Rock legend Don Henley has filed a lawsuit demanding the return of handwritten lyrics to "Hotel California," alleging they were stolen from him decades ago and subsequently sold on the black market. The lyrics, valued at over $1 million, have been the subject of a lengthy legal battle involving multiple parties.
Don Henley, co-founder and frontman of legendary rock band the Eagles, has filed a lawsuit seeking the return of his handwritten lyrics to their seminal hit "Hotel California." According to the lawsuit, filed in New York on Friday, the 100-page manuscript was stolen from Henley decades ago and has since been illegally sold and distributed.
Don Henley Sues to Recover Stolen "Hotel California" Lyrics
Henley's lawyer, Daniel Petrocelli, alleges that the lyrics were taken from Henley without his permission and have been used for financial gain by individuals and companies. The lawsuit targets three individuals previously charged with conspiracy and attempted sale of the stolen lyrics: Glenn Horowitz, Craig Inciardi, and Edward Kosinski.
In 2022, Horowitz, Inciardi, and Kosinski were charged with conspiracy in the fourth degree for allegedly attempting to sell manuscripts of the "developmental lyrics" to "Hotel California." However, the criminal case against the trio was dismissed mid-trial by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who cited newly discovered emails that raised questions about the fairness of the trial.
Don Henley Sues to Recover Stolen "Hotel California" Lyrics
Henley's lawsuit claims that his attorney-client privilege was breached, leading to the unfair dismissal of the criminal case. As a result, he was "victimized" again after having previously been the victim of the alleged theft of his lyrics.
The handwritten lyrics to "Hotel California" are considered to be highly valuable, not only for their musical significance but also for their historical value. The song, released in 1976, became one of the band's most iconic and enduring hits, helping to cement their status as one of the most successful rock bands of all time.
Don Henley Sues to Recover Stolen "Hotel California" Lyrics
The fate of the stolen lyrics has been entangled in legal proceedings for several years. In 2012, Henley purchased a portion of the stolen lyrics for $8,500, believing them to be originals. However, further attempts by Inciardi and Kosinski to sell additional pages of the lyrics alerted Henley to their status as stolen property.
Henley's lawsuit alleges that the defendants engaged in a "years-long campaign" to prevent Henley from recovering his stolen manuscripts. Despite his demands for their return, the lyrics remained in the custody of the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
Don Henley Sues to Recover Stolen "Hotel California" Lyrics
The lawsuit seeks the recovery of the stolen lyrics, damages for their unauthorized use, and an injunction prohibiting the defendants from further distribution or sale of the material. It also alleges that Horowitz attempted to exploit the death of Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey to prevent criminal prosecution, by claiming that the lyrics originated from Frey's possession.
The case is expected to shed light on the complex and ongoing issue of stolen intellectual property and the rights of creators to protect their work from unauthorized use and exploitation.
Don Henley Sues to Recover Stolen "Hotel California" Lyrics
