In 1979, Don Henley made the last great Eagles album. Now he calls it one of the most painful experiences of his career

The Eagles’ 1979 album *The Long Run* followed the huge success of *Hotel California*, but its making left Don Henley and the band exhausted. Henley later described the recording as physically, emotionally, spiritually and creatively draining, revealing the cost of the group’s drive for perfection.

The band returned to the studio without songs ready, and sessions stretched on as members scrutinised the material. New member Timothy B. Schmit brought “I Can’t Tell You Why”; other tracks included “The Greeks Don’t Want No Freaks”. The article also links tension during the sessions to cocaine use and recounts Glenn Frey and Don Felder arguing onstage before the Eagles split in the 1980s.