Don Felder explains why he plays the Hotel California solo note-for-note for Eagles fans

Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder, 78, says he practices the iconic Hotel California solo every night before performing, calling it an "obligation" to fans who expect the note-for-note original. Felder, who co-wrote the 1976 track and left the band in 2001, says he has played the solo "hundreds of times" and fears deviating from it would prompt audiences to question his performance. He emphasizes intense concentration to avoid going on "autopilot," as fans pay premium prices to hear the song exactly as remembered. The guitarist also jokingly blames his back problems on "lugging that beast" double-neck guitar for 50 years. The track's solo is widely regarded as one of rock's best, with new Eagles guitarist Chris Holt calling trading solos with Joe Walsh "terrifying."