside myself, I look at the world and, when I can find an unpolluted sky, I look up at the heavens. As battered and corrupt as it is, planet Earth is still a miraculous, awe-inspiring place, floating in an unfathomable universe. "

That certainly inspired me.

Yeah - but you're so easy!!!! :D :wink: :twisted:

He sure does have a way with words though, doesn't he!!!

siny
08-02-2008, 01:10 AM
Oh, drats ! In Atlantic City we stayed at the same hotel as they did and had I known their schedule then, I could have hopped on a treadmill next to one of them. Although I would probably hyperventilate and fall off and make a fool of myself.

More touring, yay !

Thanks for posting the article. Don Henley is a very intelligent, articlulate guy. But he is very outspoken about his politics and I hope it does not turn off people who disagree with him.

DonFan
08-02-2008, 08:36 AM
The Times & Transcript printed this in a column yesterday about the New Brunswick T&T email interview with Don above:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the concert front, Sleuth can reveal that not only are the Eagles an all-time great band, but they've got class too! Any journalist can tell you how tough it is to get an interview with musicians of this stature (they've done so many through so many years, many of them just simply stop, having little more to be said and few questions left unanswered already). But journalists try anyway. So when T&T editor at large Alan Cochrane approached organizers about possibly interviewing one of the Eagles, he was not surprised by the "not likely" answer. But they did suggest that he send in questions by e-mail and maybe, just maybe, the band would reply. So he did, then went on vacation, not really expecting a whole lot to come of it.

His real surprise came upon returning from vacation to find an e-mail from the Eagles publicity company in Los Angeles. Attached to the e-mail were Don Henley's lengthy, thoughtful and detailed replies to each of his submitted questions. It was more than generous, must have taken Henley considerable time and effort to compose and made for a great "interview" (you may have seen it yesterday in this paper). Now that's class! It shows the Eagles to be a band that cares about and respects its fans. And should Mr. Henley be reading this, Ol' Sleuth passes on Mr. Cochrane's thanks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since I am also a writer, I have often played this game myself--what questions would I ask Don if I were ever given the chance to interview him? I agree with "Sleuth" that the prospect is daunting, because they have been interviewed so many times over the years. The T&T interviewer came up with thoughtful and relevant questions, giving Don the chance to give excellent responses.

And yes, Dreamer, I am that easy! :wink:

Maleah
08-02-2008, 09:38 AM
Thanks for posting the article. Don Henley is a very intelligent, articlulate guy. But he is very outspoken about his politics and I hope it does not turn off people who disagree with him.

I disagree with the majority of Don's politics in a major way.....but that being said.....he's still my fav. ;)

siny
08-02-2008, 10:46 AM
Thanks for posting the article. Don Henley is a very intelligent, articlulate guy. But he is very outspoken about his politics and I hope it does not turn off people who disagree with him.

I disagree with the majority of Don's politics in a major way.....but that being said.....he's still my fav. ;)


That's good to know. You must be very open-minded.

That was so nice of Don Henley to type up all those long, thoughtful answers while they are in the middle of the tour. So many other artists would give some standard answers just to get it over with.

glenneaglesfan
08-02-2008, 05:44 PM
Welcome to the Border, GL! It's good to have you here, and we will all look forward to your review.

DF, That was a wonderful email interview with Don, and thanks for finding it. He must have spent a good while thinking about his replies, and this bit is inspirational.


"I look to my children, I look inside myself, I look at the world and, when I can find an unpolluted sky, I look up at the heavens. As battered and corrupt as it is, planet Earth is still a miraculous, awe-inspiring place, floating in an unfathomable universe."

Maleah, at least here we have a chance to share our love of the Eagles and on occasions voice our politics without fear of being denigrated.

DonFan
08-12-2008, 04:49 PM
Jon Bon Jovi must be a DH fan. He said this in an interview about writing songs:

"Miss Fourth of July is a great song. That one and a song called Only In My Dreams that Tico [Torres] sang, very influenced [when I was] in my Tom Waits era. Tom was such an influence on me in those great ballads that he writes and the great picture lyrics. And I wrote songs like Bed of Roses because of Tom, but while I was knocking out songs like this, these didn't make it. But Miss Fourth of July is really a pretty neat song, something that perhaps I'd love to hear Don Henley sing, it really talks about the loss of innocence and youth and how at that point in my career, I was really dis-enfranchised by what the business of music had become."

Mrs Henley
08-12-2008, 04:51 PM
Whaaa fabulous! :D Thanks DF!

sodascouts
08-17-2008, 07:01 PM
What a compliment to Don. I knew JBJ had good taste. ;)

DonFan
08-27-2008, 04:43 PM
As I watched Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Convention last night, I thought about Don and the fact that he became close to the Clintons through his involvement with Walden Woods. I was wondering what he was thinking about the convention, and today I read this on www.cjfw.fm (http://www.cjfw.fm):
DON HENLEY CITES ELECTION OF GEORGE W. BUSH AS BABY BOOMERS' BIGGEST BLUNDER

By: Howie Edelson
Don Henley says that for the most part, the baby boomer generation failed to put its idealism into constructive practice, and cites electing President George W. Bush among its greatest blunders. When asked by The New Brunswick Business Journal to list his generation's greatest achievements and greatest blunders, Henley answered, "Being a boomer myself, I can say with some insight that my generation, as a whole, didn't follow through on achieving or living some of the ideals it espoused in the 1960's. We ended up becoming the first 'Me Generation.'At some point, we abandoned 'Us'in favor of 'Me.'(It's) gotten even worse with subsequent generations. It's totally out of control now, which, in my opinion, indicates a continuing cycle of bad parenting -- bad and getting worse."
He went on to throw partial blame for the blunders of both his and his children's generation on the current administration: "We have allowed our so-called leaders to place politics above science, especially in terms of the environment... Speaking strictly as a citizen of the U.S., I think our biggest mistake was electing George W. Bush as President. I'm not sure that colossal blunder can be laid solely at the feet of the Baby Boom Generation, but we certainly played a large part in it."

Although Henley has been politically outspoken against the Bush administration, he says that the Eagles try to keep their comments non-partisan on the stage: "We have found over the years that a concert is not necessarily the forum for one's political opinions. We do most of that work now separate and apart from our concert tours." The Eagles kick off their next series of dates on September 6th in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the BOK Center. The band will be on the road through the end of the month.

Mrs Henley
08-27-2008, 04:51 PM
Intressting read..thanks DF!

TimothyBFan
08-28-2008, 06:52 AM
As I watched Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Convention last night, I thought about Don and the fact that he became close to the Clintons through his involvement with Walden Woods. I was wondering what he was thinking about the convention, and today I read this on www.cjfw.fm (http://www.cjfw.fm):
DON HENLEY CITES ELECTION OF GEORGE W. BUSH AS BABY BOOMERS' BIGGEST BLUNDER

"Blunder" is a overly polite way of describing the mess we are in right now.



The Eagles kick off their next series of dates on September 6th in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the BOK Center. The band will be on the road through the end of the month.

Really? It must of slipped my mind. :eyebrow: Yeah, right-AS IF???:partytime:

Prettymaid
08-28-2008, 12:23 PM
By: Howie Edelson
Although Henley has been politically outspoken against the Bush administration, he says that the Eagles try to keep their comments non-partisan on the stage: "We have found over the years that a concert is not necessarily the forum for one's political opinions. We do most of that work now separate and apart from our concert tours."


I'm so glad they have chosen to do that. I don't care who they're voting for, I just want to see them perform.

DonFan
08-28-2008, 01:55 PM
I'm so glad they have chosen to do that. I don't care who they're voting for, I just want to see them perform.

I agree, PM. I love to hear their thoughts and opinions during an interview. I love to hear them talk between songs at a concert too, but I have been to too many concerts where the slightest political remark has set off a firestorm of controversy, and irate fans can really disrupt concerts.

sodascouts
08-28-2008, 02:46 PM
By: Howie Edelson
Although Henley has been politically outspoken against the Bush administration, he says that the Eagles try to keep their comments non-partisan on the stage: "We have found over the years that a concert is not necessarily the forum for one's political opinions. We do most of that work now separate and apart from our concert tours."
I'm so glad they have chosen to do that. I don't care who they're voting for, I just want to see them perform.

I agree. I hate it when musicians stop a concert in order to preach to the masses about politics - especially when they become angry if the crowd doesn't agree with them. They hope for everyone to cheer and "rally 'round the rocker's political viewpoints" - a lovely feel-good moment. If they don't get it, it's "screw you, ignorant jerks. I'm disgusted that you people aren't as enlightened as I am."

They can sing political songs and communicate their viewpoints that way. I certainly understand why someone would want to write about things happening in the world today. Protest songs, or songs intelligently interrogating the way things are, can really have an effect on people. Even when one doesn't agree with the political slant, one can respect the effort to "make the world a better place," so to speak, and change things through music.

However, onstage, leave the partisan talking points and political evangelism to the politicians at their rallies. I don't need to be told what to think. I mean, has anyone ever really changed their mind about a political issue thanks to declarations by musicians against or for certain politicians during a concert?

I hope not. I hope people think for themselves.

DonFan
09-09-2008, 08:11 PM
Don's latest interview, from today's Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/features/5992391.html

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Two corrections--he was born in Linden, and that is where his mother's home is.

Two comments: One-Love the line about his Grammys sitting in his mom's curio cabinet beside the ceramic chickens--that sounds just like my mother's curio cabinets! It must be a prerequisite for all Southern mothers.

Two--I also hope CDs don't disappear completely in favor of downloads. I, too, used to turn those album covers over and over, savoring every word, every photo, and daydreaming about faraway places, other kinds of lives. Now many of those albums are framed on my wall, and now I read the booklets and info that come with CDs. I hope they continue.

