In the early 1970s, after forming the band Eagles in 1971, Don Henley and Glenn Frey were living together in Los Angeles and frequented a bar named Dan Tana’s (named after a Serbian football player). One night, as they cast their eyes around the joint, they couldn’t help but notice all the classy dames in there, one of whom in particular was in the company of a much older, corpulent gentleman of obvious means.
Frey remarked to Henley about them: “She can’t even hide those lyin’ eyes.”
In 1975, they recorded their song inspired by that observation. The lyric is based on utter conjecture. But no one ever disputed its basis in fact.
Lyin’ Eyes
Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey
Performed by the Eagles
From their 1975 album One of These Nights
I ‘discovered’ Foreigner in 1984 with their album Agent Provocateur. Two weeks after my university finals, they would be in Edinburgh at the Playhouse, and I booked a ticket—June ’85.
I’d fallen in love with the entire album, but I Want To Know What Love Is was a huge draw. The guys came out and opened the concert with Cold as Ice. Of course, I knew it, but I’d never known it was their hit. I wanted to bow down and worship them.
When it came time for I Want To Know, the curtain rose on a local gospel choir who they’d engaged for the Edinburgh stint. I have never forgotten that performance, and I never will. It is a great song and it is a great arrangement, but it is first and foremost a man’s soul: it’s sung in the first person, and the listener feels that personal dialogue.
Louis Grammatico, you made a huge number of people very happy that night. And for many nights since.
Cold as Ice
Written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones
Performed by Foreigner
From their 1977 album Foreigner
The location looks like Griffith Park Railroad Museum in Los Angeles.