Eagles through the years: From the beginning to now
Follow their legendary journey from formation to Vegas residency
There's been plenty of rock bands throughout time, but none quite like the Eagles, who embarked on their 'Long Goodbye - Final Tour' in 2024, including UK dates. Having sold more than 200 million records, with half of that sold in U.S alone, and five Number 1 singles, six Number 1 albums, six Grammy Awards, and five American Music Awards, there's no doubting the Eagles' success.
But like many bands in the industry, there have been plenty of hurdles to jump along the way. So we've decided to take a look back at their journey, from their rise to fame to their phenomenal catalogue of songs, incredible donation to the LA FireAid concert, and where they are now...
Eagles: The band’s members
The founding members of Eagles were Glenn Frey (guitars, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitars, vocals) and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals.)
However, like all bands, musicians come and go. So at present, the band's current members are:
- Don Henley – lead and backing vocals, drums, percussion and rhythm guitar.
- Joe Walsh – lead and rhythm guitars, backing and lead vocals and keyboards.
- Timothy B. Schmit – bass guitar, backing and lead vocals and harmonica.
- Deacon Frey – rhythm and lead guitars, backing and lead vocals.
- Vince Gill – lead and rhythm guitars, backing and lead vocals.
Where are Eagles the band from?
The Eagles are from Los Angeles, California, US.
When did Eagles the band form?
The American rock band formed in 1971 and released their debut studio album 'Eagles' in 1972. The Eagles released singles, albums and toured until 1980. The band then took a 14 year hiatus, before returning to the music scene in 1994.
How did the Eagles band start? Their incredible career so far:
1971: The band's formation
In 1971, Glenn Frey and Don Henley were recruited to play in Linda Ronstadt's band. Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon were also scouted to perform and tour with Linda Ronstadt in the same year.
On this tour, the foursome decided to form a band, and in September 1971, they were signed to Asylum Records.
1972: The band's first album
The Eagles' self-titled debut album was released in 1972, with their first single, 'Take It Easy', released in June that year. The song reached Number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the band into the mainstream.
The album also had two other hit singles, 'Witchy Woman' and 'Peaceful Easy Feeling', which charted at Number 9 and Number 22 respectively.
1973: Peaking too soon
The Eagles' second album, 'Desperado', failed to make a hit, causing friction in the band. Eight records on the album were written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley, with their first single, 'Tequila Sunrise', peaking at Number 61 in the US charts, and their second, 'Outlaw Man', reaching Number 59.
1975: Becoming international superstars
Following the success of their third album, 'On the Border', which won them their first US Number 1 with the single, 'Best of My Love', the Eagles released their fourth studio album, 'One of These Nights', in 1975. The album made the band global icons, as it was the first of four consecutive Number 1 albums.
Their first single from the album under the same name went straight to the top of the charts, with the second single, 'Lyin' Eyes', reaching Number 2. This single also won the band their first Grammy for "Best Pop Performance by a duo or group with vocal." The Eagles even launched a worldwide tour to support the album, which ended up being nominated for a Grammy award for Album of the Year.
1976: Setting a new world record
After Bernie Leadon left the band and was replaced by Joe Walsh, the band released their first compilation album, 'Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)', which until Michael Jackson's death in 2009, was the highest-selling album of the 20th century in the United States.
It has sold 29 million copies in the U.S and 42 million copies worldwide.
1979: Chart success
After two years of recording their next album, the Eagles released 'The Long Run' in 1979. The album became Number 1 and sold seven million copies.
The album included their last Number 1 single, 'Heartache Tonight', as well as 'The Long Run' and 'I Can't Tell You Why', which both peaked at Number 8. 'Heartache Tonight' also won the band their fourth Grammy Award.
1980: The split
Following arguments between Don Felder and Glenn Frey, friendships in the band started to crack. Despite releasing their first live album, 'Eagles Live', albeit in different parts of the US following the tensions, the band announced their split in 1980.
1980 - 1993: Solo careers
After breaking up, all band members from the Eagles embarked on solo careers. Joe Walsh released his own album and Don Henley achieved chart success, dueting with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame on the record 'Leather and Lace.'
Deacon Frey achieved musical success after producing songs for films, including 'The Heat Is On' from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack and 'You Belong to the City' from the Miami Vice soundtrack. Both tracks reached Number 2 in the US.
1994: A successful comeback
In 1994, the band made a comeback, releasing the album, 'Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles', which peaked at Number 1. The band went on to perform at various concerts and performed headline tours for five years after their comeback.
2001: Don Felder lawsuit
In 2001, Don Felder was fired from the band. He then launched a lawsuit, alleging wrongful termination, breach of implied-in-fact contract and breach of fiduciary duty, reportedly seeking $50 million in damages. In 2002, the case was settled outside of court for an undisclosed amount.
