This guy is so down to earth and kind hearted. The eagles were fools for kicking him out of the band.

@artheriford

Жыл бұрын

Yep. Egos and money. Same thing with KISS.

@dustzza123

Жыл бұрын

@@artheriford not same with kiss

@markkeneson6806

6 ай бұрын

​@@dustzza123egos and money were absolutely at the heart of the changing lineups of KISS.

One of the best guitarist still living .... never really slated anyone and is the reason the Eagles had a unique sound. God bless him

Don Felder's ability on the guitar is what took the Eagles from being a good band to be being a great band. When the Henley and Frey egos grew out of control, they decided to push Felder away and ended up screwing his eyes out. Don Felder is a brilliant guitarist and a first class individual.

@solivenelijay1467

Жыл бұрын

that’s enough I need my guitarl!!

@gw2031

2 ай бұрын

Agreed mate' he lifted them up and gave them serious identity ! They treated him horribly!

this guy has alot of class.And what a great songwriter and player.Don ROCKS! If it wasn't for Don,The Eagles would have been just a country band,Don put Rock n Roll zest in their asses. They owe Don a hell of alot more than they think.

Mitch let’s the man talk and share all that experience and knowledge, and his questions are well constructed and communicated. Very interesting and enjoyable.

Don really shows how much of the entire Eagles sound was his and he really doesn't get enough credit!

Well done interview. Don Felder is extremely articulate and logical-Great guy and awesome musician!

The more I watch Don Felder, the more I realize what a kind person he is. Ego and attitude are nowhere to be found. Thank you Mr. Felder for all you've given us. Thank you for answering all of these interviewers questions so that us fans can get so much more than the music.... if that's possible! Lol

I really enjoyed listening to Don on this clip. He carries himself as a thoughtful and gentle man.

Don Felder really knows his stuff. Impressive explanation of the technical aspects of recording process yet understandable. Don Felder was that addition to the Eagles that brought them from country rock to arena rock. Randy Meisner was such a brilliant bass player but his harmony vocals were a key aspect of the Eagles success that often gets overlooked. Really nice of Don Felder to talk of Randy's high harmony vocals on the Eagles records.

@MattSmith-iq1ld

3 жыл бұрын

He's also a former guitar instructor. As people know, he was Tom Petty's teacher. He actually can read music and the whole 9 yards.

@danafortier4085

Жыл бұрын

Randy’s lead vocals on “Take it to the Limit “ is still my favorite Eagles song. I noticed you didn’t mention the early contribution of Bernie Leadon. His multi instrumental expertise was key to the first few albums. The banjo 🪕 parts on “Desperado” and the Reprise of “Doolin’ Dalton/ Desperado “ are superbly done. I love to play Doolin’ Dalton followed by Desperado followed by the Reprise when listening to those songs. The lyric on the reprise of “The queen of diamonds let you down, she was just an empty fable” is such a cool lyric. Doolin’Dalton instrumental is also a fantastic showcase of Bernie’s talent.

Don is such a great human being... I've probably watched this two dozen times... and each time, I like him more... Cheers to you Don, one of my fav guitarists!

This guy is a gem. Seems extremely down to earth. Great interview.

@sweetwater

3 жыл бұрын

😎🤘

Don came in contact with so many famous Rock Stars in his early youth Florida days. It is amazing, and he must have impressed his Eagles band mates with the people he knew and played with.

Don seems like a great guy. As much as glenn and don Henley have bashed him, he only has positive things to say about them. He acts very humble and gracious about his life

@GETole

8 жыл бұрын

+irockuroll60 The more time passes, the more it's apparent Frey and Henley are the self-centered assholes.

@motorcityman401

8 жыл бұрын

+GETole Ya think? It wasn't Felder who was greedy with the money!

@motorcityman401

8 жыл бұрын

The Eagles were one of the greatest bands ever......and probably the most dysfunctional!!

@GETole

8 жыл бұрын

Yes, indeed.

@markkeneson6806

6 жыл бұрын

Don Felder and Joe Walsh both seem like really nice guys.

What a nice guy, class act and talented musician...I just finished his book 'Heaven and Hell' and the way Henley and Fry treated him was shameful!

"Those shoes" is perhaps the most underrated Eagles song IMHO. Love it.