Freypower
09-09-2008, 08:34 PM
To my knowledge, although Don grew up in Linden he was in fact born in Gilmer as the article states.

sodascouts
09-09-2008, 08:51 PM
Interesting read - thanks for posting. For some reason, Don seems a little more negative in this Q&A than he has been in others recently. I hope all is well.

I didn't realize his mother had passed away, but it's sweet that he still keeps her house.

DonFan
09-09-2008, 09:37 PM
I know he tries to go back to his hometown of Linden, especially to see his buddy Richard Bowden, as often as he can; he just went back to go to Richard's theater, Music City Texas, to see Merle Haggard. I suppose he stays in his mother's house. She passed away about six years ago.

glenneaglesfan
09-10-2008, 06:49 AM
Interesting interview. Thanks for posting that, DF, and I am completely with you and Don on the album covers. Many a night was spent in our student rooms listening to music and studying the album art in depth!

I just wish Don would lay off the double album and egos must be fed aspect. I'd like to see him display a little more solidarity with Glenn's decision - after all it has made him a great deal of money.


The infamous tales of backstage bickering have been greatly exaggerated, both by the press and by disgruntled ex-band members trying to peddle their sour-grapes garbage.
This is the nearest any of the current band members has been to slinging a bit of mud back at Felder. Good on you Don!

TimothyBFan
09-10-2008, 07:37 AM
Nice interview-love the part about his grammys. I agree completely with him, I hope cds don't disappear completely. I miss vinyl and the great album covers and artwork.

Ive always been a dreamer
09-10-2008, 03:07 PM
I agree that this was an interesting interview. I can also totally relate to what Don is saying. Back 'in the day', the album covers were just about all we had. There just wasn't nearly the exposure in all the different type of media that there is today. I would take every album cover and read every word and study it intensely. I have to admit I have also done the same thing with all of the CD/DVD booklets and concert programs that have come out since the HFO resumption. :wink:

Brooke
09-10-2008, 03:58 PM
Great interview! Thanks!

As far as this line

"I want to read the credits, liner notes. Those things used to be almost as important as the music itself."

Yes, Don. But they sure don't say much on LROOE. Why have you left so much out? :headscratch:

sodascouts
09-10-2008, 07:01 PM
Great interview! Thanks!

As far as this line

"I want to read the credits, liner notes. Those things used to be almost as important as the music itself."

Yes, Don. But they sure don't say much on LROOE. Why have you left so much out? :headscratch:

ZING! Good point!

lyin' eyes
09-16-2008, 12:25 AM
So i dont know if this has been posted or not but im gunna take a chance and post it. It's called "Straight talk with Don" Its from the Fort Worth newpaper on Fri, Sep 12th. Enjoy!




Don Henley had a virtual chat with Star-Telegram pop music critic Preston Jones. What follows is the complete and uncut transcript of the interview:
STAR-TELEGRAM: With Long Road Out of Eden, the band seems to be aiming more explicitly at country listeners than rock, although the album doesn’t feel as though it’s deviating from that distinctive, SoCal country-rock template found on Desperado or Eagles. Does it speak more to the incredibly striated nature of music today, with its many splintered genres and seeming public need for easy classification, or is the shift attributed to the Eagles more fully embracing the country genre and literally going back to their roots?

HENLEY: We weren’t aiming at anyone in particular. There was some brief discussion about returning to our early style, but not for the entire album. In terms of style and content, the album has a pretty wide range. How Long, the first single from the album, was definitely a nod to our beginnings, but even that came about somewhat by accident. Glenn’s kids were surfing around on YouTube and found an old clip of us doing How Long on a Dutch TV show in 1973. That was only about a year after the song debuted on J.D. Souther’s first solo album. We’d forgotten that we used to sometimes include it in our set. Glenn thought it would be a good idea to record it for the Long Road Out of Eden album, so we did.

In this election year, the second half of Long Road Out of Eden stands out (particularly the title track) which is far more overtly politically charged than most of the Eagles’ catalog. Was injecting potentially divisive lyrical material into songs a point of debate within the band? Does the band share your feelings of urgency about speaking out on such issues as the war or the environment?

I think that all the members of the band are pretty much aligned in that regard. There was no debate. I think the other guys expect me to make occasional forays into territory that might be controversial. They’re fine with it as long as it doesn’t get too polemical. It adds another color to the work.

What continues to push you creatively?

Oh, a few things, I guess, but primarily a longing for community. That may sound sentimental or mawkishly idealistic, but I believe that a great many artists come from that same place, whether consciously or subconsciously. And when I say community, I mean it in both the most intimate and the most public sense of the word. The majority of our songs are about personal relationships but they are also about how those relationships are part of a much larger picture and how they are influenced by it. For example, in the middle of the album’s title song, the speaking role suddenly switches from the detached narrator to the protagonist and we see things from his very personal point of view — a young man who is caught up in a conflict that is more complex and terrible than he ever imagined. He is speaking, either in a letter or a phone call, to a loved one back home. He’s confused, frightened and homesick, but he’s just another cog in the machinery of war. We try to put the listener in this young man’s place for a just a moment, with the bombs, mines, mortars and gunfire going off all around him.
Creating, for me, is therapeutic. It’s a way of trying to make sense of a world that often doesn’t make any sense at all. The process can be painful and scary, but the end result is usually worth it. It’s a survival mechanism. It keeps me off the shrink’s couch; keeps me from climbing a tower with a rifle. Creating is a spiritual act, as well — a kind of meditation. A part of my mind is always writing, always processing what I see and hear and feel, even when I seem to be fully engaged in something else. It’s what some philosophers have called “invisible work.” I can’t keep from doing it. I believe that every human being has the creative impulse within them, but if it isn’t recognized and developed, then dysfunction and unhappiness is the result. I was lucky. I had great parents who encouraged me and helped my pursue my passion, even though it wasn’t exactly what they’d expected.

Are the inter-band relationships more easily sustained these days? Does it feel as though the Eagles are in a fragile place?

The band as a whole is in a pretty good place, right now, but things can still get volatile if we’ve been on the road for an extended time. When we’re traveling, there are all kinds of variables that we have to deal with. As professional and consistent as our operation is, every day requires some kind of adjustment. If all the band members don’t make a real and consistent effort to take care of themselves; if somebody, for one reason or another, isn’t getting enough sleep; if there’s an issue at home with one of our kids; if one of us is having voice trouble, then it becomes difficult to maintain a balanced perspective and moods can swing. Lately, things have been better, overall, but I’d say that there’s still room for improvement.

By choosing to initially release Eden through Wal-Mart outlets, the Eagles bypassed the troubled music industry. What’s your take on the state of the music industry and the near-constant mess they seem to be in? Is this the last throes or can the record business possibly get going in the right direction? Additionally, had the Eagles been able at the beginning of their career, would they have forged their own path from the first album?

The music industry, as we have known it, is almost extinct. The digital revolution changed everything and not all for the better. Of course, some parts of the business needed to change. I don’t think too many of us mourn the collapse of the major record labels. They did help to build the careers of many artists, including us, but they also took advantage of us in the process. And they took advantage of their customers. They got away with it for about 60 years, but things are changing now, thanks in no small measure to the digitization of music and to the Internet. The other side of the coin, though, is piracy. The record labels have always stolen from artists; now, music consumers are doing it, too. The only way for a musician to make a living anymore is on the road, because the Internet has just about succeeded in killing copyright. Writers and publishers are just out of luck. Since our last recording contract with a major label had expired, we were free to do whatever we wanted in terms of making and marketing an album. We gave the matter a lot of thought and ultimately decided to go with Wal-Mart. It turned out to be a sound, business decision — a “win-win” for us and our fans. We didn’t get screwed by some big record label and our fans got 20 new Eagles songs for twelve bucks. What we did has apparently created a new paradigm in the business. Scores of artists are now attempting to do the same thing. Had we been able to do something like this at the beginning of our career, I suppose we would have, but, like most young artists, we were pretty naïve and there was a steep learning curve. The music business is complex and it takes a number of years to figure it out. It’s a “Catch 22” — you can’t really call the shots until you’ve had a significant degree of success and, to obtain that success, you usually have to give away the store to a major label. Since we still have a large and loyal following, and since we really don’t have to heavily depend on radio exposure anymore, we were able to make the Wal-Mart thing work, but it will not necessarily work for new or unestablished artists.

Do you think the Eagles would have had success in a sound-bite-driven world, an era dominated by illegal downloads and YouTube?

We came up in an era when bands actually tried to avoid publicity except for what was absolutely necessary. Our generation of musicians also considered the visual media as something to be avoided in most instances. We tried to maintain an air of mystery, a little aloofness. We would hole up and write our songs, record them, reluctantly do a photo session, give a couple of interviews and then hit the road. The live performance was the thing and FM radio was king. There wasn’t all this silly celebrity culture, all these tabloid TV shows and rabid packs of paparazzi roaming the streets. There was no YouTube, no MySpace, no TMZ. In the ‘60s and early ‘70s, most artists weren’t willing to “ho” to get their fifteen minutes of fame. Peoples’ lives were not an open book, their foibles not public property. We did our fair share of debauchery, but there was nobody there trying to film it. Back in the day, there was no MTV or VH-1. That was the beginning of the end, I think — MTV. It forcibly turned an aural medium into a visual medium and, in doing so, killed the opportunity for the listener to use his imagination. Bob Pittman, the inventor of MTV, said: "Young Americans are TV babies. If you got their emotions going, forget their logic, you've got 'em." He went on to convince the struggling, major labels that MTV was the ultimate promotional tool — and, for a time, it was, enabling the majors to sell trainloads of absolute crap. During the MTV era, the number of one-hit wonders grew exponentially, and the music business has never recovered. As the song says, “Video killed the radio star,” and now the Internet is finishing the job.
I don’t know if we would have made it in today’s climate. I’m not sure that we would have wanted to.

