So, what exactly is this classic rock mainstay all about? The song’s cryptic lyrics have only added to its legendary status over the decades, inspiring endless debates hypothesising hidden meanings weaved into the words. Since 1976, Hotel California has sold over 26 million copies, making it the third-biggest-selling album in American history, beating everything but Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 – which is also by the Eagles! In 1978, in won the band a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and has even been named as one of the songs that shaped rock and roll by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Įnjoy the Eagles in top form, performing “Hotel California” live at the Capital Centre in 1977. The legendary tune, written by Don Felder, Don Henley and Glenn Frey, was a chart-topping smash, spending 19 weeks in the Billboard Hot 100, after peaking at No. Laced with epic twin guitar leads and creamy harmonies, it’s easily one of the most iconic classic rock songs of all time.

Today in 1977, the Eagles released the career-defining single “Hotel California,” the title track from their hit album of the same name. The Eagles live in 1977. Photo by Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns/Getty Images.

When was hotel california released