@rchydrozz751

3 жыл бұрын

Thats ironic. As controlling as Don Henley was. He didnt like Felder and Walsh jumping around, playing and into the music. It took the attention and camera off of him ( Henley). Felder said he was chastised by Henley for wearing bright colored shoes. Again it took the attention away from him. Henley was a %$@#.

@fivestring65ify

3 жыл бұрын

This one is a classic. I've always loved it.

À Master Musician ! I love listening to him talk and explain music.Cheers Don Felder!

Don I can't believe your memory. Sharp as a tack :-)

i loved his personality and his accessibility...he sounds like a really nice person

Late to the party but want to say that this was a great interview, Mitch. Don Felder appears to be one of the most grounded folks around.

I love the way you interview musicians Mitch. You get into the intricacies of their music. Amazing interview.

Still listening to the interview. Don seems to be so humble, that just some of his 'general' life advice, how he conducts himself, I'll try to emulate, at 58 years old.

Don is such a class act. Just finished his book (In one weekend). Highly recommend. I couldn't put it down.

The people of Sweetwater are extremely nice and welcoming. I was just there, and when people treat me this nice I know where I'll spend my money. Don Felder is one of favorites.

This gentleman was the CLASS ACT of the Eagles...and a great musician to boot!

Don Felder was responsible for the interesting parts of One of These Nights, and he created their biggest song Hotel California (also their biggest selling album) . If not for Felder they would have been just another forgotten 1970s band with a few hit singles. He could have made the Eagles relevant well into the 1990s , but drama won out , and egos took priority over music

I've seen Felder in concert.. Effingham Illinois a few years ago. He was a 100% class act. Flawless performance. Can't wait to see him again.

Don is a total, total class act. I was lucky enough to see him perform at Red Rocks, Co. This past summer. Talk about a thrill. Seeing the sun set over those cliffs to the intro of Hotel California is an experience I'll never forget. I understand what he means about Florida. All those epic places have been my stomping grounds for the last 18 years! Even Jim Morrison use to live here!!!

Simply an amazing interview with an amazing man.

Excellent interview, Mitch. These Guitars and Gear interviews are really invaluable to me as a musician. Don Felder is a humble, kind and spiritual man that puts a lot of value in friendship, family and treating people well. I'm glad he's gone from strength to strength away from the Eagles, who obviously treated him very poorly. He's a genius, and icon and an idol of mine, and I hope I can meet him and relate this to him one day!

@vincenavarretta

9 жыл бұрын

+Jason Harvey (unhinged17) hai descritto perfettamente la persona Don Felder. Cosa che non sono assolutamente i due capibanda che lo hanno esaturato solo per non dargli quello che giustamente meritava a livello economico e artistico. Ti stimo Dan!!!

Excellent interview! Felder is one hell of a guitar player!

Sweetwater is a hell of a company and Mitch is a hell of an interviewer

@sweetwater

9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching!

@tandybare

2 жыл бұрын

and they hand out free candy.

Wow. I've listened to a lot of interviews with Don Felder, but it apparently took me 7 years to find this one. I'm not one for spending more than a few minutes watching videos, but this one kept me engaged for the entire length. Both Don and Mitch held my rapt attention. Both seem like great guys.

Don Felder was an important member of the band.

I agree, Don is extremely musical in his playing and technical. Many other lead guitarists have a library of licks. You listen to every Eagles song there all different .

I just finished reading Don's book 'Heaven and Hell', and wow, I can't say what a think about Henley and Frey because I'd be sued. Don by contrast is a dignified, decent gentleman and I much admire him.

@philc4520

Жыл бұрын

I just purchased it & am looking forward to reading it. Don is very articulate & seems to be very kind hearted & decent.

@gymshoe8862

Жыл бұрын

Don has some honor, Henley and Frey do not.

It's great when the interviewer knows his stuff. Great interview.

Don's memory certainly hasn't been messed from drugs. Dude's sharp as a tack still.

@stephenfiore9960

4 жыл бұрын

...The Gainesville part was a kick, since I live in Gainesville Florida USA 🇺🇸

@Coffeendonuts

Жыл бұрын

More than can be said for Joe Walsh

One of my favorite guitar players.

Don is such a great guy you almost forget who he actually is because he is the kind of guy you would want to just hang out with

Just stumbled across this. This guy is very intelligent and articulate!! He's also very humble!!! Not to mention an extremely talented musician!!!

