A Snake and a Baby
Guitarist Don Felder was tasked with recording instrumental bits onto tape and giving them to Frey and Henley for their approval. He recorded those bits at his home in L.A.’s Topanga Canyon, but, while on tour, his wife Susan, who had recently given birth, called. The call was short: “We’re moving.”
The Eagles & Don Felder. Photo By Kent/Mediapunch/Shutterstock
While she and the baby were relaxing in their garden, she noticed a nest of rattlesnakes. She and their son flew immediately to a beach house rental in Malibu. Felder joined them that evening and immediately began recording a new song.