Don Felder - Heaven and Hell
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On a visit to the Vintage and Rare Guitar shop in Denmark Street, London, ex-Eagles guitarist Don Felder talks about his life in the Eagles and his book 'Heaven and Hell'.
With special thanks to the Vintage and Rare Guitar Shop! www.vintageandrareguitars.com/
The Eagles wrote the soundtrack to the Seventies and Eighties - and even now their albums top the charts. But backstage, there were no peaceful, easy feelings...
Don Felder was just a poor boy from Florida, but when he joined the Eagles he soared into the stratosphere. Alongside Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Randy Meisner, and Felder's childhood friend Bernie Leadon, he sold tens of millions of records (Eagles: Their Greatest Hits: 1971-1975 is the bestselling album of all time), performed before countless adoring fans, and composed the music to the band's signature tune, 'Hotel California.' His guitar-playing ability lifted the band from mere popularity to iconic status. And now Don Felder finally breaks the Eagles' decades of public silence to take fans behind the scenes - where drugs, greed and endless acrimony threatened to tear the band apart almost daily.
"Maybe there was too much talent. Maybe the personalities clashed with the egos. Whatever the reason, there were always these explosive arguments going on while I sat silently in a corner. I never expected it to survive. Never once did I feel, 'Hey, I got it made. This thing's gonna last for years.'"
Felder was wrong about that, but he was also right: the band split up in 1980, only to reunite for 1994's mega-selling 'Hell Freezes Over' album and tour. But tempers continued to flare, and in 2001, after 27 contentious years as an Eagle, Felder was summarily fired by the 'board of directors': Frey and Henley. Lawsuits and counter-suits followed. In 'Heaven and Hell', Felder takes us inside the pressurised recording studios, the trashed hotel rooms and the tension-filled courtrooms, where he, Frey, and Henley had their ultimate confrontation.
Пікірлер: 489
Don Felder was and is a fantastic guitarist that made the Eagles who they were. They were never the same without him.
@charleswahlstrom3154
6 жыл бұрын
Michael Skelton , check your eagles history, from the beginning thru and until Eagles greatest Hits, Bernie Leadon was their guitar sound. Fender came along and enhanced the band but he didn't make them by any means. BTW I'm a huge Felder fan, he's underrated and amazing but most of his career in the Eagles was playing the early hits live after Leadon left. Fender contributed no doubt but they were huge before he came along.
@johnringoo756
5 жыл бұрын
Charles Wahlstrom spot on
@scrimmy45
4 жыл бұрын
He is a fantastic player.But he rarely contributed lyrically and vocally - and without great lyrics you dont have a song.So for me he was an intergral part of the Eagles' but they needed Frey and Henley more..
@jrock2264
4 жыл бұрын
@@charleswahlstrom3154 Yet, Felder was a huge part of their sound. Hotel California probably doesn't get made without him.
@rmm1774
4 жыл бұрын
@@charleswahlstrom3154 Yes the Eagles were huge before Felder came along but he did play with the Eagles even before Leadon quit. Felder first met Leadon back in the day, and it was Leadon who introduced him to Glen, Henley and Randy. Leadon was a country rocker and led the band in that direction which suited Glen. Leadon had been in county rock bands before founding the Eagles with the other three, Flying Burrito Brothers etc. Felder was in some way a part of the Eagles after the first album. They remained a country rock band even after Leadon quit (after the beer pouring incident on Glen's head). It was the addition of Walsh that moved them more towards rock. The problem that ex band members had after quitting was that they never fit in with any other band or made it as solo artists. I remember reading somewhere 'once an Eagle always an Eagle'. Its time Henley took Felder back to where he truly belongs.
Mr. Felder is emotionally mature, introspective, and expresses himself beautifully.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
So refreshing to see a rock legend who is so self-effacing, intelligent, genial, and articulate. He could have easily allowed himself to get a major chip on his shoulder about his exit and subsequent shoddy treatment by Henley and Frey, but he seems to have an unusual strength of character to shake that.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
Don was a one third owner of the Eagle LLC. Accountants audited the company. Don got what he was owed & he still collects future royalties. Had the other two acted like adults, non of this would be necessary When Don asked questions, he was shunned & finally fired. Also, upon receiving what he was owed, he gladly gave half to his first wife as well as half of his future earnings. He said she had every right to it. She did a great job raising the children. He has great respect for her.
@eamonstafford2056
4 жыл бұрын
Agree 100% with what you have written here. Don is still friends with her which is a credit to them both.
