Those Shoes (Live 1980)

The Eagles’ song Those Shoes, featured in their 1980 live performance, carries a gritty edge and sharp commentary. Don Felder, in a 2019 interview with Uncle Joe Benson on Ultimate Classic Rock, shared that he crafted the track with jazz influences in mind, specifically inspired by Miles Davis’ soulful minimalism. Felder wanted to blend this with Joe Walsh’s talkbox technique, which Walsh had popularized in his solo hit Rocky Mountain Way. The result was a dueling talkbox effect, with both guitarists mimicking trumpet-like melodies, a novel approach at the time. Felder noted that he composed all the parts and submitted them for The Long Run, earning quick approval from Glenn Frey and Don Henley, who saw its potential. The song’s lyrics, as Don Henley explained in a 2003 conversation with Cameron Crowe on The Uncool, were inspired by the trendy Charles Jourdan shoes with ankle straps popular among women in the late ’70s. Henley said they used the shoes as a metaphor for women asserting independence while navigating the predatory singles scene, reflecting both empowerment and the era’s social tensions.

Another layer to the song’s story comes from its creation during a strained period for the Eagles. The Long Run, released in 1979, was their last album before a 14-year breakup, marked by internal conflicts. A fan comment on Songfacts recalled hearing an interview where Joe Walsh’s talkbox at the song’s end reportedly says “butt out,” a possible jab at band feuds, though unconfirmed. Fans on Reddit’s EaglesBand community have also debated the talkbox lyrics, with some hearing “burnout” instead, adding to the song’s mystique. The live 1980 version, captured during their tumultuous final tour before the split, amplifies the song’s raw energy, with Walsh and Felder’s interplay standing out. Henley’s vocals, dripping with sarcasm, paint a vivid picture of the nightlife underbelly, making it a fan favorite for its dark groove and biting wit.

The Eagles formed in Los Angeles in 1971, a blend of talent and ambition that defined the era’s rock sound. Glenn Frey and Don Henley, the band’s core, met through the vibrant L.A. music scene. Frey, a Detroit native, had been gigging with bands like Longbranch Pennywhistle, while Henley, from Texas, drummed for Shiloh. Both were drawn to the city’s creative hub, crossing paths with Bernie Leadon, a veteran of the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Randy Meisner, formerly of Poco. According to their bio on eagles.com, Linda Ronstadt played a pivotal role, hiring them as her backing band for a 1971 tour. Jamming together on the road, they clicked and decided to form their own group. Signed to Asylum Records by David Geffen, they released their debut album, Eagles, in 1972, with hits like Take It Easy cementing their rise. Their early days were scrappy—Frey and Henley even shared a $60-a-month apartment, as Frey recounted in a 2003 Crowe interview, learning songwriting discipline from neighbor Jackson Browne.

The Eagles’ journey wasn’t just about music but about capturing the American experience, blending country, rock, and introspection. By the time Don Felder joined in 1974, followed by Joe Walsh in 1975 and Timothy B. Schmit in 1977, they’d evolved from laid-back troubadours to arena rock giants. Their meticulous studio work and relentless touring built a legacy, though tensions often simmered beneath the surface. Despite breakups and reunions, they’ve remained a cultural force, with over 200 million records sold, per their official site. Fans can dive deeper through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates on tours and archival releases keep the community buzzing. The r/EaglesBand Reddit offers lively discussions, while fan sites like Eagles Online Central archive rare photos and trivia. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, joining the Eagles Fans Facebook group connects you with others who live for tracks like Those Shoes.