Eagles: End of An Era

It was supposed to be a high-profile, feel-good event: a benefit concert for California Senator Alan Cranston at the Long Beach Arena. The Eagles, one of the biggest bands on the planet, were closing the show. But backstage tensions were already boiling over, and they’d hit a breaking point after a long run on the road.

Sen. Cranston’s wife thanked the Eagles for lending their time and music for the benefit event and guitarist Don Felder, not one for political glad-handing, made a sarcastic remark: “You’re welcome… I guess.” That was it for Glenn Frey, who’d already been butting heads with Felder for months. The band took the stage, but things were far from harmonious. Between songs, Frey gave Felder death stares and, after show promises, “Only three more songs until I kick your ass, pal.”

That quote has since become legend.

The show ended, but the fireworks were just starting. Felder allegedly smashed one of his guitars backstage. Frey chased after him, but Felder jumped in his limo, and it sped off. The Long Night at Wrong Beach, as fans dubbed it, became the final straw. The band was burned out, bitter, and broken.

Despite their massive success, the Eagles just stopped.  They stopped recording, touring, everything. When Don Henley was asked about the band getting back together, he responded “when Hell freezes over”.

The Long Beach benefit was meant to support a senator. Instead, it became one of the most iconic breakups in rock history.

Eagles wouldn’t perform together again for 14 years—until 1994.  The name of the tour? “Hell Freezes Over”.

Doug O’Brien