Former Eagles Guitarist Bernie Leadon Releases New Music After 2 Decades

Bernie Leadon, the former Eagles guitarist, is making a long-awaited return to solo music. On July 18, he’ll release “Too Many Memories,” his first new solo track since 2004.

The song, produced by legendary studio veteran Glyn Johns, began to take shape during Leadon’s reunion tour with the Eagles between 2013 and 2015. That marked his first time performing with the band since their 1998 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Leadon originally left the group in 1975 after a now-infamous fallout that ended with him pouring a beer on Glenn Frey’s head.

Letting Go of the Past

Reflecting on the song’s meaning, Leadon told Rolling Stone, “I’ve lived many lifetimes in one lifetime… And the conclusion to [‘Too Many Memories’] is that I need to let it all go and melt like rising fog off the meadow.” He added, “Ultimately, I do think we do have to let a lot of stuff go. We need to let resentments go.”

A Classic Approach to Recording

The new music was recorded over five intense days with Johns and a seasoned team: bassist Glenn Worf, drummer Greg Morrow, and keyboardist Tony Harrell. The sessions were done live and analog.

“We did it all together, sitting in one room, looking at each other, listening to each other,” Leadon said. “Recording analog forces you to make decisions—it brings discipline.”

Although “Too Many Memories” is confirmed for release, Leadon is undecided about the rest of the material—possibly releasing more tracks or even a full album. He’s set to perform at Nashville’s City Winery on September 12, but says he’s not looking to rejoin the Eagles.

“We stay in touch. And everything’s great, honestly,” he said.