Director: Alison Ellwood.
Starring: Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmit, Joe Walsh, Don Felder, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner.
Running Time: 120 minutes.
Synopsis: The life and times of super successful American soft-rock band, Eagles.
Alison Ellwood’s in-depth examination is a celebration of the coming together of a band whom at first were a hodgepodge of other artists’ backing bandmates and wannabe, struggling songwriters, but who ultimately became a phenomenon and a voice for a generation. As always in such cases, a meteoric rise comes at a cost and all members bare the scars of a rollercoaster lifestyle on the road that was marred by egotistical arguments, substance abuse, revolving line-ups, and even greed and hate.
Having been inspired by the iconic Los Angeles music scene and travelling to the City Of Angels from their respective hometowns, guitarist Glenn Frey and drummer Don Henley vacated as part of Linda Ronstadt’s back-up band with her blessing. They went on to form the band in 1971 with another duo, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and a little later, Don Felder, who were also eying their own exits from other artists’ background scenery. We learn from them all just why they were made for each other, and their early passions for the art form – despite initially struggling to take off – alongside surprising and insightful nuggets of information, such as where their band name originated or Frey admitting he learned to write music and lyrics from an unknowing Jackson Browne who lived downstairs, quite literally putting his ear to the floor.
Each give personal accounts, with separate talking head interviews, still photography, home videos and studio recordings giving us a genuine construction of an epic career filled with memorable hits and chronicling a friendship that turned spectacularly sour. With Leadon, Felder and perhaps more upsettingly, Meisner, bidding farewell in favour of Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, it’s at that point in their career and interview Frey flexes his muscles (and ego) following a backstage spat that saw Meisner – who sang lead vocals on their first ever gold certified single, Take It To The Limit, and lost confidence in hitting the high notes – refusing to continue. Certainly the straw that broke the camel’s back in that incarnation of the band as they continued to the record-breaking Hotel California LP, Felder especially appears bitter and visibly affected when looking back.
The industry insiders, producers and management also provide fascinating perspectives on being part of such an esteemed, yet troubled band of young men. Pulling no punches in talking about one another, whether it’s their differences or alcohol and drug problems, it’s obvious Frey and Henley were the dominate forces in the group and no surprise they were the only two to go onto huge, mainstream solo success.
It’s not hard to see why they had such success, with no song or individual left out, but it’s also an emotional ride for those who left or were pushed out, reflecting on an unforgettable journey with honesty, regret and satisfaction. Not only an insight of extraordinary output and a breakdown of relationships, it is also a study of the times with a nation still bewildered by discontent. If you’re a fan of the Eagles, or just a music fan in general, HISTORY OF THE EAGLES PART ONE is an absolute must-see.
THE SUNDANCE LONDON FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL RUNS FROM 25-28 APRIL AT THE O2. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TICKETS VISIT: http://www.sundance-london.com
Sharrana
Sep 19, 2014 at 9:09 am
Yep Henly and Frey are unafraid to take all the credit for their rise. But they are apparently unaware that they are also responsible for their reputation falling in the dirt too. Big heads, greedy and power hungry. So many people dislike the band purely because of these two. Take Scmit and Walsh out of the band and all you are left with is two delusional wankers.
ds
Jan 20, 2016 at 11:27 pm
RIP Glenn Fry