The Most Insane Stories In The Career Of The Eagles

When you think of the Eagles, you likely imagine smooth harmonies, timeless hits like “Hotel California,” and a laid-back California vibe. They weren’t exactly known for the wild antics of bands like The Rolling Stones or Black Sabbath. But, behind the polished image of one of the best-selling bands in history, there were some wild, and downright shocking moments. Turns out, The Eagles had their own rock ‘n’ roll drama, and it’s a lot crazier than most fans would expect.

Glenn Frey and Don Felder’s Onstage Fight

Tensions within The Eagles weren’t always under control. One infamous incident happened during a benefit concert for Senator Alan Cranston at the Long Beach Arena. Don Felder wasn’t too keen on the idea of fundraising for a politician, and things got heated when he brushed off the senator during a meet-and-greet. Glenn Frey wasn’t having any of it. He lost his temper, nearly throwing a beer bottle at Felder’s head backstage. The animosity didn’t stop there—it spilled onto the stage, with both musicians hurling insults at each other during the performance. Talk about drama in front of a live audience!

Eagles vs. Black Sabbath: Studio Shenanigans

The Eagles may seem mellow, but they could party just as hard—if not harder—than their rock ‘n’ roll peers. Black Sabbath, who were recording in the same studio while The Eagles were working on Hotel California, witnessed this firsthand. According to Sabbath’s Geezer Butler, when they arrived at the studio, they found a shocking surprise. “They had to scrape cocaine out of the mixing board—there was about a pound of it left in there.” Seems like The Eagles weren’t just writing songs, they were fueling their sessions with a little something extra.

Joe Walsh’s Chainsaw Birthday Gift

It wasn’t just drugs that kept the band’s antics wild—sometimes, they got creative in more destructive ways. When Joe Walsh celebrated his birthday, manager Irving Azoff gave him a chainsaw as a present. Walsh didn’t waste any time putting it to use. In a moment of pure rock-star craziness, he checked into a Holiday Inn and, finding his room wasn’t connected to Azoff’s as planned, simply sawed a hole through the wall. “Hey, we have connecting rooms now!” Walsh joked as he walked through his DIY door.

Don Henley’s Troubling Arrest

Not all of the Eagles’ behavior was fun and games, though. In 1979, drummer Don Henley found himself in serious trouble after a 16-year-old prostitute overdosed at his LA home. Henley had thrown a party, and when the teen collapsed, he called 911. Police arrived to find large amounts of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and quaaludes. Henley was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor—a major scandal that rocked the band’s image.

The Eagles’ Cocaine Habit

The Eagles’ love affair with cocaine was no secret, and they didn’t even try to hide it. Henley once jokingly referred to the drug as their “writing tool.” It was common knowledge that cocaine fueled many of their recording sessions. Though the band crafted timeless hits, their methods for staying energized were far from healthy.

While The Eagles are celebrated for their music, these behind-the-scenes stories show a wilder, darker side of the band’s history—one that makes them even more legendary.