10 Musicians Who Decided To Quit Huge Bands
5. Bernie Leadon - Eagles
The Eagles have written some of the most carefree music in the world. Just the thought of songs like “Take It Easy” or “New Kid In Town” makes you feel like you’re on the road with the wind in your hair. It seemed that these guys would end up making fun-loving music until they dropped, and yet…
Joining the band initially as a touring guitarist, Bernie Leadon ended up being a key member in the band’s early years, providing banjo, guitar, and backing harmonies to some of the band’s most classic tunes. Though the band wanted to branch out into rock and R&B styles, Leadon’s background in folk and country didn’t really mesh well with the rest of the guys, leading some sessions to grind to a halt.
One particular sour moment came when one of the engineers asked what the guitarist thought of one of the mixes, to which Bernie replied “I think I’m going surfing” and left the studio. Things eventually came to a head backstage at a show, where Leadon suggested that songwriter Glenn Frey “chill out” by pouring a beer over his head.
Leadon may not have gotten to see the heights of something like “Hotel California,” but given the band’s changing direction, it’s probably for the best that someone like Joe Walsh stepped in.