To the Limit: The Untold Story of the Eagles

Marc Eliot has written a detailed book about a rock group whose members have shunned personal publicity of any type. It was interesting to read about the backgrounds of each of the members, and it added a lot to understanding the persons they became. His descriptions of drug use and sexual promiscuity were stunning. Are they accurate? To a great extent his reports are confirmed by Don Felder in his autobiography, although Felder tended to minimize the drug use, no doubt because of his involvement. It was absolutely fascinating to read how Don Henley and Glenn Frey were radically changed by their use of cocaine, although he never comes right out and says "Look how they've changed." His description of the orgies in the "Third Encore" makes me wonder if they owned stock in a pharmaceutical company for all their STDs. It is also fairly clear that their manager, Irving Azoff, condoned and enabled them to continue their destructive behavior. Eliot painted such a vivid picture of an obnoxious, arrogant little man that I hope I never meet Azoff. It is truly a miracle that they all survived. If you're like me and read everything you can find about The Eagles, this is worth adding to your collection.

If you don't know the story of the Eagles, this seems to sum it all up, and the writing's not bad, if a bit overly profound at times. The band is put in context of the southern California moment of the '70s with some interesting insights into how west was eclipsed by east as the 80s came along with disco, Bruce Springsteen, then New Wave, punk etc. Henley cooperated with the author, but Glenn Frey didn't, so the tale can be a little lop-sided at times. The tunes have held up well, which is why this book is worth reading if you are a music fan or historian.

I am an Eagles fan, and really enjoyed this book. It's not deep reading, but you will enjoy it.

It's become 'my band'... eversince those first turns of my LP 'Desperado'... From 'desperado to 'The sad café'... It was a delight to share such music with those I know and love... from the past til the day I die... When I leave this earth one day.. I got a legacy of memories... the music of The Eagles and my unending believ in hope, love, faith and... friendship... 'Just Ben.. a dedicated dutch fan'... Dedicated to my daughters Dyonne and Kirsten who love 'girl from yesterday and.. yes... desperado... Thanks friend... that we will meet one day... 'on wings of Eagles'... Soaring across a sky bright and blue... as the cover of your first album...

It's rare and refreshing that a book about rock and roll does not dwell upon the sleeze factor, although this is still a fun and juicy read. I dislike "hackjobs" disguised as bios!! It's really about much more than the individual components of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. With all the pieces put together it is nothing less than a definitive social document about a time, an era and the band that best represented it. No dobut this book will be controversial. I consider it a must read. The resources and discography at the back of the book are excellent!