A Timeless Legacy: The Eagles Soar to Unprecedented Heights
The Unrivaled Reign of 'Their Greatest Hits'
The United States, despite its contemporary challenges, finds common ground in the timeless allure of The Eagles' early musical endeavors. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently confirmed that the band's inaugural compilation, released in 1976, has achieved an extraordinary quadruple diamond certification. This landmark accomplishment makes it the first album in history to reach this level, signifying sales exceeding 40 million units and solidifying its position as the best-selling album of all time.
Surpassing Legends and Solidifying Stature
While Michael Jackson's monumental album 'Thriller' (1982) holds the impressive status of 34x platinum, certified in 2021, it now gracefully takes a secondary position. Interestingly, The Eagles themselves secure the third spot with 'Hotel California', which has just been certified 28x platinum. This demonstrates the band's remarkable dominance, especially considering that 'Hotel California' was released after the 'Greatest Hits' collection, making both essential for any true aficionado.
A Cultural Phenomenon Enduring for Half a Century
For Don Henley, the acclaimed singer-songwriter of The Eagles, this quadruple diamond recognition transcends mere sales figures; it represents a profound cultural triumph. Reflecting on the album's release almost five decades ago on February 17, 1976, Henley shared with The Associated Press, "In an era where everything often feels fleeting, it's immensely gratifying to be part of something that has endured for 50 years. We are truly astonished and thankful."
New Beginnings: Vinyl Re-release and Las Vegas Residency
To commemorate this historic achievement, The Eagles are re-releasing 'Their Greatest Hits' on clear, heavyweight vinyl. In addition, the band is set to embark on another series of 12 performances at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The residency is scheduled to commence this Friday, with four shows this month, followed by four more in February and March.
Evolving Metrics: The Age of Streaming
The Associated Press highlighted that the RIAA's diamond certification criteria have evolved to encompass the modern streaming landscape. Since 2013, certifications now include streaming equivalents, drawing data from platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Under these revised guidelines, 1,500 album streams are equated to one album sale, a metric that Eagles fans have evidently embraced with overwhelming enthusiasm.