Of all that you’re involved with (music, charity, family), what brings you the most satisfaction?

My family, without a doubt. I still get a great deal of satisfaction from the music, as well as the conservation and preservation work, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had. But none of that is quite as fulfilling as parenting — or as challenging.

Ultimately, what do you hope people get out of the Eagles’ music?

Oh, I don’t know — joy, comfort, a feeling of connection, food for thought. Something good for road trips.

Are there any plans for you to record and/or tour again as a solo artist?

I have several, diverse album projects that have been simmering in my head for a few years, now. The trick is finding the time to do them without shortchanging my family. Soon, I’ll be setting up a recording studio in or near my home in Texas, so I’ll be able to go home after work.

Is it possible to sum up the Eagles’ legacy, the band’s impact over the decades?

You’d need to ask somebody other than me. I don’t think about that legacy stuff. It is satisfying, though, to know that we have created a durable body of work and that it’s still growing. The odds in this business have never been good, and they’re even longer these days. One album is a career now. It’s rough out there. But, at the end of the day, I care much more about my legacy as a father than I do about the legacy of the band. I have my priorities straight.

Will the Eagles continue beyond this album and this tour? You’ve said previously that Eden is probably the last Eagles album you’ll ever make but is there a possibility or determining factors still being weighed? Does it matter to you whether the band continues to sustain itself or would you be perfectly happy ending things here?

I really don’t know what will happen after this touring cycle ends. I think it will probably take us another year or more to cover the remainder of the globe, and there is nothing planned after that. The band operates on a yearly cycle. Right now, we’re scheduled to work up until the day before Thanksgiving and then we’ll be off for the holidays. Come January, we’ll take stock and decide what we want to do in 2009. There has been no discussion about making another album. I’m not ruling that out, but it’s not something that I contemplate with any degree of enthusiasm, at least this point. I would, in fact, be perfectly happy to stay home, take care of my wife and kids and work on solo projects in my spare time. I own a hell-of-a-lot of books that I haven’t read. Some fishing and gardening would be nice, too. These past 37 years have been amazing and wonderful beyond my wildest dreams, and I am as thankful as I can be. But, I’m tired of packing and unpacking. I’m tired of airplanes and hotel rooms. I’m weary of the constant ringing in my ears. I wouldn’t miss the chronic, lower back pain that I’ve been living with since 1975. And I certainly wouldn’t miss the limelight. That part of the deal has morphed into something that is now, in many instances, more of a liability than an asset or an honor. I’m ready for a quieter, simpler life. Of course, I’ve been saying that for 30 years.

Linkage for anyone who wants it: http://www.star-telegram.com/388/story/903408.html

Ive always been a dreamer
09-16-2008, 04:56 PM
Thanks for posting that, LE. It was a good interview, but I don't like the sound of that last part very much. It sounding too much like Don is ready to hang it up. I don't want to hear any more! :cry:

DonFan
09-16-2008, 10:51 PM
It was a good interview, but I don't like the sound of that last part very much. It sounding too much like Don is ready to hang it up. :cry:

Oh no, he's not ready to hang it up. Remember, he HAS been saying that for 30 years. :wink:

glenneaglesfan
09-17-2008, 03:16 AM
That's a very interesting interview. Thanks for posting it, LE.

I hope you're right, DF!

Ive always been a dreamer
09-17-2008, 01:26 PM
That's true, DF. I remember the reason that I decided to fly to California for two show in 2005 is because I was absolutely convinced that it may be their last tour and one of my last chances to see them. :shock:

DonFan
09-17-2008, 01:51 PM
I thought much the same as you when I flew to California in 2005 too.
Plus, I had always wanted to go to CAL and the Eagles presented the perfect excuse.

DonFan
09-23-2008, 09:50 AM
From PEOPLE magazine archives, an article from October 1985 about Farm Aid. I love the comments about Don's participation:

A Harvest in Song, By Steven Dougherty

With Willie Nelson Pointing the Way, Country and Rock Stars Visit the Illinois Heartland to Express Solidarity with the Nation's Trouble-Plagued Family Farmer

The sight of the lady in white at the top of the backstage stairs was enough to stop new partners in power rock Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar dead in their boot tracks. Racing toward the Farm Aid stage where they were about to commit the wildest art heard during the 14½-hour marathon concert, these heaviest of metalists aw-shucksed like a pair of hayseeds upon encountering June Carter, the gracious first lady of country music. "We've been listening to your songs for years," Hagar gushed. With wild blond curls, yellow space boots and matching jersey, Hagar clutched a bright red electric guitar in his hand and said he had spent the day hanging out with John Carter Cash, June and Johnny Cash's 15-year-old son. June Carter described John as a guitar player and "big, big heavy-metal fan."

As the rockers resumed their dash to the stage, Carter said she was not surprised at how well flamboyant rock stars were getting along with traditional down-home country players. "I love rock 'n' rollers," she said. "We're all here for the same reason—for the farmers. We all have to eat. And we all have the same roots. Even city people have ancestors who had their hands in the dirt. And as musicians, country and rock aren't that far apart really. We all come from the same place."

Staged to raise funds and encourage public support for the American farmer, whose plight has stricken the conscience of the nation, Farm Aid picked up the spirit and format of Live Aid, the worldwide July 13 African famine relief benefit, and brought it all back home. Guiding force Willie Nelson (who with John Cougar Mellencamp and Neil Young organized the concert) says it was Bob Dylan speaking from the stage at Live Aid who sparked the idea for Farm Aid. Dylan may have mumbled the words—that it might be nice to divert some of the money raised in Philadelphia and London to American farmers—but for many listeners Dylan's words were a warning. Let the traditional caretaker of American soil—the family farmer—fail today, and tomorrow an American famine relief benefit concert might be staged on some other, more fertile continent.

Carole King compared the spirit backstage to an old-fashioned barn raising. "It's like getting together with your neighbors." And what a neighborhood: The largest gathering of country and rock performers in pop history, Farm Aid became a study in cultural and musical cross pollination. Exene Cervenka, singer for L.A. rockers X, trailed country stars around backstage filming them with her Super 8 movie camera. When she caught legendary singer-songwriter George Jones on camera, she nearly jumped out of her black leather jacket. "I got him in color—with sound!"

Exhausted by the marathon concert's 12th hour, June Carter traipsed alone on blistered feet to a tour bus parked far behind the stage to retrieve a stack of vintage Sun Records 45s that rocker John Fogerty had admired during a recent meeting in Memphis with Cash. "I thought young John should have these," Carter said, "but I can't find him anywhere." When blues great B.B. King finished his set, a roadie walked offstage with King's famous black Gibson guitar—"Lucille." Members of Willie Nelson's road crew quickly gathered round to admire King's longevity. "What, the man's 60 years old. He's got 50 albums. I'm only 45, and I'm ready to retire," said one.

Bridging the stylistic gap between hard rock and country, Maria McKee and Lone Justice gave the largely Midwestern crowd what was perhaps its first taste of L.A.-style "cow punk." Former Pure Prairie League vocalist Vince Gill, standing in the wings with Carlene Carter, said he thought McKee and Don Henley's band turned in the best performances of the day. But, he said, they both "went right over [the audience's] head."

If Farm Aid reminded rock of its roots, it also provided indelible moments when everyone seemed country cousins. It was former Eagle Don Henley, just another sex object to Debra Winger, who called him "the cutest boy on stage," quietly detailing facts and figures about the farm crisis offstage and saying, "The value of farmers is not only in the food they raise, but in the value system they nurture." It was country banjo great John McEuen commenting in awe on a particularly incendiary guitar solo by Van Halen: "I have never heard anything like that—ever!" And it was Hill Street Blues' Charles (Renko) Haid paraphrasing William Jennings Bryan: "You can burn down the cities and leave the farms, and the cities will grow as if by magic; but burn down the farms and grass will grow on the streets of your cities."

Prettymaid
09-23-2008, 10:44 AM
That brings back some memories for me. I went to Farm Aid in 1985. I didn't stay for the whole thing but I saw a lot of stars perform. I don't remember Don Henley, but to be honest, I don't remember a lot of it anymore!

DonFan
09-25-2008, 05:15 PM
You are very fortunate to have gone to Farm Aid, PM. I bet it was quite a show!

I do love my Google alerts on Don. This post is off someone's blog who was talking about the worst rock covers:
----------------------------------------


6.) Another example of Midas gold that you don’t touch - Don Henley! Don Henley is to music what the ”Old Testament” is to the Bible, essential and necessary! I know I was in the minority at the time, but please..the Ataris’ version of “Boys of Summer” on speed was just a mess and where are the Atari’s now? I think that was a one hitless wonder! Stop making my ears bleed!

-------------------------------------

I don't know about you, but Don is definitely essential and necessary to ME. I will think of that when I read the Old Testament at church Sunday.
:angel:

Mrs Henley
09-25-2008, 05:32 PM
I don't know about you, but Don is definitely essential and necessary to ME. I will think of that when I read the Old Testament at church Sunday.
:angel:


to me too! and yes indeed, I will also think of that!

DonFan
10-22-2008, 11:13 AM
Here is a mention of Don in an interview with a radio DJ in South Bend. Love it:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shelli Harmon is 1/3 of the Jack, Shelli & Bruce show at Sunny 101.5 in South Bend. The threesome with the playful camaraderie can be heard every morning from 5:30-9a.m.

Radio Philosophy

I go with the 3 Bs: Be prepared. Be yourself. Be fun!

