Eagles Fought Mass Appeal in Their Music

The Eagles' Unique Perspective on Success

The Eagles are one of the most successful bands in music history, having sold millions of records, won multiple Grammys, and consistently charted at the top of the charts. Despite their immense success, the band members often expressed a sense of wariness about being too widely adored by the public. They preferred to see themselves as underdogs rather than mainstream favorites.

A Desire to Remain Underdogs

In the 1970s, The Eagles experienced rapid success, with their debut album featuring three songs that made it into the Top 40. While this was the dream of many artists, the band didn’t want to be overly accessible. They looked down on groups that captured widespread public adoration.

Glenn Frey, one of the band's founding members, once told Rolling Stone in 1975, “Mass appeal is definitely suspect.” He believed that mass appeal could sometimes mean that an artist had simplified their work to the lowest common denominator. He agreed with some of the views of cultural critic H.L. Mencken, who was known for his elitist opinions.

However, not all members shared this perspective. Don Henley pushed back against Frey’s statements, arguing, “It’s not a sin to be in the Top 40.” He pointed to artists like Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, who had also achieved commercial success while maintaining artistic integrity.

Music That Means Something

Frey emphasized that he wanted his music to have meaning. “That must be weird s, to sell a bunch of records and make a bunch of money off something that didn’t mean a fin’ thing,” he said. “I don’t ever want to face that.”

This sentiment influenced the band’s creative process. They felt that success sometimes got in the way of true artistry. Bernie Leadon, the band’s singer and guitarist, noted that it took more time and effort each year to forget the pressures of touring and recording to allow creativity to flow naturally.

Songs About Disillusionment

The Eagles wrote several songs that reflected their feelings about the disillusionment that comes with success. One such song was “After the Thrill is Gone.” Originally titled “Here’s Another Hidden Commentary on the Music Business Disguised as a Love Song,” the track highlighted their internal conflict between artistic expression and commercial success.

The Burden of Success

As they gained more recognition, the band realized that success meant treating their music as a real profession. Henley described it as “a f***ing business. An occupation. It’s a profession.” He acknowledged the challenges of balancing creativity with the demands of the industry.

“You burn the candle at both ends/Twice the light in half the time,” Henley quoted Joe Walsh, highlighting the intense pace of life in the music industry. Despite the pressure, he remained confident in the band’s ability to continue creating music that resonated with audiences.

Pride in Their Achievements

While they were wary of the pitfalls of success, the Eagles were still proud of what they had accomplished. Henley remarked, “I’m beginning to feel kind of proud that we’ve gone through three albums.” He felt a sense of accomplishment, comparing themselves to other rock acts in the industry.

He also believed that their music would continue to find a wide audience. “The important question now, though, is will we make a better album than the last one,” he said. “Knowing full well that, whatever we do, it’ll be gold in three or four weeks.”

Balancing Art and Commerce

Throughout their career, The Eagles navigated the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. Their journey reflects the challenges faced by many musicians who strive to maintain their creative vision while achieving widespread recognition. Despite their concerns, they ultimately found a way to create music that resonated with fans and left a lasting legacy in the world of rock and roll.