Eagles: Up Ahead in the Distance: The Meteoric Rise of one of America's Most Important Rock Bands

by Rik Forgo, Steve Cafarelli

" If you thought you knew all there is to know about the Eagles, think again ... A rigorously researched, captivating tome on one of the top bands of the 20th century." – Kirkus Reviews

In 1972, the opening guitar chords of "Take It Easy" captured America's attention.

This debut single became that summer's national anthem, and the band from Los Angeles became a pop-rock phenomenon.

Up Ahead in the Distance is an expansive book with 500-plus pages of detailed stories, in-the-moment photographs from rock's greatest photographers, exclusive interviews, comprehensive informational graphics, and Time Passages' brand of "forensic rock research" that uncovers specifics in the band's history that offers the most thorough retelling of the Eagles' story ever published.

Authors Rik Forgo and Steve Cafarelli pick up where the first book in the series, Before the Band, left off—continuing the stories of the group's evolution from opening act to can't-miss headliners.

Volume II tracks the inspirations behind the songs you know—and some you don't; "Witchy Woman," "The Best of My Love," "One of These Nights," "Lyin' Eyes," "Take It to the Limit," "Hotel California," and "The Long Run."

It traces each band member's journey and the artistry and personalities that blended so beautifully but could clash so vehemently - a truly comprehensive biography of one of America's most loved Rock bands.

Genres: Music Biography

1075 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2022

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.

EAGLES: UP AHEAD IN THE DISTANCE by authors Rik Forgo and Steve Cafarelli is the 2nd volume of the trilogy of the history of the most popular country rock band in history, and picks up where the 1st book EAGLES: BEFORE THE BAND” left off, starting with the band’s beginning with a “miserable” audition with the legendary producer Glyn Johns at the request of David Geffen in mid-December 1971, and although Johns had decided against working with the band, Geffen successfully convinced him to reconsider.

Eagles, (or “The Eagles” if you prefer) had a strong initial lineup that included players with an impressive background, most notably Bernie Leadon (Flying Burrito Brothers) and Randy Meisner (Poco, Rick Nelson & the Stone Canyon Band) who where already steeped in what became to be known as both country rock and later Americana.

Don Henley (who was born in Texas) met up with Glen Frey (from Detroit) in L.A., and another important figure not officially part of the band was J.D. Souther, with all three having been signed to the same label.

EAGLES: UP AHEAD IN THE DISTANCE does a great job of covering the band starting with the album EAGLES up through the the album THE LONG RUN, and is to continue with HELL FREEZES OVER, which is a fitting title for where this book leaves off, as it describes all the highs and lows (ok, didn’t mean to plagiarize “Desperado”), and details the difficulties the band had that seemed unlikely for a group that harmonized so well vocally, but relationships within the band caused stress and unrest throughout their existence, and power struggles within the original lineup changed the course of the band, and the direction with new members Don Felder, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmidt, which still had elements of the original lineup’s sound, but went much more towards rock then country in the years to follow.

I’d recommend this book, and while I already knew much of the band’s history, there was much of interest to me and I liked the fact that the book highlights periods of time in the band’s history using a format that works well to include the recordings, touring dates and lineups, and other historical events of not only the official members of the band, but also the influential and associated people from the period covered.

5 stars.

[Marvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2nd volume in a historical trilogy on Eagles (the first book was "Eagles: Before The Band") follows the period from their debut album, to their final non-Greatest Hits album from the 1980s, 'Eagles Live.'

Similar to the first book, there is a ton of interesting material covered. Some of it will be new to even long-time fans. Also, similar to the first book, there are issues.

There are incorrect page numberings, grammatical errors, stories that start on one page, and confusingly continue on other pages - between other stories. The layout of the stories and the repetition of information were also irritating.

That's a lot to try to ignore, but Eagles fans might be forgiving. Hopefully, this will all be cleaned up by the time of Vol 3, "Eagles: Hell Freezes Over."

#WordsAndMusic

[Ameya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, informative history of the music of the Eagles.

‘Eagles: Up Ahead in the Distance’ by Rik Forgo and Steve Cafarelli is the second volume in a three-volume history of the band and its members. A reference tome with more than 2000 footnotes.

The good.
 Will be of great interest to rock and roll fans as well as Eagles fans, providing information, anecdotes and quotes. Also history and biography, the book includes profiles of each member, interviews, radio airplay time and, pieces from influential music magazines.
 There is a sense of experiencing the Eagles’ key moments.
 The section, band years provides facts on every album, their ratings, lyrics and the studio recording particulars. The Eagles’ top hits, ‘Hotel California’, ‘Heartache Tonight’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’, ‘Witchy Woman’, etc.
 Sneak peek at the real life of a touring and recording band at the top of their career, leading up to it and after their split in 1980
 The artists that influenced the Eagles such as Gram Parsons, Linda Ronstadt, Dan Fogelberg, Poco; and co-composers like Jackson Browne, JD Souther. A glimpse of a part of American history.
 Playlists and top ten lists when songs did well

The bad.
 At over 1000 pages long, it lacks structure, and can be too detailed and repetitive, including an entire chapter. The creation of ‘Heartache Tonight’ was repeated multiple times. Could have been written in less than 300 pages.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

This review also appears in https://www.amazon.com, https://www.netgalley.com/. https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/...