Favorite Brush with Greatness

I would have to go with Don Henley. I was working in New York and lucky enough to go back-stage after a show. It was when he was touring for his monster album, Building the Perfect Beast. Don Henley was the kindest, most down-to-earth celebrity I’ve met. We sat and gabbed for about a half-hour. He wasn’t rushed or hurried and had the softest hint of a good ol’ boy Texas accent. He was just a lovely person. The framed picture commemorating that occasion still proudly sits on my desk.

TimothyBFan
10-22-2008, 11:36 AM
DF-thanks for posting. This is my neck of the woods and that radio station is great especially on weekends when they do all 80's but I cannot stand those 3 DJs--especially that early in the morning and their "playful camaraderie" is irritating as h*ll with mostly giggling!

Glad to hear the nice things about Don tho-sounds like she got him on a really good day!

DonFan
11-14-2008, 02:07 PM
Here's some advance press for my Memphis show:

Concert Preview: The Eagles are still flying high for Don Henley (http://www.gomemphis.com/news/2008/nov/10/concert-preview-eagles-are-still-flying-high-don-h/)

By Bob Mehr (http://www.gomemphis.com/staff/bob-mehr/), GoMemphis.com (http://gomemphis.com/)

An excerpt:

Q: Given the success you’ve enjoyed both with the band and as a solo artist are there any creative or professional goals you still have a burning ambition to achieve?
A: Burning ambition? Them’s pretty strong words, Hoss. No, I guess you could say that burning ambition is what we had in the ‘70s. These days, that has matured into something a little less dangerous. We simply don’t have as much to prove, now, or as much to lose, so we don’t have to labor under that yoke.
We can go about our business without worrying so much about where we are on the proverbial ladder. It makes the work so much more enjoyable, you know? Of course, it would be gratifying to make another successful album or to win a few more Grammys or CMA awards, but nothing lasts forever.
We’ve had an extraordinary run. We like where we are right now and we intend to continue for a bit longer, but if it should all end tomorrow, that’s fine too.
*************************************
Them's pretty strong words, Don--and I love them.

Brooke
11-14-2008, 04:26 PM
:lol: I liked that!

Prettymaid
11-14-2008, 09:23 PM
One thing about Don - he is very articulate.

Freypower
11-15-2008, 07:45 PM
The 'how about neither' in relation to 'it's better to burn out than it is to rust' is an excellent point and only Don could make it. While the song from which that quote is taken (Hey Hey My My (Into The Black) is one of my favourite Neil Young songs I was always somewhat uneasy about it. Finally Don puts it into perspective. You don't HAVE to burn out, you don't HAVE to rust.

Prettymaid
11-16-2008, 10:48 AM
Finally Don puts it into perspective. You don't HAVE to burn out, you don't HAVE to rust.

:cheers:

DonFan
11-21-2008, 06:03 PM
Lots of Eagles coverage in the Philadelphia press lately.
First, they allowed readers to submit questions to Don. (I hope the Birmingham paper gives us this opportunity as well!)

Don Henley answers readers' questions
Thu, Nov. 20, 2008

Philly.com readers sent in questions for Don Henley. Here are his answers.

What's the latest with Walden Woods?

The Walden Woods Project has accomplished a great deal during the past 18 years, including the permanent protection of over 150 acres (10 separate sites) in historic Walden Woods. Recently, we acquired a historic farm that was faced with the threat of development. Under the stewardship of the Walden Woods Project, the farm has been returned to agriculture.

There has never been a more critical time for the environment and Henry David Thoreau’s message has never been more relevant. The Walden Woods Project’s education programs apply Thoreau’s fundamental principles to addressing the worldwide conservation and social reform challenges of the 21st century. A primary goal of our organization is to help equip the next generation with the knowledge, skills and commitment they will need meet these challenges. Our new World Wide Waldens program operates on an international scale and reaches high school students throughout the United States and around the globe with an innovative web-based environmental stewardship program. For more information, go to www.worldwidewaldens.org (http://www.worldwidewaldens.org/)

The Walden Woods Project also offers seminars for middle and high school teachers from across the United States. Educators are provided with the tools they need to develop their own place-based curriculum in the study of nature and home place. Participating teachers will reach thousands of students during the course of their professional careers with curricula based on Thoreau’s philosophy including social awareness, environmental literacy and a strong sense of community.

The Walden Woods Project supports research and academic pursuits by students, scholars and lifelong learners from around the world. Housed at the Walden Woods Project’s Thoreau Institute, and overseen by a full-time curator, is the most comprehensive Thoreau research collection in the world. This invaluable resource is available to the public on site and on-line.

Please log on to the Walden Woods Project’s website for more information: www.walden.org (http://www.walden.org/)

What was it like to reunite with Joe Walsh and the rest of the band for the latest album tour?

Well, we actually “reunited” in 1994 and we’ve been touring regularly ever since. We all enjoy playing for people and Joe keeps us laughing. He’s a great performer one of the most talented guitarists on the planet.

I saw you in Philly in the 70s, what's your opinion of playing here?

We love playing in Philly. The audiences there are very vocal; they really get into it and they show their appreciation. It a great party every time we play there. We look forward to it - and of course the cheesesteaks.

The new album seems to have some songs songs with a political edge. Did that come from you or the band?

That’s usually my department, although Glenn has a keen interest in politics, as well. You can’t really escape politics. It permeates all our lives; it’s really a part of everything that we do. Politics doesn’t just exist in our state capitals or in Washington, DC. It’s there in home kitchens and living rooms, in cafes and school rooms, in workplaces all over this country. Now, it’s even in the churches, for better or for worse. So, we think that a well-rounded album should have at least one or two politically influenced pieces. It’s about the human condition, just as love songs are.

What has been the hardest part of staying a working band for more than 30 years?

There are quite a few challenges involved - getting along with one another, remaining enthusiastic and creative, staying sane and healthy - but I think we would all agree that the hardest part, these days, is being away from our homes and our families about 50% of the time. That is difficult. You can’t get that time back. But life is all about trade-offs. We know how fortunate we are and what an incredible run we’ve had, and we are willing, for now, to keep on going, but for how long is anybody’s guess. All good things must come to an end, and we’ll know when the time comes. But, for now, things are awfully good.

DonFan
11-21-2008, 06:18 PM
Philly,com has posted a number of reviews and articles about the Eagles in advance of their upcoming show. I thought this article about Don back in 2000 was particularly good:


Posted on Thu, Nov. 20, 2008

Don Henley isn't your typical rock star
by Alan K. Stout
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Originally published on August 29, 2000

He's articulate and well-spoken, and he combines grace with a sense of confidence. He talks passionately about literature, poetry and language. He speaks with affection about his upbringing, his parents and his own wife and children. He has great command of the subjects that interest him, and he talks with genuine concern about the state of the nation, nature and environmental issues.

And, of course - when asked - he'll talk about his music.

The Grammy-winning former Eagle's latest CD, "Inside Job," was released earlier this summer. It comes 11 years after his previous effort, 1989's "The End of the Innocence," and has already spawned the hit single "Taking You Home. " The song appears to have multiple themes: the love for his wife and children, and perhaps even his decision to raise them in his native Texas, rather than California.

"It was inspired by my family - by my children and by my wife and the birth of my first daughter," says Henley, 53. "I'm always squeamish about releasing a ballad like that first, because it sort of typecasts me. For 25 years now, I've had to fight this label of 'mellow and laid-back' and all that kind of stuff, and it's been a struggle. But I decided this time 'What the hell? It's a good song. Let them go with it. ' "

For Henley, the joys of having a family of his own did not come until later in life. He married in 1995 for the first time, and although he was in his late 40s, he says he's glad he waited.

"I was engaged a couple of times, but I never went through with it," he says. "I think I would have been a failure if I had done it earlier, and I've always believed that the lives of children are too important to be part of an immature experiment. "

So, is Henley a man at peace? "Partially," he says. "At least with my personal life. My inner life is good, but the world out there really [sets] me off. "

Enter Henley the environmentalist. In 1990, he founded the Walden Woods Project, dedicated to preserving historic lands around Walden Pond in Concord, Mass. The location - where Henry David Thoreau and other writers often drew inspiration - remains dear to Henley, as does the preservation project.

"I founded it, it's mine - and I can't let it wither," he says. "It remains very important to me and I work on it to some degree every week, raising money. We still need to raise $15 to $20 million. "

According to the Walden Woods Web site, about 70 percent of the Walden Woods area has been preserved, but there is still about 30 percent that can be commercially developed. Henley remains committed to not letting that happen.

"We still have work to do," he says. "I'm sure I'll be working on that for the rest of my life, and I want my children to become part of it when they're older. I think it's a remarkable project, and I have some really wonderful people working on it with me. It addresses things that we're losing in our culture: a sense of spirituality, a sense of respect and awe for the natural environment and for history. "

In addition to the Walden Woods Project, Henley also has worked diligently at preserving open space and wildlife habitats in California's Santa Monica Mountains and has formed a wetlands science/education institute in Texas. Add that to the fact that he lost his California home in an earthquake, started a family, relocated to Texas, worked on 1993's "Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles" all-star country tribute album and then participated in the 1994 Eagles reunion, and you might have your answer as to why it has been 11 years since his last album.

Still, there is a perception that Henley is a musical perfectionist, known to agonize over words and arrangements in his songwriting. He's asked if his own high standards contribute to his slow pace in the studio.

"Well, first of all, let me say that I don't think there is any such thing as perfection in the world of art," he says.

