Eagles' legal 'Hotel California' lyrics case has charges dropped

Prosecutors have dismissed a case against three individuals accused of plotting to sell around 100 pages of handwritten lyrics to the iconic Eagles song 'Hotel California.'

According to prosecutors, a notepad containing the lyrics was allegedly stolen before being acquired by the trio in February.

Former Eagles member Don Henley asserted that a yellow-lined notepad featuring 'Hotel California' and other Eagles lyrics was stolen before being offered for sale in 2012.

The defendants – Glenn Horowitz, Craig Inciardi, and Edward Kosinski – entered pleas of not guilty in a New York court.

The notepad was reportedly purchased by Mr. Horowitz for $50,000 in 2005 from Ed Sanders, a writer associated with an Eagles biography in the late 1970s. The band had supposedly granted Mr. Sanders access to their archives when he was hired to pen an official band account in the late 1970s, which included lyric-filled notepads.

It was alleged that they gave Sanders access to nearly 100 pages of lyrics for insight into their creative process, and some of the lyrics surfaced for sale online in 2012 and at Sotheby’s in 2014. Mr. Henley later testified to a grand jury that he never given permission to Mr. Sanders to possess the lyrics.

Prosecutors alleged the defendants were aware of the pages' dubious history but conspired to sell them. The defense argued they were rightful owners. Though, Henley testified he never authorized their sale.

During the trial, Henley faced scrutiny over his recollection and personal history, including the band's heyday and his 1980 arrest for a minor's drug overdose.

The case ended when Henley permitted communication records with his lawyers to be entered into court, revealing previously undisclosed information crucial for the defense.

Judge Curtis Farber criticized the use of attorney-client privilege to conceal damaging information.

Mr. Henley's statements prompted an inquiry by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, resulting in charges of conspiracy to possess stolen property and other offenses against the three men. This new evidence raised doubts about the fairness of the case. Notably, none of them were accused of stealing the documents. The defendants were cleared of charges, including conspiracy to possess stolen property.

The defense maintained Henley gave the lyrics pages to the writer for research, later sold to Horowitz, Inciardi, and Kosinski. Henley reported them stolen when they surfaced for sale.

This abrupt turnabout followed the disclosure of 6,000 pages of communications involving Henley and his associates.

"These delayed disclosures revealed relevant information that the defence should have had the opportunity to explore in cross-examination of ... witnesses," Mr. Ginandes wrote in court documents.

After the case's collapse, Henley's lawyer stated the musician still seeks the return of his work.

“As the victim, Mr. Henley has been unjustly affected," attorney Dan Petrocelli said. "He will seek justice in civil courts."

Outside court, Horowitz’s attorney Jonathan Bach expressed relief over the case's end, stating it should never have been pursued.

The trial provided insights into the Eagles' career and music business, with Henley recounting highlights and personal lows. Despite the legal saga, the Eagles continue to tour, symbolizing a journey far beyond the courtroom.

Plans for civil action by Henley and evaluation of next steps by the defense are underway.

Listen to the 1976 hit 'Hotel California' below: