This is the band responsible for a thousand drunken sing-a-longs of "Hotel California," so you know we're dealing with rock royalty here. Coming several different starting bands, the Eagles' founding members got together in Los Angeles in the early 70s and became one of the most successful groups of that decade.

Session musicians Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner needed only a drummer to complete their band. Don Henley then joined them and the group went on tour as Linda Ronstadt's backing band. Soon enough they were ready to spread their wings (there are so many bird metaphors available) and the Eagles released their self-titled debut album in 1972.

The Eagles was a smash hit that included several hit singles--and subsequent classics--like "Peaceful Easy Feeling," "Witchy Woman" and "Take It Easy." The following two albums, Desperado and On the Border, had definite country influences and the band added slide guitarist Don Felder to the line up.

For all its fame, Hotel California was not an easy album to make. Intra-band tensions and out-right fights between the members got so bad that Leadon exited stage left and was replaced by Joe Walsh. The album contained the hit title track that is  probably playing on some radio station right now and songs like "New Kid in Town," "Life in the Fast Lane" and "The Last Resort."

After the Hotel California tour, it was Meisner's turn to leave the band and give his spot to Tim Schmit. The next album, The Long Run took two years to complete and after its accompanying tour, the Eagles split up. And none too soon as it turns out, because feathers were visibly ruffled (so many bird metaphors). Tensions between individual members had reached a high point with verbalized threats traded back and forth while they performed on stage. Hard rock, man.

Each Eagle had a go at a solo career but Don Henley had the most success in that field, releasing several Top 10 hits in the 80s and early 90s. The band came together for the reunion tour that spawned the aptly-named live album Hell Freezes Over.