Eagles

American rock band the Eagles are one of the biggest-selling bands ever. Their catalogue of country-tinged songs have found their way to the upper reaches of the charts and their seminal album, the 16x platinum Hotel California, is ranked 37th in the Rolling Stone list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

The Eagles were assembled by Linda Ronstadt's manager, John Boylan, and joined her on tour, helping her to record the album Silk Purse (1970). After signing with Asylum Records they released their debut album Eagles in 1972. The album reached No.22 in the charts and spawned the hits "Take it Easy" (predominantly written by Jackson Browne), "Witchy Woman" and "Peaceful Easy Feeling".

They followed-up with Desperado, a themed album based on the outlaws of the wild west. Though it proved to be less successful than their debut, two hits were forthcoming: "Tequila Sunrise" and the title track. On the Border was to be a something of a departure from their initial country music style, evidenced by the tracks "Best of My Love" and "Already Gone". One of These Nights continued the move to a rockier sound and was notable for its title track, plus "Lyin' Eyes" and "Journey of the Sorcerer" which became better known as the theme tune to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. However, the band were beginning to argue and Bernie Leadon left in 1975; he was replaced by Joe Walsh.

Hotel California was released in 1976 and was the band's tour de force. "Life in the Fast Lane" and the title track became firm favourites, with the latter winning a Grammy and becoming the Eagles' signature song. Also released in 1976 was Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975), which has sold even more than Hotel California. At an estimated 40 million units shipped worldwide, it is one of the biggest-selling LPs ever. The Eagles' next studio album, The Long Run (1979), was their last before they took an extended break, and though it yielded the hit "Heartache Tonight" they split acrimoniously soon after. Eagles Live (1980) completed their commitment to the record company but their trademark harmonies were recorded in separate States.

The members undertook solo careers during the break-up, but after 14 years the dust had settled and the band reformed in 1994. They undertook a series of tours throughout the following years and released a series of live and Best Of collections. The new studio release was a long time coming, but in 2007 they released what they profess will be their last album, Long Road Out of Eden.