@GANJA547
3 жыл бұрын
Don Is One of a kind honorable
@JB19504
3 жыл бұрын
He is a gentleman!
@rolandocurro8842
2 жыл бұрын
I have watched Felder expressing himself. The way he refuses to bad mouth the rest of the band. He reminds me of my own father. Incredible self integrity. And outstanding respects. Toward people who didn't really earned it from him. Now i really want to go buy and read the " Heaven & Hell " book. I think Felder was beeing shunned away from the other player's spot light. Because of envy mixed with the accompanied heavy drinking and drug abuse from the other 2 egomaniacs.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
@@rolandocurro8842 I have a copy of Don Felder’s book Heaven and Hell, my life in the Eagles 1974-2001, it’s really good to read!!!!!
Don Felder was the Eagles bar none. Best man & musician in the whole band. Thanks Don for your commitment to the music business, as well as this band.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed, and I have a copy of his book, Heaven and Hell, My Life in the Eagles 1974-2001, it’s really good to read!!!
Don Felder was the sound of the Eagles. His unique talent can't be replaced by trumpet players, mariachi bands or less capable guitarists. When the "new" Eagles come to a Don Felder part they should all just stop playing stand there in silence to ponder their loss (and ours).
@donnakeeton168
7 жыл бұрын
Car nerd your last sentence is my favorite comment. Ever. Period. I salute you!
@terry21651
7 жыл бұрын
Right on point. Written 7 years ago and stands so true today.
@terry21651
7 жыл бұрын
Mine too Donna Keeon!
@vinniemoran7362
4 жыл бұрын
I'm reading this after 10 years, but wow, so well said.
@keelsmac01
3 жыл бұрын
11 yrs later...still winning the interweb! Felder and walsh made the Eagles step up 5 notches. Period!
I have nothing but respect for Don Felder for his candor, honesty and humility.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!!
Whoa... Don Felder is one fantastic human being. Highly creative and extremely intelligent. He’s a survivor of life as well. He certainly deserves a lot of credit for changing the destructive path he was on to a positive one. We all go through it in one way or another. The trick is to break the bad patterns and create new ones that are more positive. I really admire this guy.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Yes indeed!!!!
A gentleman, a true talent and seemingly a cool guy. My hat is off to you Don Felder.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Yes indeed!!!
Such a nice humble guy. And of course a great musician and song writer
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
Not only is Don Felder a great musician w/a wonderful attitude abt the past..but is so handsome..even today 🙂🙂☮☮✌✌💕💕
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
I read Felder’s book Heaven and Hell, my life in the Eagles 1974-2001, it’s really good to read!!!
love Don Felder him and Joe WAlsh need to play together again , awesome!!!!
@cleretfernandes5972
4 жыл бұрын
Joe Walsh is selfish
@rmm1774
4 жыл бұрын
Absolutely, tell that to Don Henley.
@JB19504
3 жыл бұрын
@@cleretfernandes5972 Not really. He needs the paycheck, or at least thinks he does. He's between a rock and a hard place. If he sides with Don F., he's out of the band. That would be a big hit for him. He's basically just a session sideman for Eagles, Ltd.
Don is a good guy, and his book is fantastic.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
I have a copy of it myself, it was great to read it!!!!
Still my favorite Eagles. A very inspiring guitarist for me. He even gives credits to Henley in this interview, dispite Henley never mentions him anymore! Really an honest guy
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed!!
I met Don F about 15 yrs ago. I have been with him socially 4 times in a non music atmosphere. He has always been just as he was here. He was always interested in what I was doing. A very real person.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Awesome!!!!
@novusordoseclorummcmlxxvi5487
5 ай бұрын
Just finished to read his book. I'm going to write an email to thank him for the good ol' memories but most of all to have opened my eyes over the band I've always loved. Don must be a true person and a friend you could count on. I really feel emphatically close to him. Thanks Don 😊
Humble man. So much respect for him.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
You’re right about that!!!
I encourage Don Felder fans to read his book. It's really interesting what all he has been through and where he came from and how all roads lead him to the Eagles. I wish him well and just received his new CD I'm sure it will be great! My three favorite Eagle songs were from him .. Hotel California, Victim of Love and Those shoes all were Don Felders.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
I have a copy of Felder’s book, it’s really good to read!!!!
Don Felder is just the most honest, kind man, so humble and eloquent. He is probably the best guitarist from his time period at least the most underrated.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
You’re right about that!!!!
What a real down to earth honest person. And a fricking great guitar player
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed!!!!
