Heartache Tonight

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Heartache Tonight" by the Eagles from their 1979 album The Long Run, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this timeless romp. This song, a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, was a collaborative effort born out of a lively jam session. Glenn Frey and J.D. Souther kicked things off at Frey’s Los Angeles home, inspired by the soulful shuffles of Sam Cooke. As they jammed, Frey called Bob Seger, sang him the verse, and Seger spontaneously belted out the iconic chorus: “There’s gonna be a heartache tonight, a heartache tonight, I know.” Souther later recalled the moment, noting how Seger’s contribution was so spot-on that Frey checked if splitting songwriting credits four ways was cool—Souther happily agreed, calling it “fantastic.” The song’s infectious energy, driven by handclaps and a searing guitar break, earned it a 1979 Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Another fun tidbit comes from the recording process: the Eagles wanted "Heartache Tonight" to kick off their 1980 tour with a bang. The opening handclaps and solo drum beat were designed to get audiences clapping along instantly, setting the stage for a high-energy show. J.D. Souther, often called an “unofficial Eagle,” also shared that the song’s light, party vibe was intentional—no heavy lyrics, just a fun shuffle meant to get people moving. Fans on Songfacts have echoed this, with one recalling how they initially misheard the chorus as “There’s gonna be a party tonight,” a testament to its upbeat, celebratory feel. Bob Seger, who performed the song at Glenn Frey’s 2016 memorial, praised Frey’s vocal delivery, noting how tough it was to sing at the top of his range but how Frey “sang the crap out of it.”

The Eagles got their start in Los Angeles in 1971, emerging from the vibrant country-rock scene. Founding members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner were all recruited by Linda Ronstadt, having played on her 1972 self-titled album or toured with her band. This connection gave them the spark to form their own group, blending rock’s edge with country’s storytelling and harmonies. Their debut album, Eagles, released in 1972, featured hits like “Take It Easy,” co-written by Frey and Jackson Browne, which put them on the map. The band’s knack for crafting emotionally resonant songs within accessible formats made them a defining force in 1970s rock, with albums like Desperado and Hotel California cementing their legacy. Over the years, lineup changes—most notably Timothy B. Schmit replacing Meisner in 1977 and Joe Walsh joining in 1975—kept their sound evolving, leading to the polished yet raw energy of The Long Run.

Today, the Eagles remain active, with their official website at eagles.com offering tour updates and band history. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news, throwback photos, and fan interactions. Fans also gather on dedicated sites like Eagles Online Central, a hub for discographies, interviews, and fan discussions. On Facebook, groups like “Eagles Fans” bring together Zoo Freaks and others to share memories, rare photos, and love for the band’s music. Whether you’re clapping along to “Heartache Tonight” or diving into their storied career, the Eagles’ legacy continues to rock on.