Producer Bill Szymczyk recently chatted with Rock History Book about the time Don Felder joined The Eagles. Bill recalled how his production for The Eagles was a ‘progression’ and how Don brought rock to the band. He explained:
“It was a progression you know when I first started with them it was the original four and this is during ‘On the Border’ and during ‘On the Border’ is when [Don] Felder was introduced to the band. [He] became a band member near the very end of the recording. He accidentally played on I think two or three things on ‘On the Border’ but from that point on, he was in the band.”
While Don added rock to The Eagles sound, Bill also recalled that Bernie Leadon was not on board with where the band was headed sonically. He said:
“So the next version was five pieces and during ‘One of These Nights’ is when Bernie [Leadon] got a little disillusioned with what we were doing. Because all of us wanted, we wanted to rock you know and especially with the addition of Felder bringing in some serious guitar chops, we were going that way there was nothing to stop us. Bernie just you know checked out.”
Even though Bernie had doubts, he and the rest of the band went full rock. For the next single ‘Hotel California’ Bernie was out and Joe Walsh was in. Bill added:
“So the next one, ‘Hotel California.’ Here’s my pal Joe [Walsh] comes in burning as you know. ‘Bring in Joe out goes Bernie!’ There you go.”
‘Hotel California’ not only became a hit but from what Don recently told on the KSHE 95 radio station he still earns money from the track.
You can watch Bill Szymczyk’s interview with Rock History Book and listen to ‘On the Border’ as well as ‘One of These Nights’ below.