I appreciate some of the honesty Felder showed in that interview
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
Always been an Eagle fan, but after reading Don Felder's book I have a tremendous amout of respect for him. Amazing musician, and classy, down to earth guy. Someone I would love to meet and personally say Thank you for your music, it was great back then, and even more so now with all the memories that go with it.
@donbuttrey323
6 жыл бұрын
I share your desire to meet this awesome guy. So gifted. Anyone have his mailing address? Please.....
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
You’re right about that!!!
i really like don felder a lot i would love to meet him he seems so genial and honest there does not seem to be any bitterness when he remembers the eagles but i think inside he is sad that the group could not have a friendly relationship in and out of the boardroom in the end greed turned friends into indifferent aquantances but on the upside in the now he seems happy with life and positive about the future.
Seems like a very nice, honest guy. Hell of a guitar player too.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
Great Job Mr Felder,you wrote the Eagles best song
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Yes indeed!!!
Wow, an honest guy from the Eagles that isn't constantly trying to retcon their history. He may miss the Eagles, but I doubt he misses the Henley-Frey show.
@TheKimbo879
10 жыл бұрын
absolutely Jett. Read Felders book. Honest as the day is long. NOTE people; he gives credit where its due to Henley about song writing, doesn't diss him. awesome guy.
@motorcityman401
8 жыл бұрын
People don't realize FELDER was the lead (and WALSH) guitarist for the Eagles for 13 Years! From 74 to 80 and again from 94 to 2001. Sad when he doesn't make a lot of Greatest of all Time lists!
@kevinseintu212
7 жыл бұрын
Jett Rink i
@cleretfernandes5972
4 жыл бұрын
Sometimes one makes mistakes over a business deal but in disagreement he might have made a silly mistake which he regrets and we miss his fun in the band so will the world .we very much wanted him there
@eamonstafford2056
4 жыл бұрын
I think Don actually misses the music and lest face it, park the other stuff, we all know much of the Eagles music was wonderful
What an intelligent and talented person. When somebody can articulate like Felder, it's indicative of coming to terms with his life. As another mentioned, he has taken responsibility for the good and the bad and has come out of it a very likeable and balanced person. We were fortunate to have him in the Eagles, for now we know where much of the talent was sourced. Felder is a man on honor.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!!
Thank you Don Felder........one helluva writer performer..........and unmistakenly one of the best guitarist's in my lifetime...... Take that ride ,ride ,ride on heavymetal
@adamdorgant9454
7 ай бұрын
True!!!!
Don Felder is my guitar hero. I have his book which he autographed for me. Just a really nice, pleasant, down to earth guy. Watch him in any video, even in The Eagles. He's always smiling. That's him...
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed!!!
What an honest and genuine guy....really like Don Felder. The more i listen to some of his interviews on KZread the more i learn about him. So honest to admit regrets in his life....yeah, why hide them when you can really make those experiences to move fwd in life in a better way. Respect you Mr Don Felder. Class act.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
I do have a copy of Felder’s book Heaven and Hell, my life in the Eagles 1974-2001, it’s really good to read!!!!
@shahrul1962
Жыл бұрын
@@adamdorgant9454 Thks Adam, for replying to a comment I made 6 years ago. Don Felder's magic in action again 😅
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
@@shahrul1962 Yes indeed, and I did read his book, it’s really good!!!
Don Felder's unique performance with the guitar Is amazing.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed!!!!!
Very candid and natural.....unlike some other eagles I could name.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!!!
Lots of respect for Don Felder ! Fingers is one hell of a guitar player !
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
Two guitar intros that are the best and mesmerizing...Stairway to Heaven and Hotel California! Wish I wrote both!
He has such a great attitude about his time w/the Eagles. In interviews I've seen w/Glenn Frey, it seemed he was still bitter about the players they fired from the band. Sad that.
Now this guy is pure class all the way. What an amazing talent and the book was well done which was to be expected from Mr Felder. Anyone who says no regrets either is lying or has never lived. Thanks Don for your truthfulness.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
You’re right about that!!!!
they haven't been the same since Randy Meisner left years ago. That's not saying they aren't good, they just aren't AS good.
@Nursebakr
11 ай бұрын
I don't know, I think TBS was good too.
Frey and Henley actually did Felder a huge favor when they fired him. He was miserable, but never would have quit. He winds up having a great post Eagles career with the book and the solo work. Still touring and making great music at age 70, and with a net worth 5 times more than Schmidt and about the same as Frey.
Love his honesty, brilliant musician.
