New York, NY – Don Henley, co-founder of the Eagles, testified in a New York court regarding a lawsuit centered around handwritten lyrics from the classic Eagles song “Hotel California.” Henley declared that he never gave permission for the lyrics to be sold at an auction, emphasizing that the lyrics were his property.
The trial involves rare-book dealer Glenn Horowitz and rock memorabilia enthusiasts Craig Inciardi and Edward Kosinski, who are facing charges related to an alleged scheme to sell roughly 100 pages of handwritten lyrics. Prosecutors claim that the defendants fabricated stories about the ownership history of the documents to evade Henley’s demands.
Henley stated that he had never gifted or given away the lyrics, pushing back against the defendants’ claims to rightful ownership. The defense argues that the men obtained the documents from a writer who worked on an unfinished Eagles biography decades ago.
The lyrics in question document the creation of several 1970s rock hits, including those from the iconic album “Hotel California.” Henley explained in a previous interview that the song’s meaning goes beyond California, symbolizing a journey from innocence to experience and shedding light on the dark side of the American dream.
The trial has delved into the manuscript of the unauthorized biography, which was started in 1979 but ultimately never published. Henley expressed mixed feelings about the manuscript, reflecting on the band’s tumultuous history and the challenges they faced during that time.
Throughout the proceedings, Henley has faced scrutiny over his recollection of events during the band’s heyday, including a period of drug use and legal issues. Despite the challenges, Henley remains steadfast in his assertion of ownership over the lyrics and determination to protect his intellectual property.
As the trial continues, witnesses are expected to provide further insight into the handling and ownership of the disputed documents. Meanwhile, the Eagles are gearing up for their next performance in Hollywood, Florida, as Henley remains focused on preserving the band’s legacy amidst legal challenges.