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great addition to the trilogy the best book yet!

This is the second book in an Eagles biography series written by a great author in Rick Fargo. It starts from the first record all the way until The band status in 1980 with Randy Meesner‘s new Bonotto new album this book covers everything from Vince Gill who was the unofficial Eagles member and even mentions Joe bishops cameo in blues Brothers but the most important thing is it covers all the greatest from their first album to how the sophomore jinx affected them to label changes band made changes and how they fit in to pop-culture the drug scene and there’s even a chapter on Don Henley and Glenn Frey‘s first collaboration which was“Desperado .” My favorite Eaglesong. Any true Eagles’s fan should own this book I ordered the paperback version because this isn’t something you want just on your Kindle library I absolutely loved this book and although it took me a few days to finish it was something I will treasure forever. I really enjoyed the first book from this biography series but I love this one and hope the next one focuses more on the guises solo careers. They talked about Joe Bishop going solo so I hope the third and final book in the trilogy talks about the other guys. I love the Eagles and 70s rock ‘n’ roll and they’re such a big part of that. I highly recommend this book to any history fan and definitely a musical history fan this is a top-notch book. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Vicuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a huge Eagles fan but I enjoy a few of their tracks and love anything to do with music history. Wow! This book hits that spot and I’m really surprised that it hasn’t been more widely reviewed, particularly in the music and popular press. It’s a mighty tome, appears to be very well researched and is absolutely packed with detail. It’s a full and fascinating insight into the world of popular music; the struggles, the success, the pressures and ultimately the falling apart.

It’s well written and to be fair, reading in a Kindle doesn’t do it justice as it’s packed with pictures. There are numerous hyperlinks which work well, but to get the most out of the book, it’s better in paper copy or in a tablet, where it comes to life. You don’t need to be a fan of the band to enjoy the content; this is a slice of contemporary social history. It’s a real peek behind the scenes of life on and off the road with a big band and what it was actually like. Driven by success and the need to keep making music and, of course money, doesn’t pave the way to happiness. This is a warts and all story but it’s vibrant, feels honest and it’s actually prompted me to download an Eagles album and listen again to some of their more familiar and less well known tracks with an informed view. If you like music, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this engaging review a familiar band. I did.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley

[C.G. Twiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much anything you want to know about the middle journey of the Eagles can be found in this tome—and even a bunch of things you probably didn't want to know unless you're a confirmed music and music biz junkie. The book skips absolutely nothing about the Eagles, even down to which radio stations were playing which songs at which times. The book does things like take multiple page long detours on the most peripheral characters. Want to know what the Navajo artist who designed one of the band's album covers is up to? Well, you'll find out. In detail. There are very long digressions into other bands who influenced or had some impact on the Eagles such as Paco, David Blue, Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons, etc. Don't get me wrong there was a ton of interesting stuff in the book—emphasis on the word TON. There is just SO much. Of everything! And to think this is only part two.

I personally would have loved a pared down version of this book that focused on the Eagles. Main players like Irving Azoff and David Geffen, fine, but oftentimes this book just went way overboard. Like I know about the waitress that one of the guy's in the band tried to hook up with? It's a lot, a lot and made it difficult to wade through at times.

But if you're a diehard Eagles fan and have lots of time on your hands, this is definitely the book for you! I just reviewed Eagles by Rik Forgo, Steve Cafarelli. #Eagles #NetGalley

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagles: Up Ahead in the Distance by Rik Forgo and Steve Cafarelli is the second volume in what will a comprehensive three volume history of the band and the various members.

What sets this work apart from many books that cover a band's history is the feeling of reliving the moments rather than simply remembering them. With short entries that speak very specifically to an event (song, album, tour, etc) we are taken back to each one. While the book as a whole is certainly a narrative, it is not one continuous narrative but rather a series of entries that together form one. It is almost like reading news stories about each one except that references are made to what will happen in the future.

Combined with top ten lists for weeks when singles peaked, this becomes quite the nostalgia trip for readers who remember those times. Each little entry in the book either brought me back to a time in my own life or, just as often, taught me something new about the band and members. A fun way to dig deeper into their past and, by extension, my own.