@adamdorgant9454
7 ай бұрын
True!!!!
What an articulate and talented musician. No one will be able to replicate the way he played with the Eagles and as an Eagles fan, I hope Henley and Frey will one day come to their senses, compensate Felder fairly and give us another tour. Despite all the great songs, bottom line is "Hotel California" and without Felder, it would never come to be.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed on that, and I do have a copy of Felder’s book Heaven and Hell, my life in the Eagles 1974-2001, it’s really good to read!!!
Don Felder was and is the best, come off your high horse Don Henley let Felder jam with you again!!!
@richardjohnson4373
4 жыл бұрын
Sorry but Henley has 50 million reasons why he can't. I agree with you but pride is a powerful thing. Oh cocaine too ask Rick.
Thank you Don Felder for one the most beautiful pieces of musis ever and for being so humble
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
You’re right about that!!!
I really wonder if Frey & Henley would compliment Felder on his writing/playing like Felder compliments Henley on his writing abilities...
It must be an awesome feeling to write and play a song that moves a listener emotionally. What a player Felder is. He's definitely one of those guitarists that seems to make it sound effortless. On a related topic, the book, "Heaven and Hell..." is a great read. Also, his in-studio interview on the Howard Stern show as great and inspired me to buy the book.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Have a copy of Felder’s book, it’s really good to read!!!!
felder is a class dude and joe is a bit more rockier... thats why they worked together so well one was smooth and the other was rough - great dude
@vitahealth.2372
6 жыл бұрын
Kuhlyedascope69 this what makes the eagles so special.
Don has such a sweet smile
Love the song..heard opening chords years earlier around 1971..we used to know..jethro tull
Don Felder = Class Act
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
Don Felder is a great guitar player and nice to see his perspective on things years later
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
The best Eagle of the band. His calm and true nature pops out in every word that he says. A very easy normal guy, despite the money and success he had and still has, even being the man who wrote maybe the best selling song in the music panorama in the 70s and still recognized today. A shame that the two gods fired him and his absence is truly felt in the sound the eagles had since he left. There's no Felder substitute.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
You’re right about that, I have read Felder’s book Heaven and Hell, my life in the Eagles 1974-2001, it was very good to read!!!
Cannot resist in saying, the best Duo from Felder & Walsh or any other professionals has got to be concert in Houston, Turn to stone. Heard it a thousand plus and could hear it another. PERFECT...
@adamdorgant9454
7 ай бұрын
Good to know!!!
This guy seems so delicate, hie way of talking is very articulate, just like his guitar solos....
Such an honest man !! We only live once !! Being honest is very important ! Those guys rocked !! I'm 57 years old and every one of there songs are instilled into my brain and will be forever!!! So much talent !! The fighting and arguing came from all there passion and love for music and what they where all put on this planet for ! Man oh man every single one of these dude could rock !!
@harley092355
3 жыл бұрын
Actually twice-wake up!!!
Appreciate your honesty Don. And thanks for making a lot of us happy with your music. wished it wouldn't have cost you so much.
@adamdorgant9454
7 ай бұрын
I do have a copy of his Book Heaven and Hell, My Life in the Eagles 1974-2001, it’s really good to read!!!!
Don Felder is one of my favorite gutarists of all time.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed on that!!
i can tell by the look in dons eye that he has found inner peace .he seems very humblw to me. i have not read his book but am on my way to the book store now to buy it .i am very interested in hearing what this man has to say.i love his guitar work heavy metal soundtrack stays in my cd player.great interview.
@MsElsinha
3 жыл бұрын
I finished reading it now, in 2020 quarenteene time, and only have respect by this great man. really Don Henley and Glen Frey didn't deserve such a great guitar person and a human being as well. wath a great book
@adamdorgant9454
7 ай бұрын
Have a copy of his book, it was very good to read!!!!
Don is one heck of a nice guy
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!!
Don looks much better now than he did when he was younger, probably healthier too!
His book was fascinating. There is a reason he is called "fingers." What a player.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Have a copy of it, it’s really good to read!!!!
I love how he still remains objective and open with regard to talking about his time in the eagles. Frey and Henley lack honesty. So much so, they refuse to talk about the other former members in context what so ever. Rock on Mr Felder
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Yes, now that you mentioned it!!!
ABSOLUTELY!!! The Gods with their backing band - yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir!!
Its a good thing Don wrote his book if it were up to Glenn Frey he would never acknowledge his legacy and throw him under the bus!
...and let's not forget so many songs by the greatest band ever the Beatles...
