Texas Monthly (September, 1998)

TX Monthly by eaglesfans

Don Henley TV Guide Chat Transcript (12/7/2000)

OnlineHost: TVG Henley has entered the room.

TVGLive2: Hi Don! Thanks for joining us!!!

TVG Henley: Hello. Sorry I'm late. I had trouble with the long distance carrier. I'm on a video shoot in Los Angeles and these phones were just installed this morning.

Question: Having been to all of last December's shows, I'm fairly certain that not all the tracks on the live CD are from New Year's Eve (for instance "all she wants to do is dance...and gamble"). What percentage of disc #4 is actually from New Year's Eve?

TVG Henley: Every bit of it.

Question: Did input from your fans have anything to do with your decision to release the NYE songs on the Internet?

TVG Henley: There were several factors. Which came to bear on that decision. The first being that we wanted to do something nice for our long time fans. We were also told by an Internet marketing expert that we hired that it would be an effective way to market the box set. Of course, we were aware of the desires of a great many of our fans. Primarily we just wanted to do something that hadn't been done before. At least by us. However, there were less downloads than we expected.

Question: You've been doing a lot of these chats over the last few weeks, and the questions tend to be rather similar. Is there anything you wish someone would ask you?

TVG Henley: LOL! You're right. The questions are similar. But at the moment, my mind is primarily on the video I'm shooting. And so I can't really think of anything unless it would be perhaps a question

Question: What prompted you to give Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit permission to sample Life in the Fastlane on their new cd?

TVG Henley: I sort of made a deal with the devil. Mr Durst agreed to join the recording artist coalition, which is Anti Napster, and he also agreed to give the Coalition a generous donation. So, for the sake of the larger picture, I took him up on it. I thought it would be good to have him as a member. As he seems to have changed his mind about giving our creative and intellectual property away for free. He is also closely aligned with the large record corporation that is causing artists the most trouble. Right now. In terms of copyright ownership, and reversion of copyright. So it made sense to have him aboard.

TVG Henley: I'm shooting a video for "Everything is Different Now." Which, I believe, has already been released to radio as the newest single from my album. We hope to have this video on the air in a couple of weeks. We are in an amazing location. It's an old convent that sits atop a high hill in the Silverlake district of the Los Angeles basin. The place was build in the 1920s. And legend says that it's haunted. It was going to be torn down, but a woman saved it at the last minute. It needs a lot of work, but it is architecturally, extraordinarily--beautiful. There is almost a 360 degree view from here. Shall I continue? I can see the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles, and a little bit of Santa Monica Bay. Well, the story of the song In a series of metaphors. And in symbols. We have a very colorful cast. And a wonderful director from Britain who has recently done videos for Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, Matchbox Twenty, and Robbie Williams.

Question: Hello Don. You are known for your lyrical and image-rich videos. How much input do you have with the videos you make, and how comfortable are you with the process of making them?

TVG Henley: I didn't have much input during the making of my first two or three videos, but I do now. I've made enough of them at this point so that I feel confident about my ideas and my ability to portray them in front of the camera. During the past several years I have only worked with directors who would allow me to put in my two cents worth. At this stage of the game, I think I've earned that right. I didn't enjoy making videos in the beginning, but I do now. It's a creative and sometimes spontaneous process, which is similar in some ways to making an album. In other words, there's a lot of standing around and waiting. And you have to have a tremendous amount of patience and perseverance. Still, it's always a learning experience and I find out something, not only about the process but about myself as well. I also get to meet a lot of very interesting, talented people.

Question: Hi Mr. Henley. Just wanted to thank you for giving your fans another classic album with Inside Job. What kind of projects can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

TVG Henley: Well, right now, I'm on hiatus for the holidays. But, beginning around the second week in February, I'll be making some television appearances and then I plan to start touring again around the third week of February. There are still several cities we didn't get to during the summer tour and I want to make sure that I cover every corner of the United States. There has been some talk of the Eagles doing a summer tour of Europe with Billy Joel, but so far it's just talk. I will try to keep you posted on my web site, which I've neglected for several weeks now, but I simply haven't had the time to do anything with it since I got off the road -- but I will, I promise. I also have some charity concerts coming up in 2001. I'll let you know more about that later.

Question: What's doing with the Walden Woods Project?

