Don Felder Talks About That ‘Hotel California’ Intro, The Eagles, And His Music Career

Don Felder is best known for crafting the unforgettable guitar work on the Eagles’ “Hotel California,” and he has now returned with a new album, The Vault: 50 Years of Music. The project unearths long-lost tracks and reimagines classic demos from his career spanning decades of rock history. This release promises a personal look into the archives of one of rock’s most influential guitarists.

While speaking with Kyle Meredith, Felder reflected on his evolution from a young guitarist in Florida learning slide from Duane Allman to becoming an essential force in The Eagles. He shared his personal stories, discussed forgotten riffs, and his legacy in helping shape an era.

Don Felder discusses the story behind the ‘Hotel California’ intro on podcast

One of the most iconic guitar intros in rock history came to life unexpectedly. During the Eagles’ Hell Freezes Over tour, Don Henley asked Felder to create an acoustic opening for “Hotel California.” On the spot, Felder created a flamenco-inspired riff that has since become legendary in its own right.

Felder reflected on that moment in his podcast episode with Kyle Meredith, while also discussing deep cuts from his catalog and reworked versions of early tracks like “Move On.” He noted that his musical instincts still drive him to explore and refine his past music even decades later.

Don Felder keeps moving forward

Despite being a veteran musician of the classic rock days, Felder refuses to rely on his past record. He continues to practice his singing and guitar with the same vigor that he showed in the ’70s, so that each show remains on his own high standards. His new album features members of Toto and delivers a modern punch to his timeless sound.

With a summer tour alongside Styx and REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin on the horizon, Felder’s schedule shows no sign of slowing down. From performing, to recording, or sharing stories through his podcast episodes, he remains a passionate presence in the rock music genre.