We’ve all been there. You’re just cruising along in your car and all of the sudden ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles comes on the radio or playlist and suddenly all the passengers in the car are belting it out at the top of their lungs. Most people can sing every single word without even trying. But few know that this iconic rock classic is actually inspired by Los Angeles.
American dream
There has been so much speculation about the song’s true meaning. Some guess it’s based on an actual hotel with unusual guests. While others say it’s merely a metaphor. However, the Eagles have stated in many interviews that the song was inspired by the band driving into Los Angeles late one night. Multiple band members said they saw the glow of the lights of L.A. and felt the allure of following their Hollywood dreams.
The song is meant to be a statement about the excess and self-indulgence in the United States. The band wanted to shine a light on how the American dream can sometimes turn dark. Sadly, the Eagles stated in many interviews that this was something they knew all about.
Awards and honors
The song went on to be a major hit, and many consider it to be the Eagles’ most legendary song ever. It was a Billboard chart-topper and was on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 19 weeks. It eventually peaked at number one on the chart. The record sold over 16 million copies in the U.S. alone. Plus, it went on to win a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1978.
However, the awards didn’t stop in the 1970s. In the 90s, readers of Guitarist magazine voted to award ‘Hotel California’ honor of the greatest guitar solo in history. As if all of that weren’t enough, the Eagles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Of course, they played ‘Hotel California’ at the ceremony.
And to think, all of this was inspired by a nighttime cruise into L.A. so long ago. The next time you’re cruising into L.A. at night, take a second to let the bright lights of the city inspire you too. Los Angeles has always had a way of pulling people in to follow their dreams.