Randy Meisner Tried To Take It To The Limit

Hot on the heels of losing Sinead O'Connor, today it was announced that Eagles bass player, vocalist, and co-songwriter, has also left the auditorium.

For many people, Hotel California was the Eagles' signature song. However, I beg to differ. I believe that the song Take It To The Limit had as much right to be up there taking center stage, alongside Hotel California and Desperado. And it was Randy Meisner's vocal that nailed the first of those three classic Eagles songs. He soared like an Eagle with that classic heartfelt vocal. Sadly, in a somewhat ironic twist, it was also the song that in, its own way, caused Randy to leave the group.

The story goes that Randy was not exactly over the moon about stepping into the spotlight to sing the song. He much preferred to stand back in the shadows and leave the limelight to Don Henley and Glenn Frey. And yet, it was mainly Meisner's song in terms of composition, and it was the Eagles' first number-one hit. It was also the only Eagles song on which Meisner took the lead vocal, and the only Eagles song that did not feature Henely or Frey on the lead vocal. And for the record, it was the last song on which guitarist Barry Leadon played, before being replaced by Joe Walsh.

Obviously in live concerts, there was a very high expectation of hearing the song being performed. At one gig, Meisner was asked to perform the song as an encore and refused. This led to a backstage angry physical altercation with Meisner's bandmates, which ultimately resulted in Meisner leaving the Eagles. After that Meisner was frozen out of the band and officially left them on September 3, 1977, citing exhaustion.

The Eagles were at times a highly dysfunctional group, almost as famous for their in-fighting as their legendary music. It was all part and parcel of being ultra-successful and having to go on tour eleven months a year. The concomitant on-the-road life, of living in each others' pockets, often took its toll on interpersonal relationships within the group. And all the stress of this dysfunctionality was bound to cause a great deal of stress and health problems. It became clear later when Meisner expressed relief at leaving the band. He claimed "All that stuff and all the arguing amongst the Eagles is over now. Well, at least for me."

Meisner certainly had more than his share of health concerns, such as a very debilitating ulcer. And on the night of his departure, the main reason he refused to perform the song as an encore was due to having contracted the flu the night before. To make matters worse Randy's marriage was disintegrating and he wanted a life that did not revolve around running around the States from one sell-out gig to another. He wanted family time, and ultimately he got it.

In later years Randy made overtures to perform Take It To The Limit, with his old bandmates 'one last time.' However, the offer to get back on stage with the Eagles was rebuffed by the band's manager, Irving Azoff. Considering Randy was a co-founder of the Eagles back in 1971, was a staple contributor to their success through six albums, over a period of six years, and gave them their first number-one hit, this does seem more than somewhat harsh treatment.

Of course, there was a music life before and after the Eagles with acts such as Poco and The Stone Canyon Band. However, it is his contribution to the Eagles during their peak years that Randy Meisner will be best remembered. And with just that one hit song to his credit with the Eagles, his place in the rock music firmament, is ensured for all eternity.