Renowned guitarist and songwriter Don Felder – best known for his role with the Eagles – is pleased to announce the release of his highly anticipated new studio album “The Vault – Fifty Years of Music”, set for release on May 23rd, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The first single and accompanying lyric video, “Free at Last”, are also available now.
Watch the official lyric video for “Free at Last” below.
Talking about the new single, Don Felder said: “This song is a heartfelt tribute to the freedom that awaits us beyond this life. It’s about shedding the burdens of this world, and finding peace in the promise that, one day, we will all be ‘Free at Last’”.
Don Felder’s highly anticipated fourth solo album, “The Vault (Fifty Years of Music)” marks a unique milestone in his storied career, offering a stunning collection of newly recorded versions of songs originally demoed over a span of five decades.
From the album opener, “Move On”, a song from 1974, to “I Like the Things You Do”, written in 2023, “The Vault” offers a comprehensive look at Felder’s rich musical history. The album’s title reflects this expansive journey through time, blending timeless rock anthems with heartfelt ballads in a way that only Felder can.
What sets “The Vault” apart is the incredible roster of musical giants that have come together to lend their talents to the project. Felder is joined by true rock royalties including David Paich, Steve Lukather, Joseph “Joe” Williams, and Greg Phillinganes of Toto, renowned drummers such as Greg Bissonette, Brian Tichy, Todd Sucherman, plus Timothy Drury, Nathan East, Nina Winter and Lenny Castro, among others.
Their contributions bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the music, enhancing Felder’s signature sound and bringing new life to these songs. In addition to the previously unreleased material, “The Vault” also includes a newly re-recorded version of “Heavy Metal”, Felder’s classic hit from his 1983 debut album “Airborne” and the soundtrack of the 1981 animated film of the same name.
With its perfect blend of high-energy rockers and introspective, emotional ballads, “The Vault (Fifty Years of Music)” showcases Don Felder’s enduring legacy as one of rock’s most influential and skilled guitarists.
Fans of Felder’s remarkable career and music lovers alike will find “The Vault” to be an essential addition to their collection. Prepare to experience the sound of a musical journey that spans half a century and don’t miss Don Felder live in his up-and-coming tour with Styx and The Kevin Cronin Band, aptly named “The Brotherhood of Rock”, starting on May 28th in Greenville, South Carolina.
Hailing from Gainesville, Florida, Felder developed an early passion for music after watching Elvis Presley perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. By the age of 13, he had formed his first band, the Continentals, which included future rock legend Stephen Stills. Felder refined his guitar skills through dedicated practice and even received slide guitar lessons from Duane Allman, laying the foundation for his signature style.
In 1974, Felder joined the Eagles, helping shift their sound from country-rock to a more guitar-driven rock style. He co-wrote and performed the legendary guitar solo for “Hotel California”, one of the most celebrated songs in rock history. His contributions extended to other notable tracks, including “Victim of Love” and “Those Shoes”.
His dual guitar harmonies with Joe Walsh became a defining element of the band’s sound. In recognition of the Eagles’ massive influence on rock music, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, with Felder performing alongside his former bandmates at the induction ceremony.
Following his departure from the Eagles in 2001, Felder pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as “Road to Forever” (2012), and “American Rock ‘n’ Roll” (2019). Over the years, Felder has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Stevie Nicks, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Jackson, further solidifying his legacy as a versatile and influential guitarist in rock music.
Pre-order & pre-save “The Vault – Fifty Years of Music” here.
Tracklist:
1. Move On
2. Free At Last
3. Hollywood Victim
4. Last All Night
5. Digital World
6. I Like The Things You Do
7. All Girls Love To Dance
8. Together Forever
9. Heavy Metal
10. Let Me Down Easy
11. Blue Skies
Line-up:
Guitar and Lead Vocals: Don Felder
Guest Guitar: Steve Lukather (track 5)
Lead Vocals: Nina Winter (track 10)
Bass: Nathan East (track 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), Matt Bissonette (track 2)
Drums: Brian Tichy (track 3, 4, 5, 7, 8), Jim Keltner (track 10), Gregg Bissonette
(track 1, 2), Todd Sucherman (track 6), Chad Cromwell (track 9)
Percussion: Lenny Castro (track 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9)
Piano: David Paich (track 10), Alex Alessandroni (track 1, 2)
Keys/B3/Synths: David Paich (track 1 [+Horns], 3, 4, 5, 7), Greg Phillinganes (track 3, 4, 7, 8)
Strings: Joe Williams (track 10)
Additional Keys: Alex Alessandroni (track 10)
Synths: Julian Chan (track 2, 9)
Bass Keys: Alex Al (track 7)
Guest Vocals: Leah James & Eva Jenner (track 8)
String Quartet: Orchid Quartet (track 11)
String Arrangement: Kim Bullard (track 11)
Background Vocals: Brett Simons (track 1, 2, 6, 10), Timothy Drury (track 10),
Don Felder (track 3, 6, 7), Joe Williams (track 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9), Jaden Osborne (track 2),
Conesha Ms Monet Owens (track 3, 4, 7), Riley Nicholson (track 7), Windy Wagner (track 5), Nathan East (track 5), David Paich (track 5), Orchid Quartet (track 11)
