Popdose - Latest Comments in Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Noosic — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 13:11:10 -0000

Henley is not a control-freak. He's just greedy and a hypocrite. Frey is a sociopath obsessed with being the "leader" of the Eagles. His track record is pretty bad for being the person who ran Leadon, Meisner, and Felder out of the band. Somehow I detect some insecurity on Frey's part as well as he thinks he is as talented as Henley when he really knows the truth.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

FF — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 22:01:52 -0000

You might be the only person on Earth who defends Frey. He is clearly a greedy, heartless pig, who puts himself on the same level as Don Henley (he and Henley get the same cut, the others, including Felder, who was one of the 3 members of "Eagles, Limited" get considerably less). When I watched the "History of the Eagles," and Frey says "I told Irving I was only going to do this (Hell Freezes Over), if Henley and I get more money, I seriously thought he was going to break into a big smile, and say "just kidding." Shows how much I knew about this POS. He also contradicts himself, saying at one point that classic rock was responsible for keeping the Eagles' music in front of the public. Later, to justify he and Henley getting more money, he said it was his and Henley's solo careers that kept the Eagles music alive. I don't know about you, but I certainly had End of the Innocence in my music catalog, but i never quite got around to buying the Miami Vice soundtrack. This was a band, not a group of individuals. John and Paul never said they should get a bigger cut than George and Ringo, just because they wrote most of the songs. If you want a bigger cut, you have a solo career, which they did, but don't try to "rank" the members of the band. Without Felder, the Eagles wouldn't even be in the Rocj and Roll Hall of Fame, because he brought Hotel California to the band, and without it, there's no way they get into the HOF. Glenn Frey is a royal a**hole, period.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Jacqueline Reidpath — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:42:21 -0000

This is well past the atmosphere this excellent review was written in (thank you Scott Malchus) and my comment is late because I have only just become reacquainted with Eagles music through watching their Farewell 1 Tour DVD; and through that, joining their message board over at www.eaglesonlinecentral.com to find the thread about
Don's book. I try not to be swayed by other people's comments or opinions, since I have very strong and definite opinions of my own - last week I borrowed Don's book from the library. I am just over 100 pages in and I have to say, I am thoroughly enjoying it. It is a darn good read, his upbringing and stories around it. He was a rebel with a cause, is what strikes me louder than most. I noticed the photos of Frey and Henley as well and the thought process wasn't lost on me either. I have only got to the part where Frey rang him and asked him to join the band. So I guess the revelations are going to come thick and fast now. From the publicity and comments I have read (and let's not forget the timing of Don's book release - wasn't it within a few months of the release of Long Road Out Of Eden? I am thinking the law suit was more for stalling tactics than anything else because they didn't want any dirt coming out that could affect the sales) - it seems to me that for the lawsuits to be settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, indicates guilt on the part of Frey and Henley. It's well known the power struggle they created within the band. I recently blogged about Schmit and Henley but purely on their musicianship, nothing else. I'm really not interested in the dirt going on behind the scenes, I am only interested in the music. But hey, gossip and dirt sells faster than anything else but that isn't the basis Don wrote his book on - he wrote it with a need to cathartise and validate his ambition, struggles and ultimate success to be with one of the greatest American bands in the world. Is it any wonder he was shattered. As far as his personal life goes, in all fairness to his wife at the time, I agree she was justified in the path she decided to take. And Don knows he will just have to live with that the rest of his life. I did not know Felder while he was with the Eagles but I agree, he is an exceptionally gifted guitar player. As a journalist myself, I also noticed the writing style and his personal touches enhanced by Wendy Holden; the family photos add the personal touch so vital to his story. I think he did an honest job and I'm really enjoying the read.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Newtunez9 — Sat, 07 May 2011 01:05:38 -0000

How exactly do you measure the man who brought the Hotel California to our ears? The man never was respected by the the Gods, and shove them for that. I for one wouldn't spend a dime watching a concert of theirs, without him, oh yeah When Hell Freezes Over for this fan. lol

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

A. Nonymous — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:27:55 -0000

Buy the book to find out the answer!

(he didn't quit)

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Ppcools — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:07:22 -0000

Dear sir,

I must say that the worst thing rock and roll bands can do is get political. You and I probably know more about the issues than these guys do and I will not base who I vote for on a celebrity endorsement. These same bands that seem to hate authority and capitalism are also looking to make mega-bucks on tour. Let them play in Cuba and see how much money they make. I don't mean to be a jerk, just looking at this from a different perspective.

BTW, Don Felder is a great guitarist and I hope he succeeds.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

JKGOLF — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:56:11 -0000

I agree whole heartedly that THE EAGLES just don't sound the same without Don Felder. I saw them twice during the 2007 tour and just recently in the 2010 tour and the guitarist they have replacing Felder is just another guitar player.......Felder is one of a kind, an artist. To echo the sentiments above, shame on Frey and Hendley and what the heck were you guys thinking.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Danny — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:45:12 -0000

Thhe Eagles Has to Be One of the most Influential Band Of The So Called Early Cult Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame....Danny

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

jadnecdereisen — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:44:18 -0000

There are a number of typo's in the article, but it does entice me to read the book.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Bob Tanner — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:18:42 -0000

Hey don Felder, just would like to thank you for a writing a great book. i just finished it. i heard you on the howard stern show last year and went out and bought the book. love all the stories about "THE GODS" Good job fingers.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Wolfgang — Sat, 23 May 2009 23:58:43 -0000

