Don in the Press/Blogs/etc.

[DonFan]

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]

For one thing, Prevent kids from having Kids!

[Just Another Hired Hand]

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]

Thanks from me too, JAHH. I enjoyed reading that.

[Just Another Hired Hand]

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, 200

* 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]

Very interesting.. I think I will invite Don for a diner.. guess what's on the menu.

[sodascouts]

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]

Maybe they put a little camera in the candle on their table, lol.

[sodascouts]

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

[Mrs Henley]

Thanks Soda! I think I will try them someday!