It seems that anyone who knows Don would love Don... He just seems like such a decent guy, with a truckload of talent.

Mitch really "Knocked it out of the park" on this 100th episode. Excellent. IMHO Felder took the Eagles to a new level. Granted they had great songs back then, but things took on a new level of class when he joined. They became major contenders. I saw the Eagles open for King Crimson (early 70's) and they weren't really that special back then.

@rdoc

8 жыл бұрын

+Danny Bates You are 100% correct about this. Don Felder turned an average bad into a Headlining band. The Eagles in the early 70's before Felder were pretty sloppy.

I’ve been listening to music all my life and every great song sounds like it was inevitable until you listen to a guy like Don Felder explain everything that went into producing one. Everyone should get music education.

Great interview , So interesting finding out how songs were recorded and all the technical stuff. Hats off to the interviewer for letting Don Felder talk uninterrupted and really explaining such fascinating insight.

Such an incredible man. The Ultimate musician, a perfect blend of theory, structure, improvisation and feel. Add on top of that, such generosity of nature, sharing what many musicians keep close to their hearts with those who aspire to be even a fraction of who Don Felder is. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Congratulations on a great interview, Don seems like such good genuine guy, and his music as simply extraordinary ..

His genious is obvious, but he seems like the niceest guy aswell. That's a rare thing in my opinion. I'm a huge fan

Very nice interwiew, Mitch gallagher - thanx for that! I hope to have the chance of seeing Don Felder in Germany in 2015 or 2016. He has been my inspiration for playing guitar since the early 80ties. Would love to take part in a work shop with him.

Don talks well, he never stumbles over his words which shows thought nand care just as he expresses when playing his guitars. Regardless of his feelings towards other band members & their feelings towards him, the one thing that will always bind the Eagles together as a family as their dedication to music and the production of such perfect songs. RIP Glen.

Don is such a nice guy!

Don Felder Randy and Joe are really my favorite members of the eagles, ironically I would say they are the American version of Queen even though Queen didn't seem to have all the drama , still they're my two favorite rock bands.

What a nice , gentle, decent and very talented man, very honest and down to earth I think love Don Felder.

So happy I found this interview! I've been watching and listening to the Eagles heaps recently and heard all the little differences they talk about at the beginning. Something new and exciting is always grabbing you, and I think that's one of the reasons their music was so magical. The Boss CE-1 Chorus also sounded magnificent in 1977. My favorite chorus pedal!

I love interviews in which music (as opposed to band politics and personalities) is actually discussed. Thanks, Sweetwater!

Felder is the MAN!!!

So many killer riffs from this excellent musician. My favorite Eagles guitarist with Joe Walsh a close second.

you can tell that felder is extremely intelligent.

@former_dmcrt8614

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, he speaks so eloquently - like a college professor, yet he reaches everyone. He's the man.

@frandanco6289

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah right up there with dead sea turtles...

What a gentle, polite and talented guy. To think that I just saw the Eagles documentary and he was so mistreated on that biopic...

@Jameswilliam1982

8 жыл бұрын

+MisterGuitarItalia ya he had no power over any editing, so they screwed him , but hes the coolest guy

@MisterGuitarItalia

8 жыл бұрын

***** Is your opinion based on personal knowledge? 'Cause the dude seems pretty legit, while Frey (RIP) on the other hand came out looking like a prick on their own produced movie...

@decacards5250

7 жыл бұрын

I agree with you, I think Felder got a raw deal. Frey and Henley wanted more money for themselves, but didn't include the other band members. I am sorry Glenn has passed, but he did treat Felder, Randy, and Bernie like shit.

@saltykrug

6 жыл бұрын

In a band with so many talented people, there will be problems. I love the Eagles but don't understand why Don Felder was shit on basically. Come on he wrote Hotel California & many of their other hits. I wonder if jealousy was involved from some of the others due to Felder's guitar skills & music writing skills. Just guessing cause I don't know.

@frandanco6289

3 жыл бұрын

I dont know what you watched, but it is not all the story... Perhaps you slept through some of it...

to a whole lot of us,...this is THE guy,....humble honest and dedicated to his craft, to download his musical brain would be a great accomplishment to the world,..hey thats rite, we can..!..🎯

This interview educated me so well on Don Felder and his talent and relationship with the Eagles. I find this new information amazing, and Don Felder is a fantastic talent who is a wonderful human as well. Thank you, Sweetwater.

