Discussion of Eagles Documentary "History of the Eagles"

[shunlvswx]

I really enjoyed all the personalities on show, particularly Glenn. How many documentaries of famous, successful people do you see where the subjects are as articulate, engaging and blunt? Of course everyone jumps on the upsets because it makes a good story, but take out the dramatic story-telling (thank you, Mr Frey) and it's pretty mild: a beer poured over someone's head, a smashed guitar, a lot of shouting.

I learned a lot about the guys from the documentaries. They had some very interesting personalities and how it clash big time in the 70s, but they don't clash anymore as they got older. If they still had attitude they had in the 70s, the guys wouldn't be together today in 2013.

They were in mid 20 to early 30s(mostly their 20s in the 70s) in the 70s and early 80s. They didn't know what they were doing. They weren't thinking especially when they were on cocaine or in other drug they were on.

I guess you had to add dramatic stuff in the mixed because if you didn't have that it would be a very boring documentary.

I think have a little of Don and Joe in me. Don was an only child and when you're an only child, you want to keep to yourself. Nervous talking to somebody you don't know, but open up once you know them. Joe said he was insecure. I'm insecure, but I don't have humor.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Wow! There's been a lot of posts here today. I really enjoyed catching up on this thread just now. I love that the documentary has turned so many more folks on to the Eagles and it's very interesting to hear how those of you newer members sought out and found the message board after watching it. Thank you all for the thoughtful and insightful discussion. As an oldtimer around here, one of the things that I have always appreciated most about the band is how different each of the band member's personalities, talents, and voices are, yet they blend together so beautifully as a cohesive unit. I believe it's one of those intangible things that contributed a lot to the success of this band.

[WalshFan88]

I certainly think the documentary has peaked younger people's (and musicians, from what I've been seeing online) interest int the band. Even those who didn't like it, it was a reminder of the band for those that hadn't listened in a awhile. It certainly caused a influx of new members and started new discussions from new people that maybe are new to the band or at least aren't hardcore regulars. The documentary kind of got the name out there again, IMO, for those that forgot or never had interest or even heard of them. I think it was overall a good thing, even though there are some parts I dislike, and there are some people who don't like it - overall I think it was a good decision on the part of the band to put this out there. It was good for them in the big picture, I think.

[shunlvswx]

I agree, WF. The band has crossed the generation gap (heck I think they done that back in 1994, but they crossed it again this year with the documentary) and the guys even know that. They see people who grew up listening to their music bringing their children to the concert. I think a lot of singers and bands want to have different generations at their shows.

Just like when they did HFO, those young kids from back then who went with their parents(who are now grandparents) to the show are now a parent themselves bringing their children.

Actually I want to take back my statement about finding the guys during the HFO era. Actually I first saw them in Travis Tritt's video. I remembered when the tribute album winning Album of the Year at the CMAs in 1994, but it was HFO when I actually started to notice them and became a closet fan. I was also a closet Don Henley fan. I was slowly starting to like his music throughout the year. I just loved his voice.

For me. As I was getting into other types of music back in the mid 90s, I remembered hearing their songs on the radio, but just didn't pay attention to them.

[VAisForEagleLovers]

On nights they have shows, I love reading all the tweets that say, "my parents are at the Eagles concert tonight and I'm not. #jealous". There's usually quite a few each night that say that, along with a few lucky ones that get to go with their parents and are excited about it.

[UndertheWire]

Someone said they wanted more documentary, so I'll mention two that should be available to see on-line (and which are discussed in other threads).

Inventing David Geffen is an HBO documentary and has interviews with Jackson Browne, Glenn Frey and Don Henley, amongst others. It shows how he operated and what an important part he played in their initial success. If you are in the US, you may be able to watch it online (I rented the DVD in the UK).

Hotel California: LA from the Byrds to the Eagles is a BBC documentary and has interviews with Bernie Leadon, Jackson Browne and J D Souther, amongst others. That one is on youtube.

[Midnight Visitor]

Yes! I so agree w/UtW! I've seen both of those documentaries and they're terrific. I saw them both before the HOTE. The "LA from the Byrds to the Eagles" doc. gives great background on the scene that The Eagles started up in! The Geffen one is fascinating too. How a poor boy really lived the American dream.

[randymeisnerrocks]

I was born in ’68 to a music loving momma and a musician daddy, so I feel like I have always known the Eagles’ music. I guess I really started getting into them and other 70’s artists like James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac and Jim Croce when I was about 17 and trying to find a way to relate to my only sibling, my brother Pete. He was six years older than me and was way too cool to mess around with his kid sister, but we had common ground in our love of the music.

When the documentary came out, I was thrilled and I have probably watched it at least every other day since. It never gets old. I love that music and those guys. I only wish I could have seen them live back in the day, especially my boyfriend Randy Meisner.

Fast forward almost 30 years: My only brother died 4 years ago but I still ride the gravel roads with my windows down and listen to the music for the both of us.

[Midnight Visitor]

Awww, what a lovely post. I hope he hears the music!

[randymeisnerrocks]

Thanks, guys! Here in West Tennessee, it's getting harder and harder to find gravel roads.