The California sun hit the Pacific Ocean just right, and “Hotel California” was born. Then-lead guitarist Don Felder started playing the now-iconic introductory chords while “just goofing around” in a Malibu beach rental. He thought, “I have to go record some of this before I forget it.” That’s how arguably the greatest rock song of all time came to fruition. And although Felder’s time with The Eagles ended on a sour note, he can still shred that iconic two-minute guitar solo. Watch him do just that below with Sammy Hagar.
Watch Don Felder Blow Sammy Hagar Away With “Hotel California” Rendition
From 2016 to 2020, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar hosted the AXS series Rock and Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar. The series centered around the “I Can’t Drive 55” singer traveling the country to interview—and occasionally perform with—some of music’s biggest names.
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During Season 2, Hagar headed to Las Vegas to cruise a “dark desert highway” (the Strip) in a classic Cadillac with Don Felder. Additionally, the Red Rocker joined in on a “Hotel California” jam session. As Felder’s fingers flew effortlessly across the guitar, Hagar grew visibly more impressed. “Damn, dog!” exclaimed the Chickenfoot frontman, high-fiving Felder.
The episode aired in 2017, but Felder’s solo still lives on in the digital sphere. “One of the greatest guitar solos in history,” remarked one YouTube user.
Below, another user agreed: “Don Felder is a monster guitar player!”
Does Felder Have Any Regrets About His Time With The Eagles?
Don Felder joined The Eagles in 1974 and served as the band’s lead guitarist until he was fired in 2001. For one YouTube user, the 2017 performance was a painful reminder of what might have been.
“I always wish that Eagles had put aside their differences and kept Felder in the band,” they wrote. “He was such a major piece of their success, and didn’t deserve to be ‘let go’. To be honest I hold a grudge against the Eagles for that.”
[RELATED: The Don Felder Insult and Onstage Confrontation That Glenn Frey Says Ended the Eagles]
Felder’s one regret about his acrimonious split from The Eagles is that he didn’t handle tensions with his bandmates more civilly, particularly after co-lead singer Glenn Frey died in 2016.
“I have no animosity towards any of those guys, especially Glenn,” said the Florida native, 76. “He’s gone, and I regret that I didn’t have the opportunity to sit down with him and just have a good human relationship.”
Featured image by John D Shearer/Shutterstock
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