"Eagles Live" is the first live album by the American rock band Eagles, released as a two-LP set on November 7, 1980. At the time of its release, the Eagles were in the process of breaking up, and this album fulfilled the band's contractual obligation to Elektra/Asylum Records for one more album. It features live performances from the band’s Hotel California and The Long Run tours, recorded at different times and venues.
The album was produced by Bill Szymczyk and mixed by Glenn Frey and Don Henley, who worked on opposite coasts of the U.S.—in Los Angeles and Miami, respectively. Due to the band’s tense relationships and internal conflicts during the recording process, the album went through extensive overdubbing. In fact, Eagles Live was dubbed by some critics as one of the "most heavily overdubbed live albums in history." As a result of the tension between the band members, particularly Glenn Frey’s fallout with Don Felder, the mixing and production of the album had to be done in a disjointed and distant manner, with tapes being exchanged between the two coasts by Federal Express.
The live recordings for Eagles Live were made during two different periods. Five of the tracks were recorded in October 1976 during three performances at The Forum in Inglewood, California. These tracks feature the original lineup of the band, including Randy Meisner on bass. The other ten tracks were recorded in July 1980, from three shows at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and one at the Long Beach Arena in California. By this time, Timothy B. Schmit had replaced Meisner on bass, and the band had a different lineup and sound. The album features five different lead singers—Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Randy Meisner, and Timothy Schmit—across its 14 vocal tracks (excluding the brief musical interlude of "Doolin Dalton (Reprise II)").
One of the highlights of Eagles Live is the cover of "Seven Bridges Road," originally by Steve Young, which showcases the band's signature close harmonies. The song was released as a single and became a top-40 hit. It was the only previously unreleased track on the album, adding to the live performances. The song was celebrated for its a cappella verses, where all five members of the band sing in intricate harmony.
As the band's tensions reached a breaking point, Eagles Live captured the culmination of these internal struggles. The band’s final concert of the Long Run tour on July 31, 1980, marked the end of an era for the Eagles. The concert, held in Long Beach, California, was not only significant for being the last show of the tour, but also for a dramatic backstage dispute between Frey and Felder that nearly turned physical. Frey, angry and upset, refused to participate in the overdubbing sessions for Eagles Live, resulting in the piecemeal nature of the production. While Frey stayed in Los Angeles to work on his parts, the rest of the band traveled to Miami to record theirs, with Henley overseeing the sessions. The final product was a mix of distant recordings, overdubs, and edits that reflected the strained relationship between band members at the time.
The album cover is a photograph of a band equipment storage chest, complete with air-freight stickers and the number "86" on both sides. This image reflects the band's sense of being on the road and the transient nature of their touring life. The custom labels for the vinyl also feature an image of a bird’s nest filled with eggs and hand grenades, further evoking themes of chaos and unrest.
On the original vinyl pressings, the band included humorous engravings in the run-out grooves, a tradition that began with their 1975 album One of These Nights. These quirky inscriptions included phrases like "Is it illegal to yell 'Movie!' in a firehouse?" and "Hello, Federal? ... Ship it!"—an inside joke about the process of shipping tapes back and forth between the two coasts.
Although Eagles Live was a contractual obligation and was created during a period of instability within the band, the album remains a testament to the Eagles' enduring legacy in rock music. Despite the turbulence, it captured the band at the height of their popularity, showcasing their signature harmonies and timeless songs, while also serving as a final chapter before their 14-year hiatus.
