A British guy, wearing a GnR shirt, discussing a live version of Hotel by the Eagles, performed in the late 70s... this is awesome...

Don Felder, another unappreciated guitarist that never should have been let go. Thumb up.

Joe Walsh's facial expressions always crack me up. It's Joe being Joe, always in the moment. Love it!

Don Felder can play mandolin, banjo, steel guitar, bass guitar, classic Spanish guitar ,,,,,,, what a talent.......

It’s amazing, Don and Joe are talking to each other live on stage with their guitars without the crowd even aware. Every little riff, delay, stretch, and bend done away from the studio version is a language between the two that most others can’t hear, just an example of amazing musicianship.

Don Felder wrote ALL the music to Hotel California. He had Joe Walsh to complete his musical vision. Without each other it would've been an entirely different outcome. People must realize that it was 1976 when first recorded. 45 years ago!! This performance occured in Maryland in 1977 and is the one most used in the internet, because it was their very best presentation of the song. FLAWLESS !

Love how much Walsh is obviously getting into this duo solo. His body language and expressions are priceless. Having the time of his life...

The Eagles are the only group (of that size) in which EVERY member could write songs, sing harmony or lead, or play a solo on their instrument. Truly, the most talent laden band I have ever heard of.

Saw the Eagles in 94 on their "first" (aka real) reunion tour, and it was the best concert I've ever seen... Played for 3 hours, and sounded like the albums... Nice when you get 5 people together that can ALL actually sing, and play their instruments without autotune, and pro tools tricks

I don’t know anything about playing the guitar, but I find I keep watching your videos because you make it so interesting and you’re personality is just like a ray of sunshine. It’s great to see someone being positive and acknowledging the talent of others.

Just love that today's generation knows, loves and appreciates my generation's music. Just turned 69 and still play my Eagles !

To add to my comment yesterday, the intro to this piece is standalone beatiful. Don Felder created a masterpiece when he composed this song, virtually on his own, if you believe him and I do. I had to learn it, from the finger picking in the intro to the solos on the end...absolutely unforgettable!!! Thank you sincerely for this Fil. Bill Baker

Amazing how they just feed off each other!!! Beautiful melodic solo that actually is a song within itself!!!! Goose bump material!!!!!

Joe Walsh may have been more well known but Don Felder is an incredible guitarist in his own right.

Wanted to add....you might know this, Fil...maybe not. Don Felder taught guitar in Florida. One of his students happened to be Tommy Petty.....went on to rock our World with his band the Heartbreakers. Rest in Peace, Tom....

Don Felder and Alex Lifeson both incredible guitarists who garner nowhere near the respect they deserve . goddamnit i love this footage !!

I saw the Eagles a week before this performance was recorded in Uniondale NY. Still the best concert I've ever been to. Ticket price was $8.50 in 1977.

The 70's gave us "Stairway to heaven" "Freebird" and "Hotel California"

The melody is so absolutely pure and addictive, they are truly casting a spell on the listener.

The first few notes of that solo always make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Joe compliments the whole thing superbly. Joe's face pulling is great, but Don doesn't look as if he's even trying.

Even when I dream about playing in front of a crowd I don't play this well. Unbelievably amazing.

Great to see Don Felder and Joe Walsh together on stage. I had forgotten how good they were together. I would suggest taking a look at the video of Randy Meisner performing Take it to the Limit at the Capitol Center in DC.

Don Felder got so shafted by Henley and Frey, but that's another story. Don and Joe when live played off each other in friendly competition and absolutely just nailed it.

I'll take this over that shredding scales all over the neck stuff anytime.

Don Felder was called “Fingers” by people close to him and the band because he was that great of a guitarist

Many people didnt know that this piece is written by felder.

100 yrs from now I hope people will still hear this.

