With the extended edition of their groundbreaking 1976 release Hotel California just a week away, the Eagles are gearing up for the big event in the most perfect way possible: by releasing never before heard live versions of the songs that have kept you singing and dancing for over 40 years. Joining the excitement is the newly released audio of the first ever performance of “New Kid In Town,” the lead single to Hotel California that gave the album a run for its money after it raced to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and clinched a victory for the Eagles at the 1978 Grammy Awards with the Best Arrangement for Voices Grammy.
Deliciously twangy with an easy, breezy feel, the Glenn Frey-driven tune made its debut in October 1976 during the Eagles’ three night stint at The Forum in Los Angeles sounding every bit like the version that would come to life with the release of Hotel California just two months later – buttery smooth and setting the standard for what live performances should sound like.
It only took the Eagles’ critically acclaimed compilation album Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)a week to go platinum.
On February 24th, seven days after its release, the Eagles saw Their Greatest Hits become the first ever album to be RIAA-certified Platinum with over one million records shipped and still it kept selling, selling, selling, becoming the all-time best-selling album of all time at over 29x multi platinum as of 2006.
Left to right: Don Felder, Don Henley, Joe Walsh (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images)
Michael Jackson’s Thriller better watch its back – its been in a heated dance with the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits for decades and with only another 4 million to go before they’re tied, we have no trouble believing that the Eagles will close the gap and return to their rightful place: on top.
If you thought you loved “New Kid In Town” before, you’ve got another thing coming! Check out the Eagles’ first ever live performance of “New Kid In Town” in the audio below and while you’re at it, be sure to snag your copyof the 40th anniversary extended edition of Hotel California – it’s a real must have for classic rock die hards!
