Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
I like that quote from Glenn a lot. I think I agree with you, I think that without Irving their mega success doesn’t happen or at least is much less likely to happen. They would probably end up something like the doobies in terms of sales. I think another thing he was very helpful in building the success was keeping the band together. I’m sure that was a extremely hard task to handle
Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
Surely Irving didn't *start* his career as an insider though. I got the impression from various books that when Joe Walsh brought him out to California (circa 1973 or so?), Irving had done well in the midwest as a concert promoter but was not at all powerful or connected in L.A.
OT: One of my favorite music industry books is "The Operator" by Tom King, a fascinating, very well-researched biography of David Geffen. Azoff would make a really good subject too.
Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
In the history of Elvis, Sam Phillips who was Elvis's first manager was only a regional manager. There was only so far he could take Elvis in his career and he knew it. He also knew that Elvis was such a tremendous talent that the best thing to do was sell him to Colonel Parker who then took him worldwide!
Does a manager make a difference? Absolutely!! It's a balance though and there is only so much you can do with a pile of crap. Eagles of course were far from that. They were the diamond in the rough that Irving polished and knew how to sell. I'm sure any of the remaining members would agree to that. As Don Henley said "he might be Satan but he's our Satan".
Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
Thanks, appreciate the insight.
Azoff is certainly focused and driven. But even he would surely acknowledge the huge role classic rock radio played in extending the shelf life of the Eagles and so many other acts. Second and no less important --- capitalizing on "Being in the right place at the right time" .... not just a cliche when one is talking about the 60's and early 70's and/or the evolution of the music industry at large.
Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
Quote:
Originally Posted by
NightMistBlue
Surely Irving didn't *start* his career as an insider though. I got the impression from various books that when Joe Walsh brought him out to California (circa 1973 or so?), Irving had done well in the midwest as a concert promoter but was not at all powerful or connected in L.A.
Indeed. Joe jokes that he and Azoff had to live in his car together when they first came to LA, lol.
I wrote up a little history of the Eagles' relationship with Azoff here: Irving Azoff and the Eagles
(Note: that page has not been updated since Glenn's death and the link to the Rolling Stone article is now dead.)
Certainly Azoff deserves credit for his efforts on behalf of the Eagles. At the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame Induction, Don Henley said it himself: "I'd like to thank Irving Azoff, without whom we wouldn't be here today." Glenn Frey then added, "Well, we might still be here, but we wouldn't have made as much money."
The reverse is also true. Azoff made his reputation on his successful handling of the Eagles. He went from there to prove himself again and again with other bands and artists, then moved from success in management to success elsewhere, but he built his company Front Line Management on the Eagles (they were the first act his company managed). He became a powerful insider THROUGH what he did for them.
Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
Interesting write-up, Soda. You probably already know this but Randy Ostin was the son of legendary label head Mo Ostin: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/lat...?pid=166698243
Was Edith Azoff Irving's mom?
Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
Quote:
Originally Posted by
NightMistBlue
Surely Irving didn't *start* his career as an insider though. I got the impression from various books that when Joe Walsh brought him out to California (circa 1973 or so?), Irving had done well in the midwest as a concert promoter but was not at all powerful or connected in L.A.
OT: One of my favorite music industry books is "The Operator" by Tom King, a fascinating, very well-researched biography of David Geffen. Azoff would make a really good subject too.
Ooh, this book sounds great! I am definitly going to look for it at my local library, if they don't have it they are always happy to order. Thanks NMB!
Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
Thanks Soda, I enjoyed your write up very much, very informative!
Peneumbra - thanks for your post and starting this topic.
Just curious -- did you ever meet Judee Sill?
Re: THE ORIGINAL FIFTH EAGLE
I take issue with a manager being listed as the 'fifth' or whatever, member of a band. It adds weight to the theory that they were manufactured, not a 'real' band at all. It adds to the impression that they were (and even more so in their current incarnation are) a money making enterprise rather than a group of musicians. In any case he didn't even become their manager until 1973. I am perfectly willing to acknowledge the huge role he played in their success, but I cannot agree that he should be regarded as the 'fifth' Eagle. Especially now, after he went against his claims that they were done. Sorry.