Heartache Tonight: The Eagles' Rock Anthem and Last No. 1 Hit

Heartache Tonight: The Eagles' Rock Anthem and Last No. 1 Hit

In September 1979, the Eagles released "Heartache Tonight," a song co-written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bob Seger, and J.D. Souther. It served as the lead single from their album The Long Run, with Glenn Frey taking the lead vocals on the track. The song became the band's fifth No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, earning Platinum certification in the United States for selling over a million copies.

Despite its success in the U.S., "Heartache Tonight" only reached #40 on the UK Singles Chart. The song's creation stemmed from a casual jam session between Glenn Frey and J.D. Souther, with Bob Seger contributing to the chorus. The track featured a driving rock groove, handclaps, harmonies, and sharp guitar breaks, giving it a radio-friendly yet raw sound that resonated with a broad audience.

The Eagles faced pressure to follow up the success of their previous album, Hotel California, but The Long Run and its singles, including "Heartache Tonight," performed well. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1980 and marked the band's last No. 1 hit on the U.S. Hot 100 chart. Decades later, "Heartache Tonight" remains a staple of the band's live performances and classic rock playlists, showcasing the enduring songwriting and performance style of the Eagles.