The Eagles🦅💖🕺👬🧑‍🤝‍🧑🌟🤩 Great!🎼🎵🎹🎸🥁🎤📀👍👏 From Hong Kong🙋‍♀️🌏💝🌺🥰

I love how the Bass gets out of the way but glues everything together and also a shoutout to the acoustic Guitar that fills in the background space. Brilliant drumming and singing too

One of the best songs ever written. I saw them at Hell Freezes Over Tour. Natural talent. They are just amazing live. That's when you see how great the artist are while live.

My best buddy and I had this whole tune worked out weeks after the album was released... then saw them at Nassau Coloseum on LInduring the original hotel tour.... years later in the 90’s he’ll froze over... the concert was broadcast - I ran into my buddy who I hadn’t seen in 20 years since high school... we were at the hardware store and realized we lived about a mile away from each other... the first thing we said to each other was “did you see what they did with hotel California and when did you know that was the sone by the new intro” 20 years erased immediately... I was about 3 years into my classical training then and had already worked out that new nylon intro with my teacher and played it for my friend who wanted me to come to present it and an analysis to his music students and put it into a classical context.... it never happened and my friend joined the great musicians in rock and roll heaven... 😞 would be great for you to do a video on that version and contrast it to the original....

THANK YOU, FIL! My all time favorite band. I love every song they've ever done, including ol' '55. *melts* You are awesome, Fil! *does a happy dance* 😂

Those bends and slides are right on. An iconic solo and a very well done analysis! They played the Garden here in Boston last Saturday..... RIP Glen Frey

Saw them live in Texas. Henley's voice is powerful in person. The guitars are just mind blowing. Joe had a good time, smiling and joking to the crowd between songs. One of my favourite concerts.

One of the all-time great bands. I saw them in concert several years ago and when you hear them play live you realize what amazing talent they had creatively, vocally and instrumentally. Don Felder and Joe Walsh are both masters of their craft. I really enjoyed listening to this rendition of the guitar solo.

In 1980, in Denver, CO, at a bar called Mr. Lucky's, I won an air guitar contest doing this solo. 😋

What impeckable timing!!! They are really talented. Actually every one in that group was amazing!! Thank you for doing the Eagles!!

Had the honor to see these guys live on the “Hell Freezes Over” tour.. It. Was. Awesome. I’ll never forget it...

Maaann, I received Eagles tickets as a graduation present in 2002. The show was in Tupelo, Mississippi on 16 July. It was just my younger brother and myself going to the concert. We grew up in Alabama and our parents both played a lot of different genres of music throughout our lives. I had grown up with the Eagles, Sabbath, Jimmy Buffett, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Skynyrd, Queen, the Stones, Aerosmith, Bob Marley, The Who (Pinball Wizard was my fave) and my two favorites Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. My dad especially loves blues and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I started playing the guitar about 25 years ago and immediately garnered a new respect for the guitarists I listened to, but one who stood out above the rest for me was Don Felder. I cannot put into words what hearing him play means to me. I was just about devastated when he was ousted from the Eagles. I missed seeing him with the band live by 1 year! One lousy year... The show, of course, was perfect. But I would give just about anything to have seen him with those guys live. His technical approach combined with Joe Walsh’s wild style is manna to my ears. If my best friend and I were listening to Hotel California we would shut the whole room/car/wherever-we-were down to listen to the solos. Thanks for covering this particular video. Keep up the awesome work!

It's the Ping Pong between them both to take over the flow , is sooo nice

What a collaboration of musicianship! You’re so right about The Eagles.. a classic band and song I’ve never gotten tired of hearing!

I think one of the most amazing things about the Eagles was how tight they were live while being totally wrecked.

Playing music with another, whether singing or with instruments, can really bring forth LOVE. It's an astonishing thing. It's so elating, lifting one to heights of discovery of the beauty of what is made together. It is close to making love! It's just on a different plane, or dimension. It's a big deal though!

