On this day in 1980, the Eagles break up for a period of 14 years after tensions between band members boil over.
Having first formed in 1971, the Eagles quickly became one of the biggest selling bands of the 20th century. Headed up by the partnership of Don Henley and Glenn Frey, the band release six albums in seven years, with their 1976 compilation album, Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975), becoming the biggest-selling album of the century.
Despite their success, tensions were rising between band members, with some of the musicians sharing their disdain for each other behind closed doors. However, this all came to a head rather publicly in July of 1980.
On July 31st, the group wrapped up their The Long Run tour with a benefit performance for California Senator Alan Cranston. Incensed by guitarist Don Felder’s comments towards Cranston’s wife, Glenn Frey threatened Felder, which continued onstage. The pair spent the majority of the performance trading threats to each other, with Felder telling Frey at one point that “I’m gonna kick your ass when we get off the stage.”
While this ostensibly the end of the band, the group’s manager refused to release a statement in hopes of patching things up. When both Glenn Frey and Don Henley release solo albums in 1982, it’s clear that the band are over.
This hiatus remains until 1994, when the band partakes in the aptly-titled Hell Freezes Over tour.
Check out the Eagles’ ‘Hotel California’:
