Eagles Get Claws Out For Idol (The Age)

Link: entertainment Music.

AS Idol mania builds, one of the world's most famous bands wants it voted out of the music industry forever.

Superstars Don Henley and Joe Walsh, of the Eagles, believe the Idol phenomenon is a backroom scam.

"I am sick of it," Henley said. "It is about marketing over music and formula, all based on decisions by men in ties. It is created in the backrooms."

Walsh said: "By men in ties. Beware of the men in ties. There is some valid music out there. But none of that music is on Idol."

Their comments come as the television show's fans vote to choose the next Australian Idol.

Anthony Callea and Casey Donovan are the series finalists.

The Eagles, the biggest selling recording artists of the 20th century, say they are not competing with music's new breed.

"I do think it's difficult today to think of any new artist who will be able to do what they do 32 years from now," Henley said.

The Eagles continue their five-date run at Rod Laver Arena tonight in Melbourne.

Their so-called Farewell 1 tour has played to unanimous rave reviews.

Yesterday, a day off, meant sightseeing, golf or relaxing at the hotel for the band and 95-member entourage. Three Melbourne shows, including tonight's, are being filmed for a live DVD and US television broadcast.

Walsh, who is on the hunt for a new axe, with a film crew trailing him, has already visited several guitar shops.

"You never know where you're going to find a gem," Walsh said.

The DVD being filmed at Laver is the follow-up to the Eagles' Hell Freezes Over set, the biggest selling music DVD ever.

Elliott Scheiner, five times Grammy winner and widely regarded as the world's best sound recordist, is in Melbourne to tape the shows.

"The fact that it is being recorded in Melbourne is a great compliment," tour promoter Michael Gudinski said.

"Hopefully, it will depict a little bit more than the arena."

A fifth and final Eagles show, on November 26, has gone on sale.

Comments

[Gainore]

I saw the concert with my sister and we both agreed it was the best show to hit Melbourne in years, even better than Fleetwood Mac. The only complaint I have is that they didn't perform Witchy Woman or Pretty Maids all in a Row. But criticism aside I can now hardly wait for the DVD of the concert to be released.

[Jason]

Here's a good place to get affordable Eagles tickets if you want to buy them online: http://www.bestshowticketslasvegas.com/concerts/eagles-tickets.asp