Great job Phil!!! You did it. We exchanged a while back about you doing one on Hotel California, but there were copyright concerns. Thanks for making it happen! And cool that you mentioned Don Henley's singing voice. I love how Henley kicks off the song with two simple beats, then in... "On a dark desert highway..." The guitars, the drums the singing, the arrangement, the intriguing lyrics. This song is novel. A masterpiece that will still be discussed a thousand years from now. And it goes to show that while Glenn Frey was the band's leader, he wasn't controlling, he had little to do with the writing of this song, he fostered freedom amongst all the members to create, which produces wonderful results. That is true leadership. Surrounding oneself with talent and letting them go for it!!!

Joe makes playing look effortlessly. He's having a blast

As an older player, what I really appreciate is the way these guy bend into - and out of - phrases. Listen to Felder about 1:08 - 1:11. Bend up, hit note, hit note, bend down. They both do this so well, and it is unique in classic rock. Also, Don picks with a lot of upstrokes on phrases where I might naturally use downstrokes myself. It's a different sounding "bite" right before the note sounds, combined with those bends. He just sounds different. Anyway, I enjoyed this, and yes, watching you enjoy it. This is some great music, and the solo is a song within a song. Take care

The Eagles are one of the best bands ever. Unfortunately I never got to see them in concert. Each are very talented. Don plays this beautifully. He is a excellent singer. God bless The Eagles! Thank you, Fil! You teach us a lot ! You are still cute as a bug's ear and I love your accent!! ❤️🌹❤️

Hotel California is not simply stellar for its musicality on all those brilliant levels, but for its "hit you upside the head" message and warning about the excesses of hedonism. Brilliantly packaged by sheer musical genius. One of the greatest rock anthems of all time!!!:-)))

Another great analysis! Don Felder is a very underrated guitar player in my opinion. I consider The Eagles one of the top rock bands of all time. They were all top notch musicians. However, I lost a lot of respect for Glenn and Don Henley after watching The Eagles documentary. They totally disrespected Don Felder and pushed him out of the band. However, you can't overlook the talent they all had. Once in a lifetime band.

The Eagles are a "Supergroup" , probably my favorite, each one has had their own solo career but together they are really magic

Once you get into Fil‘s Wings of Pegasus rabbit hole, you aren‘t getting out anytime soon... always enjoy binge watching your vids, Fil. Keep on keepin‘ ON!

Can't even guess how many times I have watch this particular video. An absolute classic Eagles performance. Don and Joe nailed it. Last time I saw them in concert they dropped the lights to complete darkness and started with Seven Bridges Road. Goosebumps.....head to toe. Standing ovations after every song. But the biggest surprise was the crowd's reaction when the opening chords of Rocky Mountain Way rang out. My God.....the crowd went nuts. I remember Glen Frey with a huge grin on his face through most of the song simply because of the crowd.

Timeless, Classic and Unique are the perfect words. Man, this takes me back to an amazing time in my life. Thanks for doing this one Phil! Rock! ;)

Thanks your usual insightful analysis, and not only is this iconic song superb but the whole album is has gold dripping off it

Found your analysis here of Don & Joe and their iconic Hotel California performance. Imagine being 16 and hearing this new song for the first time. The song and the entire album changed my life. Love your enthusiasm here while watching Don and Joe. There are just not enough superlatives 🎸🎸😊

Fil - Im just a 30 year hack player with limited technical knowledge and nothing more than open mic night stage experience, but Im a total music-phile in my bones and Im loving your videos and appreciating your non-snarky approach. VERY refreshing and I learn a little about music as well!! Thank you and keep it up!

Felder is hugely underrated, so many of Henley and Fry's great songs are lifted by his licks, on this album alone his work on New Kid In Town, Wasted Times, and Try And Love Again is subtle yet integral to songs qualities, take away some of those subtle little licks and they would be greatly diminished, not to mention One Of These Nights in which in no more than thirty seconds he makes a good song into an all-time great with his solo.

The Eagles was one of my big go tos when I was a kid. I used to go on these kicks where i'd listen to only one band for weeks and even months just to take it all in. I did it for the Eagles, did it for The Doors, did it for Queen, and of course my all time favorite, Rush.

