While Glenn Frey and Don Henley wrote many of the Eagles’ biggest hits, some of the band’s most beloved songs came from other members. Randy Meisner, the Eagles’ bassist, played a pivotal role in one of their signature tracks: “Take It to the Limit.”
The inspiration struck Meisner on a night out at The Troubadour in Beverly Hills. He came up with the opening line and the reflective mood of the song, a slow, waltz-like ballad, unaware that it would eventually become a live staple for the Eagles. Meisner’s contribution provided the canvas for Frey and Henley to complete the writing, but the song would also bring unexpected pressure that influenced his departure from the band.
Released on the Eagles’ fourth album, “One of These Nights,” “Take It to the Limit” was the first single on which neither Frey nor Henley sang lead vocals. While Meisner’s voice had always been impressive, he usually stayed in the background. On this track, however, his soaring falsetto near the end became a highlight of Eagles concerts.
A famous 1977 concert video shows Meisner holding the high F# note for several seconds, with the audience erupting in spontaneous applause. Even Glenn Frey couldn’t hide his delight, while Meisner’s relieved smile captured the tension of performing such a demanding note night after night. That pressure, however, began to take its toll.
As the tour continued, Meisner grew increasingly anxious about hitting the song’s signature high notes. In Knoxville, Tennessee, before an encore, he told Frey he couldn’t sing it that night. The backstage tension marked a turning point — Meisner’s time with the Eagles was limited, and he left the band at the end of the tour in September 1977.
The song’s popularity meant the Eagles had to keep it in their setlists. Timothy B. Schmit, Meisner’s replacement, could handle the bass and vocals but never quite captured the original magic of Meisner’s falsetto. Later performers, including Glenn Frey and Vince Gill, sang the song in different keys to accommodate their voices.
When Asylum Records released the single, it was shortened to just under four minutes, cutting out the soaring final falsettos. In live performances, however, the song ran its full course — around five minutes — giving audiences the full emotional impact of Meisner’s remarkable contribution.
“Take It to the Limit” remains a testament to Meisner’s talent, his vocal power, and the bittersweet pressures of rock stardom — a song that challenged him, defined him, and left a lasting mark on Eagles history.
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