Don Felder is without a doubt one of the most skilled and talented multi-instrumental musicians in rock history! He has a style that's very unique, that just fills in the gaps, without going too far. He is the ultimate master at knowing when to play hard and knowing when to let the music breathe. I have huge respect for this man! I'm looking forward to reading his book soon.

Definitely a great interview with Don Felder! The interview further iterates and reaffirms my belief that he is indeed a thinking person's musician.

Incredibly insightful and adept questions from Mitch. A great, great interview.

A Class Act!

This was a great interview. Normally when people interview Don, its all about "The Eagles" or about his tell-all about the Eagles. But I like how Mitch talked more about Don as a solo artist in regards to his album, the Soundtrack of Summer tour (I got to see a show which was absolutely amazing) and I loved when Mitch asked about what Don wants in a aspiring musician.

@pabloalarroyo

9 жыл бұрын

Brandon Butler Ditto !! Totally agree about the aspiring musician, great question , and great answer too.

Duane showing Don slide... amazing little tidbit. THX Sweetwater for your vids.

@Freempg

6 жыл бұрын

Duane also showed Joe Walsh how to play slide.

He is such an underrated player - practically every Eagles song he played on, his parts are so perfectly fitted , for the song. If you search clips of the Eagles live, his improv on Joe Walsh tunes is pretty awesome as well. Highly recommend reading his autobiography - very entertaining.

@blakejohnson7148

3 жыл бұрын

How is he underrated? He is internationally renowned as a virtuoso guitarist.

I've watched a couple of interviews with Don Felder and I can't help but think the issues leading to his ejection from the Eagles were not because of his ego. I've also watched Henley and Frey interviews and seen their large delicate egos on full display. The Eagles heyday also coincided with significant chemical intake from all parties involved however it would appear that Don Felder has emerged the more mature and realistic person. I hope Don continues to enjoy the perfect balance in his life. Rock on, Don!

I echo Joseph's comment. Although I wasn't there sweetwater provides amazing service with a very knowledgeable and kind staff. Your service is tops. Keep up the great work Thoroughly enjoyed this interview and many others with Mitch. He is a master at these Q&As

Don Felder may not have always been a class act since his early years, but he certainly shows it now. While Henley is still trying to remove history off of You Tube, Felder is so appreciative and willing to go back and discuss history. It's so unfortunate they couldn't get along. Money is the ultimate Satan in life. Thanks Don, keep rockin'!!!✌❤

Not a big Eagles fan, but I'm a huge fan of Don Felder. His tone is just amazing. Don & Joe Walsh were the best part of the Eagles. Shame they didn't showcase their playing more.

@livingabovethe12th

6 жыл бұрын

Fred Garvin yea....him and Walsh brought the fire and "recklessness" that was sorely missing from that band. Absolutely not the same band without him and joe burning it up.

@normanbuchanan9710

4 жыл бұрын

@@livingabovethe12th totally agree but I have to put Randy in with them too

don felder is such a nice guy, cheers to him

He seems like such a warm, friendly guy. Such a contrast to the interviews I see with Henley and Frey

@SOITORAMA

8 жыл бұрын

+alphadogstudio Have the same feeling alph.. it's a great guy very down toearth and very simple, it's a pleasure to hear his interviews and also to hearthere are people like you sharing the same thoughts, greetings, Costa Belgium, by the way I grow up with the Eagles and for me there is no "Eagles" without Don Felder, take care friend...

One of the great guitar players of the time! So much feel and such great melodies in his solos! Not a shredder, but his phrasing is legendary!

You're the BEST Don.

what a self examined guy. Once this is achieved, the rest is unemportant other than for reflection of how far one has come. Great interview full of insight and wisdom👍