When the guitar is telling a story without words, that's what makes it amazing.

No question one of the truly best bands ever.A complete band made outstanding records, memorable songs and outstanding musicianship.

This is an epic song and playing abilities. I was never a huge Eagles fan, but there is no denying this talent 4 sure.

Their cup runneth over with the amount of talent in that group.

This song gives me chills EVERY time...I saw The Eagles last week and they had a trumpet intro that melted my face off...

Awesome song and guitar work. I used this song for a project in 11th grade English class and was upset when the teacher stopped it after the vocals ended 😩🎸

I love your videos Fil, and you enthusiasm. You have been given many gifts by God. My favorite thing is I never realized how incredible Roy Clark and Glen Campbell were at playing the guitar. Sadly, I thought since they were playing Country Music they were simpletons on the Guitar and the Eagles' Hotel California was the Holy Grail of guitar work. But in my mind, thanks to your influence, Roy Clark was obviously light years ahead of Joe Walsh in guitar skill. Thank you!

Felder + Walsh: pure brilliance imo.

I could watch you react on Eagles all day and night!!! Chills still 5 decades later!!!

Fil. Your analysis is right on. Had to watch this again. Have seen this a million times. Yet I still can't get enough of it.

Leave it to Fil to make even the hotel California solo seem fresh...

I had to come back to this video to see how Don and Joe were bracing their guitars steady here. This particular concert video is such a treat, I have watched it a lot, but never understood before that they were making it even more special by varying it slightly from the known-by-heart album track! 'Hotel California' is always my answer when asked "What is your parking lot song?" Parking lot (in England it would be car park)or driveway songs are the ones that, even if you're late, when they are playing on the car radio you can NOT leave the car until they are over. Thanks for this one!

This is one of the rare songs that I'm glad that I was born.

I saw Eagles in '78 in Oakland. It is the only concert I've ever seen with everyone literally standing on their seats, just an amazing experience.

You did it! Thankyou Fil. Fantastic analysis of such a classic track. The interplay between Don and Joe is just sublime. Keep ranking out this great content mate, love your vids

I remember when Hotel California hit the radio. It was like I had heard it 1000 times before. It was instantly a part of everyone. I don’t think that happens the same anymore. And the Album as a whole is a masterpiece.

Yes, I have seen the Eagles more than several times in my life, I was hooked on their first album in the mid seventies and never looked backed. What a magical convergence of multi-talented musicians and writers.

Fantastic review. You’re videos are eloquently descriptive and come from a place all musicians can relate to... the heart! Thank you for continuing the positive vibe all musicians must keep close to heart!!

Joe Walsh and Don Felder just compliment each other's talent when they play together.. This concert from 1977 is great and Joe performs Rocky Mountain Way in a way that leaves me mesmerized..not that Joe has ever had a bad performance but that version is my favorite and one of his best..Love my Joe 💝🤘✌🎸🎤🎼🎧

Although not the biggest fan of The Eagles for me this is my stairway to heaven. A guitar master class all in one song and an epic solo.

Thank you for your analysis. It's helping me appreciate the different musicians.

Absolute syncopated artistry on steroids! Watching Don "Fingers" Felder & "Smokin" Joe Walsh playing off of one another back on forth on those dual leads is simply poetry in motion.

Give me this any day over shredding. Every single note means something. I still consider people like Frampton the best because their solos say something. Love the Eagles Amazing still. Thanks Fil

Joe Walsh says this is one of the most difficult guitar solos he has ever played/ YOU would never know it was difficult by how easy Don Felder and Joe Walsh are playing it! Don Felder taught Tom Petty how to play the guitar. IF Don Henley and Glen Frey were not such primadonnas/ The Eagles could have accomplished a lot more.

Thank you Fil for your insights into the classics of years gone by. The were nostalgic and memorable events at the time and privileged to have been been able to have been of that generation when this music was played on public radio daily.

The harmony is amazing

For my money, this is my absolutely favourite guitar solo of all.

