In 2012, renowned musician Joe Walsh shared valuable insights during an interview with Classic Rock, reflecting on what advice he would offer his younger self at the age of 15. He emphasized the importance of dedication, stating, “Work at your craft.” He further explained that aspiring artists cannot achieve legendary status while remaining in the comfort of their parents’ garage; they must venture out and perform live for audiences, regardless of their current skill level. This powerful message highlights the necessity of real-world experience in the music industry, which has undoubtedly shaped Walsh’s career.

Fast forward to today, and Walsh, alongside his fellow Eagles bandmates, has transformed this advice into a reality. They have honed their craft over decades, becoming seasoned professionals who consistently engage with fans across the globe. Despite releasing only seven studio albums in their extensive career, the Eagles have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to live performances, boasting over 50 years of touring and selling millions of tickets along the way. Their dedication has solidified their status as one of the most successful bands in history.

Timothy B. Schmit, another integral member of the Eagles, remarked during a 2022 interview, “Almost every show is sold out,” a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and the strong connection they maintain with their audience. This ongoing success is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the Eagles’ ability to captivate fans across generations and sustain a thriving musical legacy.

With an impressive catalog of live performances, we decided to delve into the data from setlist.fm to provide a comprehensive analysis. Below, you will discover the Most and Least-Played Songs Live from each Eagles album. This analysis focuses exclusively on tracks that have made it onto set lists at various points, excluding songs that the band has never performed live. This exploration reveals fascinating insights into the Eagles’ live performance history and fan favorites.

Album: Eagles (1972)
Most-played: “Take It Easy”
Least-played: “Take the Devil”

Interestingly, both the most and least-played songs from the Eagles’ self-titled debut album released in 1972 start with the word “take.” The most popular track, “Take It Easy,” has made an impressive mark, holding the record for the most live performances by the Eagles, surpassing 1,200 plays. In stark contrast, the lesser-known “Take the Devil,” penned by the late Randy Meisner, has only graced the stage three times—twice during the album’s launch year and once in 1973. This stark difference in performance frequency highlights the varying levels of audience engagement with the Eagles’ extensive repertoire.

Album: <em>Desperado</em> (1973)
Most-played: “Desperado”
Least-played: “Bitter Creek”

When one hears the title “Desperado,” the unmistakable voice of Don Henley often comes to mind. This iconic title track from their 1973 album closely follows “Take It Easy” in terms of live performances, boasting over 1,200 renditions. Its emotional resonance and lyrical depth have made it a staple in their set lists. Meanwhile, “Bitter Creek,” written by Bernie Leadon, has seen a modest seven live performances, all occurring in 1973. This is understandable, considering Leadon’s departure from the group in 1975, which limited the song’s opportunity for exposure in subsequent years.

Album: On the Border (1974)
Most-played: “Best of My Love”
Least-played: “My Man”

The song “Best of My Love” rightfully earns its title as the most-played track from the Eagles’ 1974 album On the Border, amassing over 500 live renditions. Co-written by the talented trio of Henley, Glenn Frey, and JD Souther, this track made history as the first Eagles song to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Conversely, “My Man,” though it received only one live performance, is equally significant. This heartfelt tribute by Leadon honors his late bandmate Gram Parsons of the Flying Burrito Brothers, who tragically passed away at a young age due to an overdose.

Album: One of These Nights (1975)
Most-played: “Lyin’ Eyes”
Least-played: “Visions”

Don Felder joined the Eagles in 1974, contributing to their evolving sound. His involvement culminated in the creation of “Visions,” a track featured in the 1975 album One of These Nights, which marked the only occasion he took lead vocals. Unfortunately, this song has only been performed live once, making it a rare gem in the Eagles’ catalog. On the other hand, “Lyin’ Eyes” has emerged as the most-played song from this album, narrowly edging out the album’s title track, showcasing its lasting impact on audiences.

Album: Hotel California (1976)
Most-played: “Hotel California”
Least-played: “Try and Love Again”

When thinking of the Eagles, the phrase “Hotel California” instantly resonates with music lovers. This iconic song, rich with evocative lyrics such as “Tiffany-twisted” and the haunting metaphor of being a prisoner of one’s own making—”You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave”—is undoubtedly the most-played track from the band’s 1976 album of the same name. Interestingly, due to the Eagles often performing the entire album during live shows, the least-played track, “Try and Love Again,” has gained some traction, totaling 97 performances to date.

Album: <em>The Long Run</em> (1979)
Most-played: “I Can’t Tell You Why”
Least-played: “Teenage Jail”

The song “Teenage Jail” holds a unique spot in the Eagles’ history, having been performed only twice in 1979, the same year The Long Run was released, with both performances occurring within days in North Carolina and Maryland. It has never been played live since. In contrast, “I Can’t Tell You Why” has become a beloved staple, consistently appearing in set lists since its debut in 1979. Its most recent performance occurred just a week ago during the Eagles’ Las Vegas residency, underscoring its enduring popularity.

Album: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)
Most-played: “No More Cloudy Days”
Least-played: “Frail Grasp on the Big Picture”

At one point, it seemed unlikely that the Eagles would ever perform together again, with Henley famously stating that the band would reunite when hell froze over. However, against all odds, the Eagles reunited in 1994, making a triumphant return to live performances. Although their final studio album, Long Road Out of Eden, may not be a fan favorite, the song “No More Cloudy Days” has still managed to secure a spot in the set list over 200 times. In sharp contrast, “Frail Grasp on the Big Picture” has only been played once, back in 2005, highlighting the disparity in audience reception and the band’s evolving dynamics.