Eagles: Before the Band: The Legendary Band that Changed the Sound of American Rock & Roll – Forever (The Eagles Trilogy Book 1)

Great book.

Eagles are an amazing phenomenon, not just as a band, but as an emblem of their time. There are numerous books about them and about the genre I am perfectly comfortable in calling Country Rock. (Because that’s exactly what it is.) Having read numerous books on this subject, I approached this one with some trepidation, concerned that there was nothing left to tell in the story of the Eagles or the genre in which they got their start. I need not have been concerned.The essential difference between this and any number of other works covering the same subject matter reduces to perspective. Instead of approaching the subject as a linear narrative, this book uses a series of vignettes which cover pieces of the story, but uniquely, seek to place these in the greater context.One comes away with a sense of what each person was doing so that we understand Walsh’s journey in parallel with Leadon’s, Frey’s, etc. The chapters are short and sometimes there is overlap, but this serves to firmly anchor each vignette in the overall context. You come away not only understanding where each piece fits in the puzzle, but also why it fits there.This adds dimension to every character and it becomes apparent that every individual member of Eagles was very focused and was looking for the perfect outlet by the time the band formed. After reading this book, I am convinced that Eagles was the perfect alchemy of artists and with any other lineup, the results would have not been as good as they were.Coming away from this book, I feel that I know more about the members as individuals than I ever had in the past. There’s a lot more to the story of this band than ‘four musicians who knew each other because of the Troubadour worked backing Linda Ronstadt and then started a band which all but dominated the ‘70s.’ Before that brilliant open G Major chord in Take It Easy ever rung in our ears, there was a steep learning curve both individually and eventually collectively. This book tells that story.

I liked the format of "short stories"... just interesting stories, anecdotes, and both meaningful and meaningless details. An easy read that goes great with me switching the music on my JBL between whichever artist, song, or album I'm reading about.

Decent book, but too much repetition of information, it becomes boring after a while.

Ever wonder how a true legend of an American Rock & Roll band happens in the first place? The 20th Century's most prolific gross selling version, the Eagles, is meticulously laid out in chronological detail in Rik Fargo's first edition of a historical trilogy in "Eagles - Before the Band." A wondrous account of how the boys with a dream made it all come true. A fascinating look back to the roots of American's most prolific popular band measured by record sells is captured in this intriguing fascinating book. Whether you like the Eagles or not, this book will help you understand how it all happened for the legendary band that visited Hotel California, & experienced Life in the Fast Lane. A must read for anyone who loves rock & roll through the lives of the fabulous Eagles!