The Long Run

The song The Long Run by the Eagles, featured on their 1979 album of the same name, carries layers of meaning and backstory that resonate with the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO. Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, the track was a response to critics who claimed the Eagles were losing relevance as disco dominated and punk emerged in the late '70s. Henley revealed in a 2016 Rolling Stone interview that lines like "Who is gonna make it/ We'll find out in the long run" were inspired by press articles calling the band "passé," reflecting their defiance against a changing musical landscape. The song’s Stax/Memphis rhythm and blues sound, as noted on Wikipedia, pays homage to soul influences, with its bouncing bassline and sharp guitar licks creating a vibe perfect for the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning sessions.

Behind the scenes, The Long Run emerged from a turbulent period for the Eagles. Henley described the album’s creation as "excruciatingly painful" in a 2020 Classic Rock interview, citing constant fights over lyrics—sometimes down to a single word—that dragged production over three years and cost $800,000. The band originally planned a double album but scaled back to a single disc, leading critic William Ruhlmann to quip on AllMusic, "If these were the keepers, what could the rejects have sounded like?" Despite the tension, the single reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, and the album went 7× Platinum, proving the Eagles’ staying power for their fans, including those Zoo Freaks grooving to the track today.

One intriguing piece of trivia comes from a 1979 Rolling Stone review by Dave Marsh, who suggested The Long Run bore similarities to Otis Clay’s 1972 R&B hit Trying To Live My Life Without You. While not confirmed as plagiarism, the comparison adds a layer of intrigue for the Zoo Crew to ponder as they spin the record. On stage, the song also became a playful moment, with Henley noted in a Songfacts post for wrapping his arm around Joe Walsh during live performances in the '90s and 2000s, jokingly nodding to Walsh’s wild '70s partying days with the line, "You know I don’t understand why you don’t treat yourself better." This bit always drew laughs, connecting the song’s themes of endurance to the band’s own rocky journey.

The Eagles began in Los Angeles in 1971, born from the city’s vibrant music scene. Founding members Randy Meisner, Bernie Leadon, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey had all backed Linda Ronstadt as her touring band, a gig that sparked their chemistry. Manager David Geffen signed them to his new Asylum Records label, and their 1972 debut album, Eagles, blended country rock with laid-back grooves like Take It Easy, setting the stage for their rise. As detailed on Britannica, the band’s early years were defined by their mission to capture emotional storytelling within country rock’s boundaries, a style that evolved with later members like Don Felder, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit. Despite breakups and lineup changes, their music’s enduring appeal keeps Zoo Freaks hooked.

Fans can stay connected with the Eagles through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and remastered videos. The band’s official website offers merch, tour dates, and news for diehards. Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper can join fan communities like the Eagles Fan Group on Facebook, where fans swap stories and memorabilia, or visit Eagles Online Central, a fan site packed with discographies and rare photos. These spaces keep the Eagles’ legacy alive, perfect for the Zoo Crew and their listeners to celebrate the long run of this iconic band.