That’s my favorite version of the song! They were killer when it came to live performances

I once saw a very good bar band do a slow fade ending on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Effigy”. It was amazing and the place was almost silent at then end. Kinda surreal moment I don’t think I will ever forget. As the crowd realized what the band was doing the whole place kind simmered down for a minute, like everyone wanted to see how far the band could take it. Very cool!

Saw them live in hometown 2004 .dream come true. Awesome. Blessed .3cheers from Canada

Felder was hugely underrated......but face it; Joe Walsh was the best thing to ever happen to The Eagles. Listen to his prior catalog of work with The James Gang (phenomenal power trio) and his solo work with Barnstorm, etc. Joe's a singular talent and what he brought to The Eagles took them into the stratosphere.

The original sound. Nailed it. Percussion and guitar. Blessings from grandma

I don't know how to say this without sounding like a simp, but, Fil, YOU ROCK. I fell in love with Wings of Pegasus from the first episode I saw, that covered a couple world class musicians, before your time, and not in your genre. The respect and sensitivity I admired.

I just found your channel and I’ve been enjoying it so much, despite the fact that I am SO NOT musical. I love listening to it, but I really don’t understand all the things you say. I keep coming back because you are picking amazing music, and I love watching you watch the performances. the music is clearly in you. Your accent, teeth and smile just add to the experience. You’re awesome Fil!

Awesome tune of course! Imagine how they felt making these tunes and how they did it knowing/hoping it would be legendary! Also love how they keep it fresh and mix it up! Rock on!

Was one of THE BEST concerts I ever went to. Linda Rondstad opened for them. That concert lasted for hours. I mean hours. Not like concerts today. At least w/American artists. They used to open for her. She was great friends w/them. Played in all the local Bars together. Luv watching your vids Be well Fr across the waters Canada 🇨🇦 🐥🐥🐥hugs and all that jazz

Perhaps the perfect song. Everything about it from the groove, singing, lyrics, tune, bass, melody, guitar/s. Never gets old

What an amazing piece of duo guitar playing. I would say Hotel California ranks up there with Stairway to Heaven as two of the grearest rock and roll songs of all time. Rock on Wings of Pegasus. You make me interested in delving into behind the music. And you make me smile. From Chuck in Durham NC whose ancestors hail from Hackney, London, England. As I always say, may there always be an England!!!

The Eagles! One of the greatest bands ever! Heard Don Henley talking about this song in an interview.....I believe he wondered how they could ever top Hotel California! My personal favorite was Despardo...but they were all great!

The Eagles were fantastic musiciens. All of them, even past members like Randy Meisner (listen to the bass lines of One of these nights, cool lines) or Bernie Leadon with his more country/bluegrass style and ability on many instruments (pedal steel, banjo, mandoline, guitarone, guitars). And indeed, here they follow the path of the original solo, but with very little variations, slides or little variations for Felder, and a different feel for Walsh. And they complete each other perfectly. I tried to play this solo and there are some parts with the bends that Joe did that are not that easy to replicate and make sound good and he pulls it nice live too. Felder has really nice slides and left hand vibrato going on, with a clever choice of dynamics slightly changed on this live rendition. It's what I like about all the players from the 70s era , maybe what they do is not that so technical, but it is full of nuances and expression, and that is what makes it interesting and sometimes really difficult to replicate or to play as good as they do it. And all those bends. I don't see nowadays bands that plays with this kind of technics when they deliver a solo... It's really something I personally enjoy when listening to the bands of this particular era and Eagles is one of the most iconic. And this song in particular. Great composers as well...

thanks for taking the time to put together this thoughtful perspective...............further highlights the talents of these amazing musicians!!

It's impossible to not smile with how much genuine fun they were having creating this live. You bring up a good point about playing slow, perhaps which is why I don't necessarily enjoy speed shredding quite as much. I see you too crack up with Joe's wacky expressions... they are practically a mirror to his fingers on the fretboard! A genius blend of musicians that came together for one perfect moment in time.