7 years later and still wow what a guy

A lovely person. And such an icon. How does he keep so young though? I'm around 20 years younger, but next to each other, I'd look like his uncle! Don has always had great technique and he cites Elvis Presely, Chet Atkins and even Jimmy Page as influences, even though he was a contemporary of Page... Such a self effacing, intellectual, with a keen understanding of the technology available, then and now. And his musicianship is consummate and moving. One of my top all time favourite guitarists of all time. What I've always loved about Don is his infectious smile, especially when he's playing, something that couldn't have been easy at times, given the wrangling that went on, even before Don joined The Eagles.... . I am a firm believer in social chemistry. And all the iconic bands that have made platinum sucess, owe their fame to that chemistry that binds the members together. Thus, when I watched (a couple of hours ago...) half of the HoF Tribute to The Eagles, I was both dumbfounded and disgusted that they deliberately edited out any sequences where Don was playing on the video footage. Equally - the compare - Linda Ronstadt, deliberately left out any mention of Don , Randy or other members that had once swelled the ranks of the band. So pathetic and immature. I thumbs downed the upload and joined the majority ranks who all felt as disgusted and dismayed as myself. . People know what turns them on in the night.... When the full moon is calling and the wicked wind whispers and moans.... . The Eagles became top echelon, after the release of Hotel California. But before Don joined the band, they were simply yet another 'Country Rock and R&B band'. Oh yes, they had the harmonies and the presence, but it was Don that gave that extra modicum of quality to their songs. Without his guitar, the band were mediocre at best. Alright if you're an American cowboy driving across the Sierra Nevada in your flat-bed Chevy.... But again, it is the sum of the constituent players and writers that gel to make a top echelon band and Don has never forgotten that.

@sarahcel1611

3 жыл бұрын

Hey tnx, well said, you' ve covered it all up, nothing more I can say👍👍👍👍

I want to buy the book❤️❤️❤️

what a great interview.. especially the last q/a .. I would add to Don's response that his giving back makes him great. Not all musicians have that

Very good interview indeed.. Don seems such a very nice guy, the interviewer asks good questions and takes the time to listen and lets Don tell his story...

Great interview, thanks for posting it 👍🏽

Great interview! Interesting to hear some of the musical ideas and processes that made one of my favorite bands of all time so great.

Nice interview Don Felder is a real nice guy very knowledgeable and a great guitarist.

Great interview Don Felder is a very Nice and humble person.

The best musician interview I've ever seen. No agonizing interviewer ego interruptions of the guest. A great well informed interviewer who looked naturally comfortable. Thank you Mitch and of course the one and only, Don Felder "greatest" member ever, of the Eagles. Sorry, JMO.

Don Felder is a hot guitar player who made the Eagles sound as good as they did before Joe Walsh joined!!!!

Wonderful Interview!

Felder is Hotel California... sad that some of the other Eagles got mad at him for speaking out against the drugs and under age sex that went one with some of the others in the band. Much respect to Don Felder

Very interesting comment about the solo on 'One of these nights'. Sounds exactly like a sax solo would - Felder is spot on. A musician's musician.

Don Felder is a class act.

It's too bad the world didn't get to hear Chuck Newcomb, the bassist and vocalist from the Flow album. I heard them play at the same frat houses at Univ Fla that we all rotated through. Chuck was a world class player and a good friend. I'd heard they flew him out to LA, but they didn't pick him up. I suppose it was because he was very much a front man, and maybe that was part of the reason. Gainesville was spilling over with great players in the early 70's, and many of them made it, some did not. I'd heard Chuck ended up behind the desk at a motel, then I lost track of him. It's really a shame.

Lovely guy

Excellent...... great guy, Don.

When I first heard Don's guitar solo on One of these Nights, I sensed his integrity and intelligence along with his exquisite Jazz-influenced melody sense and superb compositional ability in playing his instrument. Since then, he's been one of my most favorite contemporary guitarists in Jazz, Fusion, and Rock. This interview affirms my instinct about him and also provides so much insight into his music and life. He's such an articulate engaging speaker too. The Eagles was so lucky to have had such a talented member along with Don Henley. Mitch, thank you for conducting and sharing this in-depth interview!! Priceless!

@sweetwater

3 жыл бұрын

We're glad you enjoyed the interview so much!

Now that you mention it I remember the AM in that song. god I played it likely 500 times and I haven't played in a couple of decades. Great song and people love hearing it presented well. Strong backing vocals.

Great Don Felder. Love you

Very cool insight into the goal for the guitar solo on 'One of these Nights'-- make it sound like a David Sandborne sax solo! Makes so much sense and the finished product sounds amazing--a perfect fit. Going forward... I'll think of Sandborne every time I hear that solo ... along with Don Felder of course!

Quite interesting that before hearing about Don’s meditation process, I myself was doing the exact same meditation process, but without writing it down. Going back over my 56 years & remembering/recounting all the details of my past life.