The Genesis of an Icon

Don Felder, the former guitarist of the Eagles, is the creative force behind one of rock’s most enduring anthems, “Hotel California.” Felder recalls the song’s inception as a simple chord progression he discovered while relaxing in a rented beach house in Malibu. He states, “It was just a chord progression. I was playing… and I [said], ‘I gotta go record this.’”

This humble origin quickly developed into a musical masterpiece. Felder elaborates, “Where I wrote the bass part and played the acoustic two-string and the reggae parts and the harmony parts and the solos.” The songwriting process took shape with the contributions from his bandmates, Don Henley and Glenn Frey, who provided the lyrics and melody.

Collaborative Creation

Felder played a pivotal role in crafting the song’s arrangement. He recalls, “Just write music beds and that song structure, give them cassettes and let them listen to it.” This teamwork allowed Henley and Frey to weave their complex narratives into Felder’s musical framework.

Another significant aspect of “Hotel California” was the iconic twin guitar parts performed alongside guitarist Joe Walsh. Felder notes, “So it took a lot of time and concentration, especially the preparation to play it live.” The challenge of replicating studio perfection on stage added a unique layer of pressure to his performances.

New Music on the Horizon

Felder is back with a new project: his upcoming album titled The Vault – Fifty Years of Music, featuring the current single “I Like the Things You Do.” This release is a blend of fresh tracks and previously unreleased material. Felder shares his excitement, stating, “I thought, ‘Maybe I can put together an album of some of these things and add a few new tracks to it.'”

Connecting with Fans

As he prepares to hit the road, Felder expresses his enthusiasm for performing, particularly in Florida, where he has strong connections. He explains, “The Florida audiences just are the best going on… They just come out and really know how to party and rock and have fun.”

Fans will have the chance to see him live on May 30 at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL, where he will perform alongside Styx and The Kevin Cronin Band.

Concert Details

Catch Don Felder and his electrifying performance:

• Date: May 30
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Venue: Hard Rock Live
• Location: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
• Event Info: More Information