TVG Henley: We are planning a major, long term funding campaign so that both the Walden Woods project and the Thoreau Institute can be self sustaining in perpetuity. Right now, we are struggling to make our yearly operational expenses. They are now in the neighborhood of $800,000. We need to raise $27.5 million in the next few years for a number of things including repairs to the building, the houses at the institute which was built in the 1920s. We also need to raise a substantial endowment fund. That would generate enough dividends to fund our numerous education and preservation programs. And that would cover our annual operating expenses. We have spent the past 10 years preserving endangered, historic portions of Walden Woods and creating the Thoreau Institute, which is a world class archive and education facility. Unfortunately, people think that the mission is complete, but it's not. It would be a real tragedy if all these great accomplishments were lost because we couldn't obtain the proper funding to carry on. There are numerous threats to the integrity of Walden Woods and the surrounding area, which still loom large.The greatest threat at the moment is the expansion of air traffic at Hanscom Field. That's a nearby airport. It has been converted from a military facility to a commercial one. I would like to urge all of you to write a letter to the Director of the FAA asking her to please reconsider the ill advised increase of air traffic at Hanscom Field. The noise from the increased air traffic will destroy not only the peace and tranquility of Walden Woods, but also the sanctity of Minuteman National Park, the hallowed ground where the American Revolution began. The very cradle of our freedom and our nation. I invite all of you to log on to www.walden.org You can find a more comprehensive look of what we do at Walden.

Question:    I read you were one of the performers scheduled for the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Norway.  How did that come about, and are you still planning on performing?

TVG Henley:    I was asked to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and I was very flattered and grateful for the invitation. Nevertheless, I had to respectfully decline for various reasons, which are both work related and personal. I hope they ask me again in the future.

TVGLive2:    Thank you Don!!! We had a great time talking with you, and hope you can come back soon!
TVG Henley:    Gotta go back to the set now. The clock is ticking, and the meter is running. I very much enjoyed chatting with all of you. And I appreciate your interest in me and my various projects. Again, I will try to do better at keeping my website updated. I wish all of you a peaceful and fulfilling holiday season 

Rockline AOL Chat Transcript (August, 1994)

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: The Eagles album "Hell Freezes Over" will be released this fall. The group has sold more than 80 million records worldwide. Since taking a 14 year hiatus in 1980, their catalog has continued to sell more than 1.5 million units annually. Their greatest hits, 1971-1975, is the second biggest selling record in US history.

ROCKLINE: This evening Rockline is happy to welcome The Eagles to a unique Center stage event.

MegK:Here is our first question from the audience:

Question: How many songs are on the album?

Eagles Vox: The new album will include four new songs, as well as a bunch of acoustic and electric versions of old ones.

ROCKLINE: As the Rockline broadcast is also on radio we have to ask questions during breaks. Please include a name, as we will take certain questions to air.

Question: Who is here at the Coliseum?

Eagles Vox: Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Timothy B. Schmidt, Don Felder and Joe Walsh.

ROCKLINE: With the rock standards "Best Of My Love" (1974), "One Of These Nights" (1975), "New Kid In Town" (1976), "Hotel California" (1977) and "Heartache Tonight" (1979), the Eagles soared with five #1 Singles.

Question: Where are The Eagles!?

Eagles Vox: We're in Boston, at a studio we've never been to before. We're in the middle of a 70-day tour.

Question: Will I be able to talk (type) directly with the Eagles or only see what you ask?

Eagles Vox: Yes. You're speaking directly to someone dictating for the Eagles.

Question: Will you guys play California again?

Eagles Vox: Yes. October 8th at the Rose Bowl, we think ...

Question: What is transpiring here at this time?

Eagles Vox: The Eagles are taking your questions and radio questions.

Question: Are you guys recording a new album and if so, how is the writing process working out?

Eagles Vox: Yep. The new album comes out in the Fall. It's suitably called "Hell Freezes Over."

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: The Eagles were awarded the Grammy for "Record Of The Year" in 1977, with the smash "Hotel California". The Eagles have sold over 80 million albums worldwide, had four #1 albums and were awarded four Grammy Awards.

Question: Hey, man - are you guys going to get together anytime soon?

Eagles Vox: We're together right now in a studio in Boston!

Question: Will you guys tour again?

Eagles Vox: We're touring right now.

Question: How do I ask the Eagles a question?

ROCKLINE: To ask The Eagles a question, go to Interact with Host.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: The first incarnation of the Eagles, circa 1970, consisted of Don Henley, Poco founder Randy Meisner and former Flying Burrito Brother, Bernie Leadon.

Question: Don, what is your favorite solo song?

Eagles Vox: "Take It Easy" because it means it's the end of the show.

Question: Are the Eagles online at the present time?

Eagles Vox: Yes.

Question: Hello, is this the Eagles? If so, I'd like to ask a question ... Is there a fan address I can send to? I would also like to get any mailings that are given out!!

