Singers often work with other vocalists for songwriting, backing vocals, and any other thing related to music production. Don Henley is not an exception as he almost appeared on "Steely Dan's" 1977 song "Peg." However, he got fired; what happened?
Speaking to Ultimate Classic Rock, the band's producer Gary Katz, who also worked with iconic music acts like 10cc, "The Mamas & The Papas," and Diana Ross revealed how Henley got fired from the production.
Katz gave an insight into the creative process of the song, which became the band's most recognizable hit to date.
He mentioned that in the chorus, the background vocals are "sort of the lead," as it wasn't like a usual "background part."
When the band put the song together, frontman Donald Fagen and Katz discussed how they liked Henley's vocals for the music.
They decided to contact Linda Ronstadt to add more vocals along with Henley.
However, the other singer wasn't feeling well, so they decided to go with another singer.
"So, I called Irving [Azoff, the Eagles and Steely Dan's manager]... Linda wasn't feeling well, so Nicolette Larson came." (via NME)
After putting together the recorded vocals for the song, Katz said it didn't sound good.
"When we knew it wasn't going to be OK, Fagen would tell me to end it. So they sang it again, and it was no good," he added.
Fagen and Walter Becker decided to leave the studio to "go get a sandwich." As the pair left the room, the frontman told Katz to fire Henley and Larson.
He also shared a story the last time he saw Henley, saying he "sidled" up to him and said, "'Are you going to fire me again today, Katz?' But he didn't smile when he said that."
Recalling the initial experience, Katz said it was a "difficult day" for them at the office because, like Fagen and Becker, he also became a part of the inner circle.
"We lived in the same place and had the same manager. It was always Eagles and Steely Dan for a long time in L.A," he added.
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'The Eagles' Added new Dates for Their Tour
Per the outlet, the band added new scheduled dates for their United States leg tour titled "Hotel California tour."
The band, consisting of Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmidt, along with deacon Frey and Vince Gil, initially announced the show a few months ago.
The tour celebrates the release of their 1976 record "Hotel California."
"The Eagles" will be visiting cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Buffalo, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Tulsa, Houston, Nashville, and many more.
The first show will be held at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, on February 19.
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