Renowned guitarist and songwriter Don Felder – best known for his role with The Eagles – will see the release of his highly anticipated new studio album The Vault – Fifty Years Of Music, on 23rd May, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Out now, is the first single and accompanying lyric video, ‘Free At Last’, about which Felder said: “This song is a heartfelt tribute to the freedom that awaits us beyond this life. It’s about shedding the burdens of this world, and finding peace in the promise that, one day, we will all be Free At Last”.
This will be Felder’s fourth solo album and it marks a unique milestone in his storied career, offering what’s been described as “a stunning collection” of newly recorded versions of songs originally demoed over a span of five decades.
From the album opener, ‘Move On’, a song from 1974, to ‘I Like the Things You Do’, written in 2023, The Vault offers a comprehensive look at Felder’s rich musical history. The album’s title reflects this expansive journey through time, blending timeless rock anthems with heartfelt ballads.
What sets The Vault apart is the incredible roster of musical giants that have come together to lend their talents to the project. Felder is joined by true rock royalties including David Paich, Steve Lukather, Joseph ‘Joe’ Williams, and Greg Phillinganes of Toto, renowned drummers such as Greg Bissonette, Brian Tichy and Todd Sucherman, plus Timothy Drury, Nathan East, Nina Winter and Lenny Castro, among others.
Their contributions bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the music, enhancing Felder’s signature sound and bringing new life to these songs. In addition to the previously unreleased material, The Vault also includes a newly re-recorded version of ‘Heavy Metal’, Felder’s classic hit from his 1983 debut album Airborne and the soundtrack of the 1981 animated film of the same name.
Fans of Felder’s remarkable career and music lovers alike will find The Vault to be an essential addition to their collection, while those in the USA won’t want to miss Don Felder live on his up-and-coming tour with Styx and The Kevin Cronin Band, a tour aptly named The Brotherhood of Rock.
Hailing from Gainesville, Florida, Felder developed an early passion for music after watching Elvis Presley perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. By the age of 13, he had formed his first band, The Continentals, that included future rock legend Stephen Stills. Felder refined his guitar skills through dedicated practice and even received slide guitar lessons from Duane Allman, laying the foundation for his signature style.
In 1974, Felder joined The Eagles, helping shift their sound from country rock to a more guitar-driven rock style. He co-wrote and performed the legendary guitar solo for ‘Hotel California’, one of the most celebrated songs in rock history. His contributions extended to other notable tracks, including ‘Victim Of Love’ and ‘Those Shoes’.
His dual guitar harmonies with Joe Walsh became a defining element of the band’s sound. In recognition of The Eagles‘ massive influence on rock music, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, with Felder performing alongside his former bandmates at the induction ceremony.
Following his departure from The Eagles in 2001, Felder pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as Road To Forever (2012), and American Rock ‘n’ Roll (2019). Over the years, Felder has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Stevie Nicks, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Jackson, further solidifying his legacy as a versatile and influential guitarist in rock music.
New single, ‘Free At Last’ is out now and you can check out the video here at RAMzine.
Tracks featured on The Vault – Fifty Years Of Music are: ‘Move On’, ‘Free At Last’, ‘Hollywood Victim’, ‘Last All Night’, ‘Digital World’, ‘I Like The Things You Do’, ‘All Girls Love To Dance’, ‘Together Forever’, ‘Heavy Metal’, ‘Let Me Down Easy’ and ‘Blue Skies’ – It can be ordered here.
