A criminal case involving handwritten lyrics to Eagles classics, including 'Hotel California,' is set for trial in a New York courtroom. The three defendants, established in the collectibles world, are accused of obstructing Eagles co-founder Don Henley's efforts to reclaim the documents. The trial revolves around over 80 pages of song drafts from the iconic 'Hotel California' album, the third top-selling album in the U.S. Rare-book dealer, former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator, and memorabilia seller have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges.
The documents include lyrics-in-development for songs like 'Life in the Fast Lane' and 'New Kid in Town,' along with the enigmatic 'Hotel California.' Despite being a '70s artifact, 'Hotel California' remains a classic rock staple with over 220 million streams and 136,000 radio plays in the U.S. last year. The case was initiated in 2022 after Henley noticed the lyrics sheets at auctions and reported them stolen.
