Don Henley explains why certain music “bores me to tears”
Few artists have been more significant in the realm of country rock than the Eagles, and yet, Don Henley maintains humility when discussing those who have made the most important contributions to music. “He’s one hundred times the musician I am,” the musician once said, describing the prowess of Billy Joel, but most will argue that he is just as worthy of such high-end praise.
1970s country rock is perhaps best remembered nowadays as epitomised by two outfits: Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, who each brought the amalgamation into the mainstream, albeit in two slightly different ways. While the Mac were slightly more varied and whimsical in their approach, Eagles appeared more raw in style, and influenced the members of Fleetwood Mac more than perhaps anyone else.
As Stevie Nicks once reflected, “The Eagles were very inspirational to both Lindsey and I because we loved their singing”. Recalling the way they seamlessly merged and revolutionised both genres, she added: “And we loved their ability to bridge country and rock and roll so beautifully”. While Rumours has become a staple of the era, Eagles provided the tapestry to make it all possible.
As a Texan, Henley’s appreciation for country and rock was an inherent part of his upbringing and personality, and there were three bands which inspired his desire to blend the two within his own bands: The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Poco. “We thought, ‘Why not combine the two like these guys?’” he said, reflecting on his interests both as a part of Shiloh and Eagles.
Over the years, Henley has crossed paths and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, including Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Bruce Hornsby, Merle Haggard, and many more. There doesn’t seem to be a corner of the music industry he hasn’t touched, which makes his opinions on the current landscape even more heady, even if a little cynical, but with good reason.
Although Henley regards Joel as a much more accomplished musician than he could ever be, he also reflected on the need for the two to work together again due to the current state of pop music. “He says that pop music bores him,” the musician told Angela Bishop during an interview for Studio 10. “And I understand that sentiment, a lot of it bores me, too. To tears,” he added.
Rather than wallowing in such a downbeat observation, however, Henley recognised the need for either himself or Joel or both to rectify the situation, adding that “that just means that we need to write some better stuff and put it out there,” he said.
In his view, no one would be better equipped to save the landscape than Joel, who he added is “a much more competent musician than I am”.