Eagles Vox: Yeah. Ask our record label, Geffen.

ROCKLINE: How do you guys like the "Common Thread" album?

Eagles Vox: Vince Gill did a great version of "I Can't Tell You Why."

Question: Is a new album forthcoming?

Eagles Vox: Yep. "Hell Freezes Over" will be out in the fall.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: Ace session guitarist Don Felder joined the band in 1974.

ROCKLINE: Are you trying to do a pay-per-view concert?

Eagles Vox: No.

ROCKLINE: Is Joe still a wild maniac or has he mellowed with age?

Eagles Vox: Both.

ROCKLINE: How do you send a song to the eagles?

Eagles Vox: We can't accept it.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: James Gang guitarist Joe Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon in 1976.

Question: Have you decided which label to release it on?

Eagles Vox: The new album will come out on Geffen in the fall.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: The Eagles lineup tonight, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, former Poco member Timothy B. Schmidt.

ROCKLINE: What was the most memorable concert you performed?

Eagles Vox: We don't remember. Maybe the last one ...

ROCKLINE: Are you guys fans of Melissa Etheridge?

Eagles Vox: Yes, big fans of hers.

Question: I have heard rumors of "special guests" coming to LA with you, can you tell us any of them? Wayne.

Eagles Vox: No special guest we know of.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: "Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles," released in 1993, is an all-star Country tribute and has sold over 3,000,000 units. A portion of the royalties have been donated to the Walden Woods Project, which was founded by Don Henley in 1990 to help protect the woodland area surrounding Walden Pond.

Question: You guys going to do the Genesis thing and have concurrent band and solo releases and tours? Jim.

Eagles Vox: It's possible.

ROCKLINE: Did any of you actually own an old '55?

Eagles Vox: Glenn: Yes. Joe: I just rode in it.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: In 1971 the Eagles were formed after Frey, Henley, Meisner and Leadon played a live gig together backing Linda Ronstadt.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: The Jackson Browne/Glenn Frey-penned "Take It Easy" was the band's first single to enter the Singles charts.

Question: And which Eagles do we have here tonight?

Eagles Vox: The current lineup: Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmidt, Don Felder and Joe Walsh.

Question: Will the Eagles be touring anywhere near Arkansas?

Eagles Vox: Is Charlotte, NC near Arkansas?

Question: For Don Felder: You played a great guitar better than I imagined, how come you never worked solo?

Eagles Vox: Felder: I have. Heavy Metal.

Eagles Vox: Glenn Frey: He's been working on the Eagles!!!!

Question: What is Joe Walsh's favorite guitar used on stage?

Eagles Vox: My Gretsch.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: The Eagles' album "Hell Freezes Over" will be released by Geffen Records this fall. Geffen Will also release a long form home video of the band's MTV special with documentary footage and, possibly, additional music. The band are currently live and nationwide on Rockline, the #1 syndicated Rock Radio show!

ROCKLINE: Within the next few weeks we will have our own area here on AOL. You will be able to leave questions for your favorite artists and interact in live Center Stage events.

ROCKLINE: At the moment the Eagles are taking a short break to read some station ID's. If you are tuned into the radio, they will return from break in 10 seconds.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: Joe has just been playing his favorite guitar, Smokey, in the studio through a tiny amp ... you should have heard it!

ROCKLINE: We are now taking a call from SF:

ROCKLINE: Are you changing your song list at all?

Eagles Vox: No, probably not. We might change it there.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

Eagles Vox: Yes, we're on Rockline.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: Last month, the Eagles held an impromptu auction in Atlanta, raising over $75,000 for Georgia flood victims. The band donated 16c including T-shirts, concert programs, photographs and guitars.

ROCKLINE: Do you believe in Big Foot?

Eagles Vox: LAUGHTER! Joe Walsh: I believe in Bignose.

Question: Is Joe there?

Eagles Vox: Yes. With Bigfoot.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: All pending litigation between Don Henley and Geffen Records, and Glenn Frey and MCA Records, has been resolved.

ROCKLINE: Do you guys have any plans for a box set?

Eagles Vox: Glenn: We don't have any plans to put out a box set right now. That's really a record company decision. The catalog continues to sell well; box sets hurt that.

ROCKLINE: What do you think was your best studio album?

Eagles Vox: Don Henley: I guess "Hotel California."

ROCKLINE: Which of the Eagles is the biggest computer geek?

Eagles Vox: Don Felder: I guess that would have to be me. It's actually a two-part question though.

ROCKLINE: For Don Henley:

ROCKLINE: Will your involvement in the Winnona, TX, land poisoning be as vehement as Walden Woods?

