Eagles Manager Cites 'Pampered Rock Star' as Reason for Stalled Band Biography

A recording from years past has surfaced during a New York trial, revealing that the manager of the Eagles blamed delays in publishing the band's authorized biography on 'a pampered rock star.' This information came to light during the legal proceedings involving the sale of handwritten, draft lyrics for the Eagles' iconic song 'Hotel California' among other hits.

Frayed Relations and Commerce in Music

The years-old recording features Irving Azoff, the Eagles' manager, reportedly referring to Don Henley, band co-founder, when he said that the biography's publication hinged on 'God Henley's' approval. Azoff has managed the Eagles since 1973 and has been a key figure in the music industry.

The biography by Ed Sanders, not implicated in the current trial, was commissioned in 1979 but never published due to dissatisfaction from Henley and band co-founder Glenn Frey, according to Azoff's testimony. Although Azoff once expressed happiness with the manuscript in a phone call to Sanders, the drafting process never culminated in a version the band was willing to endorse. The contention involved in the biography is part of the larger context of the trial against three collectibles experts accused of unauthorized possession and sale of the Eagles' lyrical drafts.

Courtroom Revelations

In court, tensions between the Eagles' managerial decisions and creative control were highlighted, offering insight into the complex dynamics that can exist within successful music groups. Irving Azoff, known for his influential role in the careers of many musicians and tongue-in-cheek referred to as 'Satan' by Henley during a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame speech, downplayed the significance of the call with Sanders, citing humor and noting that the band ultimately did not approve Sanders' draft due to its focus on the negative aspects of their breakup.

As the trial progresses, defense lawyers maintain that the defendants legally obtained the documents from Sanders, who they claim was the rightful owner, having acquired them from Henley for research for the biography. The resolution of this case may hinge on the fine details of provenance and authorization, something the music and legal communities are watching closely.

Eagles, biography, trial