Eagles Manager Cites 'God Henley' in Hotel California Lyrics Trial
During the trial surrounding the lyrics to 'Hotel California', a recorded phone call revealed that the Eagles' manager, Irving Azoff, referred to band co-founder Don Henley as 'God Henley'. The call emerged as evidence in the trial of three collectibles experts accused of conspiring to sell stolen draft lyrics to the iconic song.
Behind-the-Scenes of the Eagles' Biographer
The ongoing trial involving the lyrics to 'Hotel California' has shed light on the interpersonal dynamics of the Eagles and their authorized biographer, Ed Sanders. Sanders is not on trial, but he sold around 100 pages of lyrics to one of the defendants, which has become a central issue in the case. Henley and prosecutors argue that the documents were stolen and should have been returned to the band.
Defendants Edward Kosinski, Craig Inciardi, and Glenn Horowitz have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to keep and sell the stolen lyrics.
Insights into the Eagles' Manager
Testimony in the trial has also revealed information about the Eagles' long-time manager, Irving Azoff, who has been involved with the band since 1973. Azoff, who has managed other famous musicians and was the CEO of Ticketmaster, testified that the Eagles were disappointed with Sanders' biography and never authorized its publication because they believed it did not capture the essence of their success.
Interestingly, a taped phone call between Azoff and Sanders from the 1980s was played in court. In the call, Azoff mentions a 'pampered rock star', which he later clarified could have referred to any of the band members.
The Legal Battle over the Lyrics
The trial's focus is on the alleged theft and sale of draft lyrics to 'Hotel California' and other Eagles' songs. The prosecution claims that the defendants, Kosinski, Inciardi, and Horowitz, deceived auction houses and provided false explanations regarding the acquisition of the documents. The defense maintains that the writer, Ed Sanders, was the rightful owner when he sold the lyrics, and the defendants were legitimate buyers.
The trial has provided a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of 'Hotel California', revealing that Don Henley and Glenn Frey wrote the lyrics in a rented house in Beverly Hills. The song, which Henley described as a journey from innocence to experience, is still a popular hit and continues to be played on classic rock radio.
