In 1980, two words tore the Eagles apart: “Only three more songs until I kick your ass”

The Eagles’ already strained relationships reached breaking point during a 31 July 1980 benefit concert in Long Beach, after Don Felder was said to have made a sarcastic remark to California Senator Alan Cranston. Glenn Frey, who had helped organise the event, took offence, and the two guitarists traded threats on stage. The episode marked the end of the band’s original run and was followed by 14 years apart.

The dispute came after a difficult period that included an exhausting tour and an 18-month recording process for 1979’s *The Long Run*, which was cut from a planned double album to ten tracks. Accounts differ over exactly what Felder said backstage, and it is unclear whether the threatened fight took place; Felder reportedly left after the encore and smashed a guitar. The Eagles pursued solo careers, then reunited in 1994 for a world tour and the live album *Hell Freezes Over*, which topped the Billboard 200.