Don Felder...Legend, In my life...Thank you Sir!
Very open and candid. Great discussion
"....words that still linger around have a lot of negative aspects...." if we all could learn this truth at a young age.
Simply a Musical genious. The best ever concidered the guitar skills in addition to arrangments and texts.
Don Felder and his guitar: great !
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed!!!!
saw him last night, best concert ive ever seen
you have been asked all the question that been stuck in my head...!!
Don - you are missed, period. Frey clearly has an "I'm the boss attitude". You should still be on board. You are, in addition to Frey, Henley, Meisner,and Leadon one of The EAGLES. Seeing you alongside Joe Walsh on stage was wonderful. You gave us all so much and I guess we gave you guys a few dollars along the way too. Good deal, I'd say.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True, and I do have a copy of Felder’s book Heaven and Hell, my life in the Eagles 1974-2001, it’s really good to read!!!!
Yeah And I think Randy's voice complimented the band as well
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!!
Best guitar riff ever
cool interview, Don Felder is a good guy.
What a jolly nice man.
Full credit to Don Felder for being able to take responsibility for his part - I wonder if the others can be that frank about themselves? Thank you for the great music Don - your songs are a big part of me taking up guitar.
@adamdorgant9454
7 ай бұрын
Agreed on that!!!
After you watch this interview watch Henley & Frey on 60 Minutes. With Felder you have an open honest person who is even able to compliment someone who hurt him badly (Henley). In Frey and Henley you have 2 very smug men who have learned nothing of emotional growth in 30 plus years.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
You’re right about that!!!!!
Don Felder seems like a first class guy. His musical talent speaks for itself. I love that he's brutally honest and admits he made some mistakes. Frey and his huge ego would never do that.
@sunitapatravali1085
6 жыл бұрын
Well he is a nice guy alright, since he is talking in the interview, but I have read his tribute to Glenn, where he says that he was kind n generous, I have also read about how he used to subordinate himself to keep the band together, besides Glenn n don wrote n did most of the work. Fielder was didn't contribute much creatively anyway, I think Glenn n Don had the foresight n balls to take the band in the right direction.
Seems like a sincere and honest guy. And what a great musician.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
True!!!
Time has proven,that Felder moved on and Henley stuck in Sad cafe ! What I love about book truth and real life as Don Felder human being in a country rock band , musician,husband,father and toxic environment! Hotel Calf beginning of the end of the Eagles! A must read book!
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
I read it, it was great to read!!!!
Classy guy, awesome player. His work with Joe Walsh during Joe's mid to late 70's You Can't Argue With a Sick Mind tour is the best dueling guitar work since Duane and Dicky at their peak.
Open and honest interview.
always love watching him live back with the eagles very cool
He seems like the nicest guy in the world!
lovely Don !!
Felder was always my favorite of the Eagles. The band has never been the same without him.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
You’re right about that!!!!
He is so kind❤️❤️❤️
@adamdorgant9454
8 күн бұрын
Agreed on that!!!
I got it too and I agree it's so great!! Donald Fagen created another masterpiece!
Brilliant Finger Felder ❤️❤️❤️
This is lovely what you said!! This should be in the top comments!!
what an honest man. thanks for posting this.
Great Don!!
Great interview, respect.
@adamdorgant9454
8 күн бұрын
True!!!
This is a wonderful interview! I always liked Felder's sound. Very nice looking guy as well! WOOT
Just bought his Kindle book yesterday, and stayed up til 2:00 A.M. reading it. Its a great book. Just got to the point where he made it out to CA and stayed at Leadon's house. Looking forward to reading about the Eagles part of the story. Well worth the purchase, and is a good read.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
It was very good to read!!!
Great interview
What a gentleman!
I watched this whole video very cool interview...
I just got Don's book last week from my best friend (an early Christmas present) and it has to be the best book i've ever read
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Have a copy of it, it’s really good to read!!!
Very cool, fair and level headed man. He came out of everything in good shape.
@adamdorgant9454
7 ай бұрын
Yes indeed!!!!
What a fabulous, insightful interview. I am so floored and thankful for Mr. Felder’s honesty and humility, courage to make some big changes, and very happy for his success. Plus he is a bad ass guitar player. Hotel California is a monumental classic, so many beautiful elements, but let’s not forget the tons of amazing guitar playing on, On the Border.
@adamdorgant9454
Жыл бұрын
Agreed on that, and I did read his book Heaven and Hell, My Life In The Eagles 1974-2001, it’s really good to read!!!!