The History of the Eagles: The Story of an American Band Review

If you have ever idolized anyone famous or followed the career of a successful person or group chances are you have found yourself fascinated with how they made it big; what was their secret formula; their “seven herbs and spices.’  The History of the Eagles documentary satisfies the curiosity of information-thirsty fans wanting behind-the-scenes knowledge of this iconic band.

History begins in a style that is reminiscent of Scorsese’s The Last Waltz using actual concert, road, and backstage footage and old photos dating back to the Eagles inception to tell their story.  However, director Alison Ellwood kicks it up a notch interspersing current interviews with every person who has ever been involved in the band and in their recording career.  Weaving past and present in way that gives viewers an intimate and multifaceted take on the band, not only as group but also as individuals. 

Part One takes you on a detailed tour of the band’s genesis and early influences focusing on their rise to stardom and the tensions that ultimately erupted in to a relatively uneventful breakup.  All at once, the Eagles, a group that was a major contributor to the California sound of the 1970’s and that still holds the record for the best selling album of the 20^th century, was no more.  Later, when Don Henley was asked what the break up felt like he would describe it as, “a horrible relief.” 

Part Two revisits the band members after fourteen years.  During that time the men grew up, had families and became grounded in their identities as people and artists.  Both Don Henley and Glenn Frey enjoyed successful solo careers. 

Henley even founded The Walden Woods Project, a non-profit to protect the land and legacy of his favorite author, Henry David Thoreau.   It was a new time in the lives of the band members and with that personal growth came new opportunity for them to reunite, record, and tour once again.  To the delight of critics and fans alike, the quintessential American band’s reunion opened to packed out venues and has been going strong ever since. 

The History of the Eagles thrilled audiences at its Sundance premiere in January and is now available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray.  A definite must-have for any Eagles or Classic Rock music fan.

Rating: 5/5 Stars