Eagles Vox: No.

Question: "Cover-tunes" are always cool at a concert. Do you guys do any?

Eagles Vox: Nope.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: Along with Buffalo Springfield, the Byrds, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles defined the California Rock sound, as fans worldwide elevated them to mellow godhead status.

Question: That is a cool name for an album. HELL FREEZES OVER. I love it.

Eagles Vox: Thanks.

Question: Are the Eagles responding to our questions while their songs are playing? Or is the person answering a corporate type???

Eagles Vox: The Eagles are responding while the songs are playing. No corporate types.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: In December 1979, the Eagles appeared with Chicago and Linda Ronstadt at a benefit show for presidential candidate, California Governor Jerry Brown.

ROCKLINE: David in Pittsburgh: How is the acting coming along?

Eagles Vox: Don Henley: I have no plans to do any more acting jobs until this project runs its course.

ROCKLINE: Who are some of your favorite bands to play with?

Eagles Vox: We played with the Stones and loved that. Elton John was very nice to us. We did gigs with Little Feat and Yes. We loved them. We played with J. Geils.

ROCKLINE: Mellissa in TX:

ROCKLINE: What is the song "Chug All Night" about?

Eagles Vox: Glenn: It's a very impersonal song. I suggest you never listen to it again.

ROCKLINE: *RumorHazi : 22:21 Why sooooo slow on the responses?

Eagles Vox: We're having to relay the questions as the Eagles can take them.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: Randy Meisner is replaced in 1977 by bassist Timothy B. Schmidt, who also succeeded Meisner in Poco.

ROCKLINE: How did it feel to play your first concert together after so many years?

Eagles Vox: Don Henley: One word--good.

ROCKLINE: What is that thing that looks like a gargoyle on the inside of "Hotel California"?

Eagles Vox: Joe Walsh: Probably me. Henley: It's a model. A beautiful mulatto model.

ROCKLINE: In December, 1979, the Eagles appeared with Chicago and Linda Ronstadt at a benefit show for presidential candidate, California Governor Jerry Brown.

ROCKLINE: *Louis A C : 22:26 What do you think of the new opportunities available through online services for you to interact with your fans?

Eagles Vox: Don Felder: Is this from the president of America Online? I think it's just wonderful.

ROCKLINE: What is the new song "Get Over It" about?

Eagles Vox: Don Henley: It's about people who refuse to take responsibility for their own lives.

Question: When will The Eagles be in California, in the LA area?

Eagles Vox: October 8th at the Rose Bowl.

ROCKLINE: Will Timothy get back together with Poco?

Eagles Vox: Timothy: No.

ROCKLINE: *Privacy1: 22:27 Have you ever thought of touring together with Linda Rondstadt? Like the old days?

Eagles Vox: No. We have never thought of it.

ROCKLINE: 22:27 Ask Glen if he ever attended a baseball clinic in Arizona a number of years ago?

Eagles Vox: Glenn: Yes, I did. I had three beers in the stands, and got a hit off Don Newcombe.

Eagles Vox: It was a very important experience (laughs).

Question: Are you planning any European dates?

Eagles Vox: Yes.

Question: On your tour this year, which as been your favorite stop?

Eagles Vox: Don Henley: We like it everywhere.

ROCKLINE: Well an interesting evening tonight. I would like to thank the Eagles for joining us and thank you all for attending this Center Stage event.

ROCKLINE: You will be continuing the tour to complete the 70 dates. Boston: August 5,6,7,9,10. Columbus, Oh: August 12,13. Pittsburgh: August 15,16.

ROCKLINE: Rockline factoid ...............

ROCKLINE: The acoustic-based "Best Of My Love" was the band's first million selling single.

ROCKLINE: A final question from Bobby in LA:

ROCKLINE: For Don Henley: Do you write the lyrics first or how do you go about it?

Eagles Vox: Don Henley: I usually write with somebody, better musicians. It happens both ways. There are no rules.

ROCKLINE: And Bob from the Bronx:

ROCKLINE: What's the best part of being back together?

Eagles Vox: Glenn: First of all, there's the broad demographic of fans. It's a kick to see the young fans hear the tunes for the first time.

ROCKLINE: More dates: August 21: Saratoga, NY. August 23,24: New Jersey.

ROCKLINE: Next week on ROCKLINE: Toad the Wet Sprocket & Don Was.

ROCKLINE: Thank you all for joining us all on this first for AOL and Rockline. And, thank you Glenn, Don, Don, Tim and Joe.

Eagles Vox: Thank you.

ROCKLINE: Goodnight.