Henley then offers yet another factor that contributed to the time between records. Prefacing the talk with the condition he couldn't go into great detail because of legal reasons, he says his departure from his longtime label, Geffen Records, was not cordial. ("Inside Job" is his debut with Warner Bros. Records. )

"It was ugly," Henley said of the split. "I simply didn't want to make records for David Geffen anymore. I have absolutely no respect for the man. He's been in and out of my professional life since 1971. . .After the Eagles broke up, he came to me and said, 'You need to come and sign a record contract with me because you know I'll take care of you, blah, blah, blah'. . .and I fell for it, again, because I was feeling rather insecure and at loose ends at the time. So I signed with him, and it turned out to be the same guy I that remembered he was - who was not somebody I want to work with.

"I was busting my [rear] to make really good albums, and they weren't promoting them in a manner that was commensurate with my efforts. He really didn't care about the music business at that point anyway, he was more interested in making films, collecting art and doing whatever he does. . .I just didn't feel like putting my heart and soul into any more records for a company that just didn't really care."

sodascouts
11-24-2008, 03:35 PM
Another Q&A, this time from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette (http://www.telegram.com/article/20081123/NEWS/811230441/1110).

sodascouts
11-24-2008, 03:43 PM
“Well, this is somewhat controversial, but I think the Earth needs fewer people. It is a known fact that the planet does not contain enough natural resources to support unlimited population growth, especially with a high standard of living, which is what everybody wants. There are limits and, like it or not, we will have to address those limits, probably sooner than we think.”

And how does he suggest we "address" that? Limit folks to one baby per family? He apparently didn't take that into consideration when fathering his own kids!

Anyway, I didn't know that he has a loss of hearing in his left ear. Poor guy!

I'm also impressed that he drinks so little alcohol these days. Just wine on the holidays, apparently. He's sure come a long way!

DonFan
11-24-2008, 03:53 PM
Ahh, there's the Don I know and love! I love that he said "I try to eat right, but I don’t always succeed. I have a pretty comprehensive knowledge of nutrition, but that doesn’t always translate into dietary discipline," to mean "I eat junk food sometimes." ;-)

I read somewhere about his hearing loss in that ear, but he doesn't usually bring that up.

I wondered the same thing when I read his statement about population. There is no easy answer to that one.

EagleLady
11-24-2008, 03:53 PM
For one thing, Prevent kids from having Kids!

Just Another Hired Hand
12-01-2008, 10:50 PM
As I am exploring the site I am learning different things. MY wife and I attended the Don Henley Concert at the Borgata on June 9, 2007. I checked the "Don in the press" section and I did not see the article I am about to post. My apologies if it appears elsewhere. I will be posting my review of the concert in the near future, as I have to retrieve it from a computer archive. In the meantime, here is the AC Press article.

Eagles superstar Don Henley brings solo act to Borgata
Flying Solo
By ERIC FINE For At The Shore, (609) 272-7017
Published: Thursday, June 7, 2007

Don Henley will be performing 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

Don Henley has much more in common with Paul McCartney than Ringo Starr. Unlike many musicians who leave a well-known band, Henley boasts enough solo material to fill a “greatest hits” collection. He’s no more stuck with “Hotel California” than McCartney is with “Let It Be.”

Henley was one of four musicians who founded the Eagles in 1971 after backing Linda Ronstadt on her album “Silk Purse.” His first solo album, “I Can’t Stand Still,” included the single “Dirty Laundry”; the same year, Henley and Stevie Nicks recorded the hit “Leather and Lace.”

His 1984 album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” featured “The Boys of Summer,” which peaked at No. 5 on the charts. The Grammy winner’s other hits include “The End of the Innocence,” “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” and “Sunset Grill.”

Henley, performing Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, at Borgata, answered a variety of questions that touched on his career, politics and the record industry.

Q: What’s a Don Henley concert like?

A: I have an extraordinary band, some of whom have been with me for over 20 years — very talented and versatile musicians. Most of them have the ability to play a variety of instruments, and they’re good singers, too. Just as importantly, they’re all intelligent, interesting people, and they have great senses of humor. We all get along really well, and that’s just as important as the talent. When choosing songs for any given show, I will often consult the band — ask them what they think we ought to play.

We have a very extensive repertoire, and we try to play what we think people would want to hear. Plus, we like to throw in a couple of out-of-the-ordinary selections to give the fans a little something different and to keep us on our toes, too. In my solo shows, I don’t normally play drums. People see me do that in the Eagles, and I like to keep at least some contrast between my two careers. So, in my solo shows, I usually play guitar and sing.

Q: Looking back, how difficult was the transition between playing drums in a supergroup and playing the part of a frontman in your own band?

A: I have talked about this extensively in the past. It wasn’t easy. It took me a few years to adjust to the change. But now, after about 22 years of touring in a solo capacity, I think I’ve got it down. Also, as the fans already know, since the Eagles reunited in 1994, I don’t solely play drums in those shows, either.

Q: How does your personal approach differ from the Eagles?

A: There’s less drama.

Q: In this day and age, how strong is the relationship between politics and pop?

A: Well, I suppose that would depend on how you would define pop music. Obviously, some musicians are interested in politics, but many aren’t. The same could be said of politicians — some of them are interested in music and in the music business, and others couldn’t care less. Speaking as a musician who has been around the block a few times, I think it’s really a shame that more musicians, singers, songwriters and their managers don’t take a more active role in government affairs. Because what goes on in Washington, D.C. — and even in certain state capitals such as Sacramento, Nashville and Albany — has enormous bearing on musicians, their rights (and) their livelihoods. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons — many of which are illogical — musicians on the whole are not well organized nor sufficiently informed and engaged in the political process. Therefore, they’re always getting screwed and then wondering why.”

Q: Do you hold out hope for the record industry?

A: The record industry, as we have known it, is pretty much over. There will be a painful period of transition, which has already begun. I don’t think that anybody really knows how things will end up. The digital age has proved to be both a blessing and a curse. Those who didn’t get on the train in time are paying a big price now. Everybody’s trying to play catch-up, including the government. It’s the Wild West — the lawless frontier all over again.

Q: As a young musician, who were some of your influences?

A: My musical influences were all over the map. Drummers ranging from Gene Krupa to Ginger Baker to Al Jackson to Russ Kunkel. Songwriters almost too numerous to mention — but to name a few: Stephen Foster, Lennon and McCartney, Hank Williams, Cindy Walker, Randy Newman, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, Joni Mitchell. I’ve been influenced in some way by everything I’ve ever heard — even the bad stuff.

Ive always been a dreamer
12-02-2008, 10:56 AM
Thanks from me too, JAHH. I enjoyed reading that.

Just Another Hired Hand
12-05-2008, 11:48 AM
And when in Philadelphia Don henley hangs out at: (posted in Philly.com, July 17, 2008, just brought to my attention by a coworker who recently ate there...the event took place on July 16, 2008)

* Meanwhile, Eagles front man
Don Henley, manager Irving Azoff and a small party dined at the Saloon (750 S. 7th) Tuesday, where Henley went for dover sole and oysters and the table split a bottle of chardonnay. The Eagles play the Borgata in Atlantic City tonight and Saturday.

Mrs Henley
12-05-2008, 12:21 PM
Very interesting.. I think I will invite Don for a diner.. guess what's on the menu.

sodascouts
12-05-2008, 12:29 PM
These tidbits are interesting, but I wonder how they know what he ordered? A bribe to the waiter perhaps? Or just careful observation? lol

Mrs Henley
12-05-2008, 12:31 PM
Maybe they put a little camera in the candle on their table, lol.

sodascouts
12-05-2008, 08:06 PM
I didn't know this random piece of trivia!

+Jackie & Eddie's Cookies -- These are the best ginger and brownie cookies made in America, and they come packed in eco-boxes printed on recycled paper, using soy inks. The entire package is 100% compostable, including the shrink wrap. Jackie and Eddie grew up near Occidental where their dad studied, and they baked these cookies as kids with their mom. During the Clinton administration, these were a staple of the White House kitchen (Don Henley of the Eagles first hooked President Clinton on them). In the spirit of Democratic continuity--and because they are so darn good--White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel should make sure that the supply never runs out. Even those who don't get jobs in the Obama White House, can order them for the holidays online at: www.jackieandeddies.com (http://www.jackieandeddies.com/)

Mrs Henley
12-09-2008, 06:23 AM
Thanks Soda! I think I will try them someday! :lol:

eaglesvet
12-09-2008, 12:23 PM
In post 161 from the Philly interview, Don says he was engaged a couple of times, but didn't go through with it. Anyone know any details?

DonFan
12-09-2008, 12:57 PM
He was in a long, serious relationship with Maren Jensen and they were engaged for awhile before finally splitting up. I'm not sure who else he was engaged to.

Troubadour
12-09-2008, 01:14 PM
Wasn't he engaged to a girl back in Texas, before the Eagles took off? I read that she gave him an ultimatum, and he chose to pursue the band.

TimothyBFan
12-09-2008, 01:19 PM
He was in a long, serious relationship with Maren Jensen and they were engaged for awhile before finally splitting up. I'm not sure who else he was engaged to.

I confess it was me but I told him my heart belonged to Timmy and I was only using him to stay close to Tim! :nahnah:

ticky
12-09-2008, 01:21 PM
You tease! Poor Don, you broke his heart *G*

DonFan
12-09-2008, 02:45 PM
Wasn't he engaged to a girl back in Texas, before the Eagles took off? I read that she gave him an ultimatum, and he chose to pursue the band.

I know he had a girlfriend back in Texas, but I don't know if they were engaged.