Highly recommended for Eagles fans as well as those interested in rock history. You get background into the making of the music, tidbits about the albums and singles themselves, and, of course, all the camaraderie and the infighting that plagued them.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Barb Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge Jackson Browne fan, so it’s impossible for me not to also be a huge fan of the Eagles. I thought I knew a lot about the Eagles but once I was halfway through reading this book it was clear to me just how much I didn’t know about their history. The book should be essential reading for all Eagles fans, as well as for fans of musicians with strong associations with the Eagles, such as the aforementioned Jackson Browne.

This is apparently the second book in a trilogy, but it’s the first one I’ve read. The amount of research required to write this book shows that the authors put in an incredible amount of time and effort in writing it. Despite what initially seemed like the book’s daunting length, I found it to be both well-written and engaging. This is not your average, superficial “music biography.” Nor is it a puff piece. Rather, it’s a very balanced and comprehensive look at a great band, its triumphs, warts, and everything else. It’s a work worthy of being classified as serious music journalism history. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest not only in the Eagles but also anyone interested the Laurel Canyon music movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love the Eagles! Rick Forgo and Steve Cafarelli have written a great book about the soundtrack of the 70’s and the 80’s. While we were taking it easy, the Eagles were sometimes having a tough time getting along! Their musicianship and their four point harmonies enriched our lives. It seems like every five or six months there was a new eagles song on the radio in the top ten. This book is a great reflection of the stress these touring artists had to undergo. It is no wonder that the constant touring and recording led to problems between these lifelong friends. This is a great read about the music that surrounded us during those many years. And thanks for the great photographs. Everything about this book was well done! Thank you to NetGalley and Time Passages publishing for the ARC, I LOVED THIS BOOK and the PHOTOS!!

[Matthew Manno]

I recently finished reading Up Ahead in the Distance by Rik Forgo. As a long time Eagles fan, and having already ready Too the Limit and Heaven and Hell, I found this book shared a great additional information. Certainly some of the information was redundant or I have learned before, but Rik adds some much to the history of the band. Specifically the songs, the dates of when some songs were released, the radio play in the 70's and the other artists at the time. It also gives great detail on other artists, and you really learn how the music industry in the 70's worked and operated. Its a fantastic read. This book is for the true Eagles fans that want to learn more.

I am going to have to order now the first book in the trilogy, Before the Band. And I am very much looking forward to the final iteration of the trilogy from Rik, Eagles, Hell Freezes Over.

[Zeb Kantrowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever had a question as to how the Eagles got started or how the members of the group got together, everything you want to know is in this book. From the first time any of the original four members (Glenn Fry, Randy Meisner, Bernie Leadon, Don Henley) was in a band or any iteration of these guys played together its in here. When changes were made to the band adding Joe Walsh, Timothy B Schmit and Don Felder or some combination it's well documented.

Questions as to who was the driving force in the band at anyone time is documented chronologically as are the writing credits to all of the hits and albums that the band produced. From the time they began to work in the background for Linda Ronstadt, they always seemed to be a band in transition, Forgo has it all here.

If you are a fan of the Eagles this is your bible.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of The Eagles, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. But even if I wasn't a fan, I would have enjoyed it. Very well written and a lot of information I didn't know. How did I not know Vince Gill was once part of them.

My brother was a limousine driver and drove The Eagles a few times. I wish he was still alive so I could buy this for him. Now I need to buy the first book.

If you're a fan of The Eagles, or even if you're too young to not know them, buy this, read this. Highly recommend.

It's not a requirement to play their music while reading but I highly recommend doing so.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a fine follow up to the original volume, but did anyone proof read this book? Several chapters are repeated verbatim (a chapter on Joe Walsh and “Life’s Been Good” winds up being a repeat of an earlier chapter on Randy Meisner). Details are also repeated quite often, but that’s a drawback of this type of writing and has to be accepted. Otherwise if you want a truly comprehensive book on the Eagles career, these would be the ones to have.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.

This book is loaded with a comprehensive history of The Eagle's career, while I’m not a huge Eagles fan I do enjoy a few of their tracks.

This will be a book for those for Eagles fans, as it gives an insight into this band from their first album to their break up.

While I did struggle to read through this, it was still a interesting read.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book. I wasn’t aware that this is the second book in the trilogy. It isn’t necessary to read them in order. I throughly enjoyed reading and learning the stories behind the guys and songs. The photos enhance the experience of the book. As a big Eagles fan, I recommend the book for other admirers.

Thank you #NetGalley, #ThePassges, #RicForgo, #SteveCafarelli and #EaglesUpAheadintheDistance for the advance readers copy for my honest review.

[Pam Hasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I liked it, and learned a lot about the Eagles. I felt bad for Randy Meisner, when he was struggling with hitting those high notes on Take it to the limit, but was forces to sing it anyway. I love that song, but I think it was cruel to force him to sing it. It would have been really embarrassing for him if at one point he wasn't able too. I was so happy when the band (minus Don Felder) got back together, it gave me the chance to see them live.