As a born German and a proud US-Citizen I saw "The Eagles" in Duesseldorf, Germany, when Hotel California came out. Since then I saw the Band at least 50 times, and that gives me the right to comment on the book from Don Felder. Here it is: it is very, very sad, that a person like Don Felder is not seen these days on stage. I personally miss him. Without him, would there be a "Hotel California?" Let's face it, he is a wonderful human being ( actually you can see it on stage ), who is very much concentrating on his guitar.
He stood up for himself, and it is so sad, that only money put that great musician away from "The Eagles". Wolfgang, Santa Monica,CA

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

bob — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:38:33 -0000

I have just finnished reading dons book it will make me look at the eagles a differnent way. But I will look out for some other ons side of the story unless we think we no it all I will judge after maybe reading take it to the limit unless anyone can recomend any other source.I found Dons book very absorbing & I wanted to read it once I started very good book

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Ken — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:19:14 -0000

I saw the Eagles in Chicago and although they sounded great, the fact that Don Felder was gone had a big impact on the the feel of the show. When you see Don Play with the Eagles< he is in a zone and just plays beautiful with grace and a sound that the new sideman just can't c ome close to
hell freezes over is their best work(touched up as it may be) All I can say is best of luck Don, I always thought that frey was a pompus asshole anyway! Henley has a great voice But a bigger ego that Pumpkin head of his. they are lucky to still have Tim and Joe ( Timmothy has a voice from God and Joe isa great guy and way too popular to get rid of) but Don was just a great guitarist who had the balls to stand up to George Bush and Dick Chaney and lost. the two others( Joe and Tim) should be ashammed to have let him stand out with his dick in the wind. GO Don!

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

VinceAdame — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:57:00 -0000

I just finished this book after purchasing it just a couple of days ago. I only put it down when I had to. I was impressed with Felder's even-handed approach while still laying bare the brutal reality of the Eagles, the record industry, and the Zeitgeist of L.A. in the 70's-80's. At the center, "Heaven and Hell" is a voyeuristic ride to redemption, relatable to anyone who ever felt marginalized in their work or betrayed in their life. Be it through victimization or self-empowerment, it is a testament to finding the courage and taking the steps to regain your integrity and move on.

I'll always love their music, but now with a touch of bittersweet. Good for Don Felder. Shame on Glenn Frey and Don Henley.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Roy G — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:31:36 -0000

They'll never take in another dime of my money, btw...

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Roy G — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:28:37 -0000

Here are their rates for their 9/08 show at United Center in Chicago;

MAIN FLOOR
US $185.00

LOWER (100 LEVEL)
US $85.00 - US $185.00

CLUB (200 LEVEL)
US $85.00 - US $185.00

UPPER (300 LEVEL)
US $50.00 - US $85.00

Meaning, the back of the upper level is $50, back of
the middle level $85. The only good seats are ALL
$185 - even those not on floor.

I am glad Felder exposed them for the egomaniac,
elitist f*ckwads that they are. Sure, we all love their
songs. But they are persons who play music, not
gods.

They are completely out of touch now with the
lunchpail crowd that put them on the map with
$6 LP's and tickets, and now are effectively locked
out at this price. Hell Freezes Over or, "We'll Do
Anything At This Price"?

They were extemely fortunate to come along after
technology could make them that big, but before
it democratized the industry with digital technology
that everyone can copy. Bands in the future will never
get this big, and Frey and Henley show us all why
that is a very good thing...

- Roy G / Cincinnati

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

John — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:36:02 -0000

True, but he is a talentless hack.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

kevin markham — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:44:35 -0000

fuck you ray . they are jumped up bigheaded bastards.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

joe — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:12:17 -0000

Felder's book doesn't come as a surprise. I can remember seeing the
Eagles "Hell Freezes Over Tour" back in 1994 at Hershey Park Stadium.
It was an amazing concert, but not long after the show, I was watching Entertainment Tonight and Don Henley gave a brief interview about the tour. Without being asked, Henley volunteered some information that suggested "Hell" wasn't completely frozen over. In paraphrasing his comments, he said "I don't want to break up the party or anything for the fans, but we really don't bother with each other after the shows or hang out." As I recall, the reporter didn't even ask him that question, he just decided to let it out. JLC

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Elaine — Sat, 24 May 2008 23:20:55 -0000

To All: I just read this blog entry: http://idolator.com/392421/...

I don't know the blog or the author, but I found the article interesting, and right in line with our discussion here. It's a discussion about the Eagles being on the cover of the Rolling Stone. There's Eagles backstory for those of you who are interested. And, is the blind item about R. Kelly? Is he saying Henley liked to relieve himself on girls, or that he always got it up for the touch of the younger kind...? HM.

"Glenn Frey...now defers to Henley. 'Without Don,' he says, '...we'd be Air Supply.'" That's almost .sig worthy.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Elaine — Sat, 24 May 2008 23:04:10 -0000

You're right about "The One You Love." Did he also have a hand in "I Can't Tell You Why?" That's one fine, fine song.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

DwDunphy — Sat, 24 May 2008 22:37:22 -0000

Glenn Frey was not the founder of The Damned.

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Ray — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:52:04 -0000

fuck you! there is nuthn wrong with glenn frey, he is the founder of the best band on earth!

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Ray — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:51:09 -0000

why?! glenn frey is amazing!

Re: Bookshelf: Don Felder, “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)”

Ray — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:50:27 -0000

what exactly happened when he quit the eagles? someone please email me at wnyghosts@yahoo.com, type Don Felder in the subject bar. thanks!