Ive always been a dreamer
12-09-2008, 02:46 PM
troub - I think I also remember reading something about Don leaving a sweetheart back in Texas to pursue a career move. If she did in fact give him an ultimatum - very silly girl is all I can say!

eaglesvet
12-09-2008, 02:47 PM
I confess it was me but I told him my heart belonged to Timmy and I was only using him to stay close to Tim! :nahnah:
I remember now, I did read something in the Houston Chronicle when they interviewed Don a few years back...he did say that The Heart of the Matter was written about a Midwesterner named Willie that he had been briefly engaged to. He didn't elaborate on the circumstances of the breakup, however....now I can see why.

eaglesvet
12-09-2008, 02:48 PM
troub - I think I also remember reading something about Don leaving a sweetheart back in Texas to pursue a career move. If she did in fact give him an ultimatum - very silly girl is all I can say!
Look where she'd be right now...sigh...

DonFan
12-09-2008, 02:57 PM
Actually, since Don is a Southerner he really prefers Southern girls. He was once engaged to a girl from the Deep South, the Heart of Dixie....

But I'm not telling! :twisted:

DonFan
12-09-2008, 03:03 PM
Troub - I think I also remember reading something about Don leaving a sweetheart back in Texas to pursue a career move. If she did in fact give him an ultimatum - very silly girl is all I can say!


Look where she'd be right now...sigh...

Probably divorced. :-(

Ive always been a dreamer
12-09-2008, 03:03 PM
Man - that must be some good stuff that some of you are smoking today!!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Troubadour
12-09-2008, 03:09 PM
I know he had a girlfriend back in Texas, but I don't know if they were engaged.

I can't remember which interview/article it was but, if it's correct, they were engaged. From what I can recall, it was a childhood friend of Don's saying that he was going out with "the prettiest girl in town", and that he had bought her a ring and was going to marry her. She gave him an ultimatum though, and he chose to pursue his career. The journalist reflected that this probably impacted on some of Don's future work, and that leaving something behind was a thread that has run through some of his lyrics. I also remember the friend talking about Don as a kid, and saying that Don's mother was lovely but had absolutely no control over her son!

TimothyBFan
12-09-2008, 03:30 PM
Man - that must be some good stuff that some of you are smoking today!!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Nope--it's just called extreme PEW!!! :)

And in keeping with this topic--DF--do you know where that interview with Carrie Fisher supposedly was published-if it was?

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/Don%20Henley/DonHenley4.jpg

eaglesvet
12-09-2008, 04:26 PM
Don looks a little like Elton John with those glasses.

Troubadour
12-09-2008, 04:34 PM
Don looks a little like Elton John with those glasses.

Thanks for the nightmares, EV.

DonFan
12-09-2008, 08:25 PM
And in keeping with this topic--DF--do you know where that interview with Carrie Fisher supposedly was published-if it was?


Interview magazine in 1986.

DonFan
12-10-2008, 07:00 PM
Some excerpts from today's Dallas Morning News:


Former Dallas Mayor Laura Miller -- who has become quite private since leaving office in 2007 -- makes a pretty public appearance in the November issue of Traditional Home (http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/refined-refuge_ss1.html) magazine.



The story credits Miller with a "David vs. Goliath" scenario -- battling massive utility company TXU to prevent "dirty" coal plants.

As she worked to raise $600,000 for an air-control study, she asked Eagles rocker Don Henley to -- her words -- help "sugar daddy it."


*********************************************

I bet Don makes a great "sugar daddy." 8)

eaglesvet
12-10-2008, 08:06 PM
WOW, what a thought...:inlove::fainted:

SweetHolly
12-10-2008, 09:53 PM
It was a pretty big deal about the whole Laura Miller thing here in Dallas. Since I live pretty darn close to Carrollton, it was all over the news. The day the article appeared in the DMN, I woke up about 6:15 in the morning and they were talking about it on the oldies station here and I was like what the heck is going on? Am I just dreaming or crazy? Then I saw the article in the paper.

DonFan
01-31-2009, 09:37 AM
I really need to take a vacation trip to LA someday. In addition to all the other attractions I would love to see in LA, here is part of a review of the new entertainment complex, LA Live. The Grammy Museum sounds like a must-see:
****************************************
From lobster tempura and Grammy Awards to basketball and beer, the new $2.4 billion LA Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles is definitely worth a visit.

A friend and I began a recent getaway to the venue at ESPN Zone, where we lunched while watching a Laker game. After the game we walked through Nokia Plaza to the Grammy Museum, a four-level gallery exploring and celebrating the legacies of music; the creative process; the art and technology of the recording process; and the history of the Grammy Awards.

Our adventure began with an elevator ride to the fourth floor. When the doors opened we followed colorful lights to a long table called “Crossroads.” Looking like something from “Star Wars,” the blinking interactive table is a giant touch-screen offering guests access to more than 130 genres of music.

Near “Crossroads” we found incredible musical memorabilia, such as Buddy Holly’s 1943 Gibson guitar, Elvis’ 1942 Martin guitar, and Don Henley’s hand-written lyrics to his classic song “End of the Innocence.”

Moving down to the third floor we were immersed in “Life of a Recording,” where video screens and interactive exhibits tell the story of how a song is recorded and brought to life from its beginning until it is ready for the radio. To help demonstrate the process, the museum features various recording booths, where guest can learn how to record, mix, and master a recording. On second floor we watched an original movie in the museum’s 200-seat theater. Called “The Making of a Grammy Moment,” the film was shot backstage at last year’s Grammy Awards.

Ive always been a dreamer
01-31-2009, 01:19 PM
Yep - I agree. That will definitely have to be on the "to do" list on my next visit to L.A. :nod: :nod:

Koala
03-15-2009, 09:09 AM
I found this today:
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2009/mar/15/still-outspoken-still-out-playing/

Fan_For_Life
03-15-2009, 11:02 AM
^^^ Thank You Koala. That's a very insightful interview. Hmmm...I think I may think twice about what I repost, as far as live footage from Youtube vids from now on, when it comes to the Eagles. Some musicians don't mind but the ones that do I like to respect that.

Ive always been a dreamer
03-15-2009, 12:57 PM
Tribune: Why do you grant e-mail interviews instead of phone ones? What do you think of the Internet? What kind of effect has it had on the band? Had the Internet been around in the 1970s, do you think the Eagles’ fan-base would be as large?
Henley: See previous answer. I do only e-mail interviews now because (a) I can do them on my own time, and (b) I can be more articulate — I don’t get misquoted or paraphrased as much. Replying via e-mail gives me time to think about my answers and, as mentioned above, it gives me a chance to try to answer the same old questions in a different way.
I think the Internet is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a miraculous tool for learning, communicating, creating etc., but the Information Highway is littered with rubbish. In terms of meaningful “news” content, it’s far worse than newspapers, magazines or television because it gives a worldwide forum to know-nothings. Every egotistical nitwit who thinks he has something important to say has a blog. Everybody’s an expert, now. In his book, “The Cult of the Amateur,” Andrew Keen warns that, “In today’s self-broadcasting culture, where amateurism is celebrated and anyone with an opinion, however ill-informed, can publish a blog, post a video on YouTube or change an entry in Wikipedia, the distinction between trained expert and uninformed amateur becomes dangerously blurred. When anonymous bloggers and videographers, unconstrained by professional standards, editorial filters (or copyright laws), can alter the public debate and manipulate public opinion, truth becomes a commodity to be bought, sold, packaged and reinvented.”
Since we’re an older band, I don’t believe that the Internet has had much of an impact as far as promoting our music. It has, however, had a negative impact on us in terms of piracy and all the illegal footage of our live concerts that is posted every week when we are on tour. A significant percentage of the stuff that is posted on YouTube is a violation of U.S. Copyright laws, but there is so much of it that it’s hard to police. YouTube has no filtering system, no preemptive gatekeeping mechanism, but it’s going to develop some kind of technology that will stem the ongoing infringement or else spend a lot of time in court battling thousands of copyright holders.


Wow, thanks from me as well, Koala. That was a very interesting read, particularly these comments of Don's regarding the Internet. It explains a lot that he thinks that the Internet has had a more negative than positive impact on the band. I suspect that some of the other band members may share his view. :-(

Koala
03-19-2009, 02:04 AM
Just I found this article:

http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2009/03/with_eagles_ready_to_land_at_t.html

Ive always been a dreamer
03-19-2009, 11:02 AM
Q: On "Hotel California," you sing: "So I called up the captain / 'Please bring me my wine' / He said, 'We haven't had that spirit here since 1969.' " I realize I'm probably not the first to bring this to your attention, but wine isn't a spirit. Wine is fermented; spirits are distilled. Wine also has a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage than spirits. Do you regret that lyric?

A: (Henley) Thanks for the tutorial and, no, you're not the first to bring this to my attention -- and you're not the first to completely misinterpret the lyric and miss the metaphor. Believe me, I've consumed enough alcoholic beverages in my time to know how they are made and what the proper nomenclature is. But that line in the song has little or nothing to do with alcoholic beverages. It's a sociopolitical statement. My only regret would be having to explain it in detail to you, which would defeat the purpose of using literary devices in songwriting and lower the discussion to some silly and irrelevant argument about chemical processes.



Thanks for this, Koala. This was posted in another thread, and like I said there, the interviewer deserved this zing from Don for asking such a ridiculous question about Hotel California.

Maleah
03-20-2009, 12:38 AM
I agree dreamer!

And is it just me or are the odds for another Eagles album improving? ;) 50-50? :thumbsup:

eaglesvet
03-20-2009, 09:22 PM
I hope Ticky, Wild Thyme, Freypower, and all others in the Western US and Pacific Rim read that last answer! They may have to wait till 2010, but their wait will not go unrewarded!

Prettymaid
03-21-2009, 09:45 AM
I agree dreamer!

