Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder for three Incentive Programs in 2009

When a Fortune 300 financial services firm needed cost-effective headline entertainment that would appeal to three different audiences for three separate incentive programs in 2009, they came to Empire Entertainment for recommendations. After speaking with the client about the demographics of each group, and the budget for each event, Empire was able to make a number of recommendations. But it was also easy for Empire to provide one top choice: Don Felder. A member of the Eagles for nearly 30 years, Felder had co-written “Hotel California” as well as a number of the band’s other hits. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles in 1998. After joining the Eagles for their renowned “Hell Freezes Over” tour from 1994-1996, Felder played with the band again in 1998 at their Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Not long afterwards, however, Felder and the Eagles went separate ways, which allowed Don to start his own band, which is now one of the best on the market for corporate events with audiences of almost any age range.

At private events, Don and his band perform many of the Eagles greatest hits, including of course, “Hotel California”, which typically opens his sets featuring Don playing the original double-neck while guitar he wrote and recorded the track with. At the three shows for Empire’s client, the set lists included rock classics including “Take It Easy”, “Life In the Fast Lane”, and “Heartache Tonight”, while ballads such as “Tequila Sunrise” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” gave the guests and their spouses an opportunity to slow dance as well. Felder’s sets also generally include a handful of songs by some of his other favorite artists, notably “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and “Pride & Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughn (on which Felder proves he is still one of the greatest guitarists who have ever lived).And as incredible as Felder is onstage, he is equally courteous and flexible offstage. He understands the need to listen to client concerns and requests at private shows, and in a truly accommodating gesture, he agreed to play “Hotel California” at the end of each show for Empire’s client, as well as at the start. He was also wonderful at the meet and greet following each of the three performances, happily meeting the client’s VIP’s, taking photos with them, and sharing stories.All three audiences were elated hearing their old Eagles favorites, and sang along with the band while jamming the dance floor.

Empire has been recommending, securing, and producing headline entertainment for special events since its inception in 1993. We pride ourselves on suggesting the best possible entertainers for our clients based on their attendees, budgets, and event objectives.