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.
The lyrics were initially in the possession of the defendants, who had acquired them from a writer and counterculture figure. The defendants allegedly tried to fabricate an ownership history for the manuscripts once Henley's lawyers began inquiries. The explanations of how the writer obtained the documents evolved over time, ranging from finding them in a dressing room to receiving them from Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey.
The defendants' lawyers argue that the writer had legal possession of the documents, and so did the defendants who purchased them. They plan to question Henley's recollection of his dealings with the writer and the lyric sheets. The trial will be decided by Judge Curtis Farber as the defendants opted for a trial without a jury.