And is it just me or are the odds for another Eagles album improving? ;) 50-50? :thumbsup:

Lol. I think they've finally learned never say never!

ticky
03-21-2009, 12:04 PM
Keepin' the dream alive!! *G*




I hope Ticky, Wild Thyme, Freypower, and all others in the Western US and Pacific Rim read that last answer! They may have to wait till 2010, but their wait will not go unrewarded!

DonFan
03-22-2009, 08:57 PM
Wow, it is nice to be back from chaperoning my daughter's spring break trip. I see Don has been busy giving interviews while I have been gone (we took laptops but our condo did not have wi-fi access :???:) and he is his usual articulate, biting, intelligent, passionate self. I love it!

The Columbia Tribune article was great. I loved reading his views on Robert Christgau (I had to Google him), the Internet, blogs, and "annoying reporters and sloppy, lazy journalism." And speaking of annoying reporters, he really zings it to the reporter in the Cleveland interview as only Don can! This completely cracked me up:

"But that line in the song has little or nothing to do with alcoholic beverages. It's a sociopolitical statement. My only regret would be having to explain it in detail to you, which would defeat the purpose of using literary devices in songwriting and lower the discussion to some silly and irrelevant argument about chemical processes."

No one can craft a response like he can. I bow to the master. :bow:

DonFan
03-22-2009, 09:00 PM
An oldie but a goodie that came up on my Google alert while I was gone:

Don Henley Finds His Thrill at The Sunset Grill
(Blast from the past)

Michael Fremer
2009-03-01

http://www.musicangle.com/feat.php?id=150&format=printable

Troubadour
03-22-2009, 10:18 PM
Thanks for posting that, DF. And welcome back!

Don's response to the Hotel California question cracked me up too. He blew that interviewer out of the water.

Fan_For_Life
03-23-2009, 06:56 AM
Yes DF thank you. Great interview.
I especially like this:
“Are you somebody? I think you’re someone!” the buxom woman exclaimed in a thick Eastern European Dr. Ruth (Good Sex) Westheimer voice. Down at the Sunset Grill, Don Henley’s well-kept cover is finally about to be blown. The woman, who’s probably served the veteran rock star hundreds of cheeseburgers, is finally getting the picture. “You…you are Don Henley!” “Yes,” Henley sheepishly admits. “You are so…so intelligent! she exclaims. “When you write [in the song, “Sunset Grill”] about ‘the old man there from the old world, to him it’s all the same, calls the customers by name’ —how do you know that?”
Before Don can answer, the East Berlin-born woman disappears, returning with “the old man,” her Viennese-born husband, Joe. His reaction to meeting the artist whose song is making his burger stand famous is to shrug and shuffle off back to the kitchen.

Ive always been a dreamer
03-23-2009, 10:58 AM
I enjoyed that part too, FFL. The whole article was quite an interesting read. Thanks DF.

Brooke
03-23-2009, 02:30 PM
That was a great read DF. Thanks!

TimothyBFan
03-24-2009, 09:16 AM
Live interview in Detroit --Don't think anyone has posted this yet. Really good!! Talks about shutting down My Space pages etc... :worried:. Interesting about BOML--I think maybe they should try to redo it his way more R & B--it would be different at least.

http://dd.wcsx.com/?p=1795

Ive always been a dreamer
03-24-2009, 10:10 AM
Thanks for posting that, TBF. That was a great interview. That's the Don I just LOVE to hear!

eaglesvet
03-24-2009, 10:43 AM
Thanks for this, Koala. This was posted in another thread, and like I said there, the interviewer deserved that zing from Don for asking such a ridiculous question about Hotel California.
I myself would never have brought the subject of chemistry up with the Don, nor did I ever even think of it when I listened to this song. Now that his truly illustrious answer has been posted, which I love, I have to beg ignorance...what in fact is the sociopolitical statement that line is making? I was only 7--8 years old in '69, so I am using that as my alibi.

Ive always been a dreamer
03-24-2009, 11:51 AM
ev - I always looked at the line as a commentary on the Nixon administration. He took office in 1969, and then, you probably know the rest of that story. In addition, you could probably expand it to mean that this was one of those "end of the innocence" periods in America - the JFK, MLK, Jr., and RFK assassinations, the Warren Report, escalation of the VietNam War, and all the other things that caused all the social turmoil in the late 60's.

Troubadour
03-24-2009, 12:20 PM
Thank you so much for posting the Detroit interview, Willie. It was great! I could listen to that voice all night.

Fan_For_Life
03-24-2009, 12:39 PM
I like how the interviewer kept Don opening up. Some very interesting questions. Even if most of them led to the same answers he at least was able to keep it from sounding like just another interview. Perhaps if you get a verbal interview that means Don likes you.

Maleah
03-25-2009, 12:02 AM
I LOVE that interview! The BOML part cracks me up for some reason. When the interviewer says "we're all trying to imagine it now" and Don goes "I hear it every day." lol Too funny! I LOOOOVE his voice!

sodascouts
03-29-2009, 11:23 PM
An excerpt from another e-mail interview with the Columbus Dispatch (http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2009/03/29/1_EAGLES_-_HENLEY_INTERVIEW.ART_ART_03-29-09_E1_IFDBCJ2.html?sid=101):

By Preston Jones
McClatchy Newspapers




By the numbers:

5
No. 1 albums

5
No. 1 singles

6
Grammy Awards

13
albums (including hits collections)

29 million
copies sold of Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975

120 million
total albums sold

Sources: Recording Industry Association of America, Rolling Stone Album Guide


If most bands were to go almost 30 years between albums, they might agonize over what tenor their new music should take, how time has changed them individually and collectively, and whether they will still be considered relevant.

For Long Road Out of Eden, the first studio effort from the Eagles since The Long Run in 1979, the reverse held true: The group needed only a chance encounter on YouTube to be inspired and guided in the right direction. The album, released in 2007, reached No. 1. Tonight, when the Eagles give a concert in Columbus, fans will hear tunes from the latest disc and from the catalog.

"There was some brief discussion about returning to our early style but not for the entire album," co- founder Don Henley said by e-mail. " How Long, the first single from the album, was definitely a nod to our beginnings, but even that came about somewhat by accident.

"Glenn (Frey)'s kids were surfing around on YouTube and found an old clip of us doing How Long on a Dutch TV show in 1973. . . . We'd forgotten that we used to sometimes include it in our set. Glenn thought it would be a good idea to record it for the Long Road Out of Eden album, so we did."

sodascouts
03-29-2009, 11:26 PM
And another audio interview:

98.5 WNCX Cleveland's Classic Rock (http://wncx.com/pages/4076087.php)

Troubadour
03-30-2009, 08:41 AM
Thanks for posting those, Soda. Another lovely radio interview :heart:

DonFan
04-27-2009, 10:06 AM
I am off work for a couple of weeks on a short company-mandated sabbatical (unfortunately, this is way many people are hired by large companies now) but the upside is that I have more on-line time now.

I found this post on a random blog, which made me laugh:

"DON HENLEY MUST DRIVE.
We were driving back from Milwaukee Airport the other day and got stuck for a while behind an old Civic with a license plate reading DON HNLY. It puzzled me. Are there really people, in 2009, whose commitment to Don Henley is so strong as to demand a personalized license plate? EAGLES, all right, I can see, they still sell out arenas. But solo Don?


Then I started to wonder — what if it is Don Henley? I didn’t have a fully worked-out theory for why Don Henley would be driving an old Civic on westbound I-94, but the idea was appealing. If I were Don Henley, I could totally imagine buying a modest vehicle, registering it with a personalized license plate advertising myself, then enjoying the reaction whenever I climbed out at a rest stop — the magnificent triple-take from “That guy has a Don Henley license plate!” to “That guy with the Don Henley license plate is a ringer for Don Henley!” to “Can it really be….”


So I cruised along behind the Civic, in no hurry, enjoying my fantasy."

Brooke
04-27-2009, 02:54 PM
:rofl: Good one, DF!

AzEaglesFan
04-30-2009, 01:36 AM
I found this on Google and what I thought was interesting was it mentions Don taking his four kids. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0430/1224245672848.html

sodascouts
04-30-2009, 02:11 AM
Wow, that was definitely more interesting than your usual concert promotional press. Thanks, AEF!

TimothyBFan
04-30-2009, 08:45 AM
Pretty cool article. I love this part- "Don Henley, aged 61, is dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans. Despite all those tales of excess in the 1970s, the years have been a friend to him." The man does love plaid doesn't he?

And this part cracked me up--he should put this in a song- ". As they say, politicians, buildings and whores tend to gain respect if they stick around for long enough.”

Why don't I remember this? I guess maybe I just brushed it off as another bad review. "The following day the band’s lousy performance was the lead item on Joe Duffy’s Liveline . Why should we be surprised, asked one caller, the band members scarcely talk to each other, travel separately to the gigs and stay in separate hotels." But apparently Don thought it wasn't so good either? "For now, he hopes the forthcoming Irish concerts will exorcise the bad memories of Lansdowne Road. “I am sorry about that gig,” he says, “but the weather was against us and we are only human.” Does anyone remember this or have any links to it? Just kinda curious about it. I guess because Don also admits it wasn't so good.

Prettymaid
04-30-2009, 09:30 AM
Suite 2,810, the Chicago Ritz Carlton, March 2009

Now they tell us!


But Crosby’s charge of no risk-taking appears to strike a nerve. Henley thinks it unfair.
“I don’t think you could say that about my solo work or Joe Walsh’s,” he says. His own view is that the leader of the band, Glenn Frey, is more averse to risk-taking. “In the early days we were too thin-skinned and combative about the critics. But these days we have moved beyond that. We are getting very positive reviews for the album and the shows

Sounds like Don is 'blaming' the no-risk-taking on Glenn.