[Sko Buffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read every book about the Eagles, and this, believe it or not, is one of the best. This book gets more into the songs than any other, so if you want to know about the songs, how they came about, how they recorded them, this is the book. Just outstanding. I know the premise and look of the book is kind of cheesy, but this is just a great book for fans, and after all, who isn't? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book as epic as the band itself!

Covering the Eagles beginning in 1972 - their formation and the release of their first hit, "Take It Easy" - all the way through their very public split in 1980, this extremely detailed written documentary is as not just a history of the band, but also an inside look at history of rock music. Well over a thousand pages with more than two thousand notes, this is a valuable reference book on the band, their songs, and their members.

I was thoroughly captivated as I read through this book. The Eagles were the first band I listened to and I was fascinated with all the behind-the-scenes details of the variety of artists, songwriters, and producers and all the other industry related talent that worked together to create such a memorable slice of American history. The familiar names really come alive as we journey with them throughout their triumphs and struggles, the hurdles they encountered and the heights of their successes.

Well written and organized to be very user-friendly, this book is a must-have for all fans of the Eagles and classic 70's rock music. If you're a fan - and honestly, who isn't? - you owe it to yourself to grab this book and savor every memory-making page. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music lovers rejoice!!! Book 2 in a planned trilogy on the lives and challenges of the members of the Eagles is here. I've been a loyal fan since the beginning and was surprised at how much I didn't know about one of my favorite bands. A great book for any Eagles fan and a great gift for those who love music history.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is loaded with a comprehensive history of The Eagle's career. 539 pages of past interviews and easy to follow highlights of each year of their career. I learned a lot about the band and their history from this book and I recommend it for any Eagle's fan.

[Neville Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume in the story of The Eagles, a fascinating insight to this band from their first album to their break up and being a Eagles fan I couldn't put it down. Look forward to the next volume.
I received this book from The Book Whisperer and Netgalley for a review.

[Neville Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume in the story of The Eagles, a fascinating insight to this band from their first album to their break up and being a Eagles fan I couldn't put it down. Look forward to the next volume.
I received this book from The Book Whisperer and Netgalley for a review.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagles in their Prime

Outstanding book 2 of the Eagles Trilogy - do yourself a favor and have their music ready to play as you read about each song & album. Great details and history.

[Kathi Rauscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read. Eagles fan or not this is a great way to begin to understand the workings of the band. Would recommend.

[Andrew James Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview

Very good read of the 1970s Eagles and their music and personalities, Definitely one of the most prolific Bands of my generation.

[Michael Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a young man when the eagles were popular.. The author follows the Eagles when they began until their end in 1980. The book follows their success and failures while also showing the inside look of each band member.
The inner workings of the band were interesting and each band member had their own traits and mannerisms.
I recommend this book for readers who are interested in bands and the Eagles.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this excellent biography of the musical group, Eagle, from BookWhisperer via Netgalley, and author Rik Forgo. I have read this work of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am happy to add Rik Forgo to my favorite authors and recommend him to friends and family.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the group Eagle - or The Eagles as we call them in the US. Actually the second in a series of three, Up Ahead and in the Distance covers the inception of the band in 1972 through their first retirement in 1980. Up Ahead in the Distance has everything in their middle lives - tours, 'on the road with', albums, cut where and by whom written and produced, fellow artists that members of Eagle backed, radio airplay, articles from music magazines, positions on various playlists after release, profiles of each member, and member changes over time - the information is without limit.

Most Rock and Country Rock lovers know that their first album, released in June 1972, just titled 'Eagles', was a winner worldwide, and their singles from this first album were all in the top 20 - Take It Easy, Peaceful Easy Feeling, and Witchy Woman. Anyone over 55 most likely knows all the words by heart. And their spell was broken by their massive hit, Hotel California. The band thought nobody could top it. Nor could they, themselves. But I am so glad that they tried!
pub date November 11, 2022
rec December 8, 2022
Reviewed on December 31, 2022, at Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, and Barnes&Noble. Not available for review at BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay. A copy of this review to the BookWhisperer on March 7, 2023.

[Debbie Viscosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the Eagles, you will want to read this book. How did the band become so popular? Who wrote their songs? All of this and much more is included in this comprehensive look at all things Eagles. What was the turning point for the band that began their climb to popularity? Each album is profiled in detail with insight into the songs we all know and love from the band we love.

One of the darkest days for an Eagles fan was when in 1980 they announced they were breaking up. The stress and strain of life at the top pulled the band apart. Rik Forgo and Steve Cafarelli detail the bands growth and fracture in a systematic, informative manner. This is the second book of the series but reading the first book isn't mandatory, this book keeps the reader fully informed. After reading only the second book of the series, I almost feel like a band member, I have learned so much.