On September 22, 1979, The Eagles unveiled The Long Run, their long-awaited sixth studio album. Arriving two years after the monumental success of Hotel California, the album carried the weight of enormous expectations. For fans, it delivered hits that would become classics. For the band, it marked both a high point and the beginning of the end.
A Grammy-Winning Hit
Leading the charge was the single “Heartache Tonight.” Written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bob Seger, and JD Souther, the song was an instant crowd-pleaser. With its stomping beat and bluesy swagger, it became a No.1 hit in the U.S. and later earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
A Changing Lineup
The Long Run also introduced fans to Timothy B. Schmit, who joined the Eagles as bassist following the departure of founding member Randy Meisner. Schmit’s vocals shone on the heartfelt ballad “I Can’t Tell You Why,” adding a fresh dimension to the band’s sound.
At the same time, the album was the last full studio release to feature guitarist Don Felder, whose fiery playing had been central to the group’s success. Years later, Felder’s dismissal in 2001 would cast a shadow over the band’s legacy, making The Long Run a bittersweet milestone.
Music That Defined an Era
Beyond “Heartache Tonight” and “I Can’t Tell You Why,” the album offered gems like “In the City” (previously featured in the movie The Warriors) and the title track “The Long Run.” The songs reflected a band at once confident and weary, balancing their trademark harmonies with lyrics that hinted at exhaustion and disillusionment.
The record ultimately went multi-platinum, proving that the Eagles still had the golden touch even as internal tensions mounted.
The Beginning of the End
Behind the scenes, the sessions for The Long Run were plagued by conflict, pressure, and personal struggles. The grueling process took a toll, and not long after the album’s release, the Eagles disbanded in 1980. What was intended to be a new chapter became, instead, a closing act.
Legacy of The Long Run
Despite the turmoil, The Long Run has stood the test of time. It gave the world unforgettable songs, won awards, and solidified the Eagles’ reputation as one of America’s greatest bands. It also marked a turning point, where triumph and fracture coexisted.
On this day in 1979, The Eagles proved they could still soar. But behind the music, the cracks in their wings were beginning to show. The Long Run remains both a celebration of their artistry and a poignant reminder of the fragility of even the biggest bands.