Henley has a particular loathing of Rupert Murdoch, a man who, he says, has “single-handedly lowered the standard of news reporting by turning it into theatre. It has trivialised the serious. But all American TV now is about about exploitation and humiliation. The abuse heaped on kids in shows like American Idol is not very civilised.’’
Henley still buys CDs regularly, but little that excites him is emerging from American Idol and its ilk.

I guess we already knew how Don feels about American Idol, but ouch!

DonFan
04-30-2009, 12:00 PM
That was a very interesting interview--thanks for posting it!

Two things really stand out to me:

*****************************************

"(Long Road Out of Eden) took Henley more than a year to conceptualise and write, but it is, he says, right up there with his best work, such as Boys of Summer, Heart of the Matter, Waiting in the Weeds (from the new album), My Thanksgiving and, of course, Hotel California ."

My Thanksgiving is one of my VERY favorite DH songs and I was thrilled to see him mention it.

*****************************************

"He is taking his four kids, hoping they will reconnect with some family from Northern Ireland. He still recalls warmly an Eagles gig on the lawn at Stormont Castle shortly after the Belfast Agreement was signed."

There we are with the FOUR kids again. A little info about the mystery fourth child, PLEASE?

Ive always been a dreamer
04-30-2009, 12:13 PM
DF - Even though Don seems to be forthcoming about the existence of the '4th' child, he isn't very forthcoming about any information about her, is he? Maybe, that's the way she wants it to be. All I know is that she is a 'she', she is apparently '20 something', and, obviously, Sharon is not her mother.

TimothyBFan
04-30-2009, 12:20 PM
Ooohh- Intrigue!! Do tell more!! But it doesn't sound like anyone knows much more? Any speculation on who her mother is? How long have him and Sharon been married anyways?

Ive always been a dreamer
04-30-2009, 12:28 PM
TBF - Don and Sharon married in 1995, but have been together since the late 80's or early 90's (can't remember exactly when).

DonFan
04-30-2009, 12:39 PM
DF - Even though Don seems to be forthcoming about the existence of the '4th' child, he isn't very forthcoming about any information about her, is he? Maybe, that's the way she wants it to be.

We really don't know much about her at all. As I have said before, I have a huge file of interviews with Don talking about all aspects of his life--except this. I never even knew she existed until Don won his MusiCares award and they mentioned "four kids" then. Maybe that is the way they want it--but whenever an interview says "Don & his four kids" and the names of his other three kids are readily available, it does make you wonder.....

Brooke
04-30-2009, 03:01 PM
Great article!

I just bet Don is very proud of himself for pulling one over on the good ol' press as far as this mystical daughter is concerned! Whenever he reads something about it he's probably going :nahnah:

Freypower
04-30-2009, 07:01 PM
Sounds like Don is 'blaming' the no-risk-taking on Glenn.


I must disagree. I do not think 'blame' is the correct word here. He is just stating a fact.

However I must say that I would have thought that if you are in a leadership role, you would be the sort of person who would WANT to take risks. I will leave it there, because this is a sore point with me.

At least Don does interviews. At least we get an insight into him.

Prettymaid
04-30-2009, 07:06 PM
Sounds like Don is 'blaming' the no-risk-taking on Glenn.


I must disagree. I do not think 'blame' is the correct word here. He is just stating a fact.

However I must say that I would have thought that if you are in a leadership role, you would be the sort of person who would WANT to take risks. I will leave it there, because this is a sore point with me.

At least Don does interviews. At least we get an insight into him.

You're right, FP. Blame is not the right word. That's why I ' ' it. I wasn't sure what the right word was!

luvthelighthouse
05-01-2009, 12:55 PM
DF - Even though Don seems to be forthcoming about the existence of the '4th' child, he isn't very forthcoming about any information about her, is he? Maybe, that's the way she wants it to be. All I know is that she is a 'she', she is apparently '20 something', and, obviously, Sharon is not her mother.


This is the only thing I found: http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:MjNjlLYUmMkJ:www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life/2008/sep/30/strip-scribbles-sightings-and-tonights-tips/+brittany,+don+henley%27s+daughter+boa&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

3/4 way down the page... just one little sentence... that's all.

Ive always been a dreamer
05-01-2009, 01:05 PM
Thanks for that link, ltl. Very interesting. I wonder if that is her picture below the writeup or is it Lou Ferigno's daughter? Seems like they may have wanted to clarify that. Either way, the young lady is very attractive.

And as far as Don "blaming" Glenn for not taking risks, I agree that it is not necessarily blame, but rather just an observation. I don't doubt that it is true that Glenn isn't a big risk-taker. All I can say is people can criticize the Eagles all they want. I think all of us would like to see them do some things differently, but it's hard to argue with the results. How many others have achieved their level of success???

DonFan
05-01-2009, 01:47 PM
Nice find, LTL. Now we know her name is Brittany. So the children are Brittany, Annabel, Will and Sophie.
Dreamer, the beautiful brunette in the picture in that link is the actress who plays in the TV series Chuck (one of my favorite shows) as Chuck's sister. Wish they had posted a picture of Brittany with her!

Maidstone
05-01-2009, 02:57 PM
Long time lurker - first time poster.

So I did a little research and found out her name is "Brittany Olson". She is (get this) Eva Longoria's best friend. Or at least she was the Maid of Honor at Eva's wedding.

Here's a link to a thread: http://x17online.com/celebrities/eva_longoria/one_down_one_more_to_go.php

If you do a "Find on this page" with your Internet Explorer the words "Brittany Olson" it comes up on the thread.

It's from an Anonymous poster... but says she is the illegitimate daughter of Don. An Eagles Fan posts that Don only has 3 kids. The Anonymous poster writes back saying that his other 3 kids just found out this past year about their big sis.

And then later the Anonymous poster says that Don is a "pompous @#% when you know him personally" and she can't divulge any more personal info. Hrmpf.

I don't know if any of this is true... but it's interesting.

Then if you google "Brittany Olson" and Eva Longoria, there's a whole bunch of links saying that she was the Maid of Honor. No photos that I can find as of yet.

Did Don ever date "Carla Olson" He did some vocals and engineered her 1984 album "Midnight Mission".

Ahhhh the plot thickens! :partytime:

Love this message board,
Maid

Maidstone
05-01-2009, 03:07 PM
Here's a photo of Carla and Don from the Midnight Mission vocal session - 1985
From Carla Olson Scrapbook:

http://www.carlaolson.com/images/photografix/8X10_jpgs/C_Olson_nn10V.jpg

http://www.carlaolson.com/photoGallery_fs.html



xoxo,
Det. Maidstone

ticky
05-01-2009, 03:17 PM
Hey MS *G* and welcome!
here's the pic you were trying to post,
http://www.carlaolson.com/images/photografix/8X10_jpgs/C_Olson_nn10V.jpg

Maidstone
05-01-2009, 03:36 PM
Tell me if I should stop.... don't want to divulge too much. But it's all on the internet. (love Google!)

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2753758/

This Brittany Olson Henley was a producer for the 2008 ALMA Awards. Which was hosted by Eva Longoria.

I wish I could find a photo of her... But August 4, 1975 it says is her birthdate.

Okay - I have *GOT* to work today. But this has been too much fun.

By the way - seeing Fleetwood Mac this weekend. Maybe I'll do a shout out to Stevie! See if she knows anything. :hilarious:
(just pickin')

xoxo,
Maid

DonFan
05-01-2009, 04:04 PM
Maid! I am so glad you decided to stop lurking and post--and post about Don, my very favorite subject! Welcome!
I have never heard of Carla Olson nor have I ever seen that picture of Don with her. (I love Google too. ;) ) So Brittany is Eva Longoria's best friend, huh? If she was born in 1975, she would be 34 now. I bet there is a picture of Eva with her somewhere.

Thanks for all your digging. Good work--and we are glad you are here!

DonFan
05-01-2009, 04:12 PM
Now you have ME Googling Carla Olson! Turns out she is another Texas girl like Don's wife Sharon. Here is a little more info on her:

Carla Olson's singing and producing career spans several decades and countries. The custom-made Azureglo-blue Rickenbacker guitar on her hip has become as recognizable a trademark as her long blond hair. Born on July 3, 1952, and raised outside of Austin, Texas, Olson was obsessed with the Rolling Stones as a teenager. She often went to roadhouses with her father, where he had a few drinks and she listened to the music. In the late 1970s Olson teamed with Kathy Valentine to form the punk band the Violators. After some success, they decided to try their luck in Los Angeles in 1979, where they started the Textones, and released a few singles on IRS's Faulty Products.

Olson and Valentine parted company after it became obvious that their interests had diverged. Valentine went on to join the Go-Go's, while Olson continued with the Textones and branched out with Gene Clark, a former member of the Byrds.

In 1983 Olson got a huge break when Bob Dylan chose her to appear in his "Sweetheart Like You" video. During the filming she began a friendship with guitarist Mick Taylor, who had once played with the Rolling Stones before leaving them in 1975 to pursue a solo career. The Textones made their major-label debut the following year with Midnight Mission. The album won critical acclaim but little airtime, despite studio help from Don Henley, Ry Cooder, Barry Goldberg, and Gene Clark. Response to the album's videos, however, was sufficient to launch a tour of the United States, Europe, and Japan.

During this time, Olson found work in feature films, including Real Genius, Blue City, Sylvester, and A Tiger's Tale. She also continued her recording career, contributing to projects with John Fogarty, Henley Cooder, and Eric Johnson. She also wrote or cowrote songs for other artists, including "Trail of Tears" with Eric Johnson; "The Grand Blvd." and "Why did You Stop" for Percy Sledge, and "Road of No Return" with Swedish legend Mikael Rickfors.