2015: A one-off Grammy performance
Over the next 14 years, the Eagles continued to tour across the globe and release more singles and albums. However, they didn't reach the top of the charts like their previous music. In 2016, the band performed at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. They sung "Take It Easy" in memory of Glenn Frey who had recently passed away.
2020: The Eagles toured
In 2020 the band were set to go on their 'Hotel California 2020' tour, but this was postponed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
2022: The Eagles performed in the UK
Eagles, with the line-up of feature Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit and Vince Gill, performed in Liverpool Anfield Stadium, Edinburgh BT Murrayfield Stadium and London BST Hyde Park in June 2022.
2022: Timothy B. Schmit says there will be no new Eagles music
In September 2022, Timothy B. Schmit said that it isn't likely that we'll get new Eagles music.
In an interview with Louder Sound, he was asked if there was new music on the horizon, to which he said: "I sincerely doubt it. We toured behind our last album, 'Long Road Out Of Eden', and put in five to seven of those songs. But we don't do them any more because there wasn't a big reaction. When people come to see the Eagles they want to hear Best Of My Love, One Of These Nights, all these things. So we give it to them."
2023: Eagles announce farewell tour
In July 2023, the band announced that they were heading on a farewell tour called 'The Long Goodbye', as they said that their 'miraculous 52-year odyssey' was coming to an end. The tour began in September 2023, with the band going on to add more dates.
'The Long Goodbye' tour will conclude in March 2024.
2023: Founding member Randy Meisner died
In July 2023, founding member, bassist and vocalist Randy Meisner sadly passed away aged 77, due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
The band said: "Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, 'Take It to the Limit'."
2024: The Eagles announce a residency in Manchester
The Eagles announced a five-night residency in Manchester, which took place at the Co-op Live Arena in May 2024 - the month the venue opened. Initially announcing three dates, the band added two extra shows due to phenomenal demand.
2025: Eagles donate $2.5 million to LA FireAid concert
In January 2025, two benefit concerts were announced to raise funds for communities devastated by the LA wildfires. Eagles manager Irving Azoff, and his family produced the show alongside concert promoter heavyweights Live Nation and AEG Presents, with the concerts taking place at Los Angeles Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome on Thursday 30th January 2025. Despite not appearing on the list of confirmed acts, Eagles donated $2.5 million to the FireAid concert for Los Angeles wildfires relief.
The money raised is aiding in rebuilding communities devastated by the wildfires, and support efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.
Did they perform at the FireAid concert for Los Angeles wildfires relief?
Following the devastating wildfires that spread through LA in January 2025, it was announced that Eagles manager Irving Azoff and his family were producing a benefit concert to raise money for those affected, alongside promoter heavyweights Live Nation and AEG Presents.
Although Eagles did not perform at the concert (you can see the FireAid 2025 line-up here) - which took place on Thursday 30th January 2025 - they did donate a mammoth sum of money to the show.
The rock legends donated a massive $2.5 million (£2.05 million) to the concert - for which, according to Billboard, proceeds will go towards rebuilding Los Angeles infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and advancing future fire prevention technologies and strategies.
Many high profile celebrities also donated to the LA wildfire relief efforts, including Metallica, who donated $500,000 via their All Within My Hands Foundation, and Pop stars Taylor Swift ($10 million) and Beyoncé ($2.5 million).
Which were Eagles’ most famous songs?
As one of the most legendary rock band of all time, understandably the Eagles have plenty of timeless classics under their belt. When it comes to the biggest and most successful, we've put together a handy guide to take a look at their biggest tracks of all time, from their 1976 hit 'Hotel California' to their sound-changing 'Victim of Love'.
Take a look at the Eagles' biggest and best songs.
How many albums did Eagles release?
Surprisingly, the band have only released seven studio albums. Their first was released in 1972, titled 'Eagles', and their last in 2007, called, 'Long Road Out of Eden.'
Did Eagles split up?
Yes, the Eagles split up in 1980 until 1994. They reunited and then began to release compilation and live albums.
Do Eagles still perform?
Yes! They are currently still together, and after performing around the globe in 2024, are now completing their epic residency at the world-renowned Las Vegas Sphere - due to wrap in April 2025.
Prior to the 2025 residency, the band performed their whole 1976 album 'Hotel California' for three concerts at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in 2019.
In 2022, the band embarked on a European stadium tour, which saw them perform in Liverpool, Edinburgh and Dublin, in addition to at the BST Hyde Park festival. The band embarked on their 'Long Goodbye Final Tour' in 2024, performing at a host of venues across the United States until March 2024, and beginning a residency in the UK, in Manchester, in May.
Now read:
Bruce Springsteen: From 'Born to Run' to Broadway 🎸
Bryan Adams: How the 'Groover From Vancouver' became famous
Duran Duran: Facts you never knew about the Wild Boys
Rayo Premium