“Seven Bridges Road” is a song that resonates deeply with music lovers, particularly in its iconic rendition by the Eagles. However, the story behind this beloved track is richer and more nuanced than many realize, involving not just the Eagles and the original writer, Steve Young, but also the British singer-songwriter Iain Matthews and the unsung contributions of Michael Nesmith. This article delves into the fascinating history of “Seven Bridges Road,” exploring how Iain Matthews’ unique arrangement played a pivotal role in popularizing the song and the surprising controversy that followed.
In January 1973, Iain Matthews embarked on a new chapter in his musical journey, relocating from London to Los Angeles. The move was prompted by an exciting opportunity to collaborate with Michael Nesmith, famed for his role in The Monkees, on a new album for Elektra Records. Leaving behind familiar surroundings, Matthews was eager to embrace this fresh start. The resulting album, Valley Hi, while not entirely aligning with Matthews’ initial vision, ironically became one of his most enduringly popular works. Among the tracks recorded for Valley Hi was Steve Young’s “Seven Bridges Road.” It was Matthews’ distinctive arrangement of this song that would inadvertently become a point of musical folklore, a story of influence, recognition, and a touch of controversy.
The narrative takes an interesting turn a few years later when Matthews found himself at Don Henley’s home. He noticed Valley Hi prominently placed in Henley’s record collection. Then, in 1980, the Eagles released their live album, Eagles Live, which featured a performance of “Seven Bridges Road.” Listeners familiar with Matthews’ Valley Hi album would have immediately recognized the striking similarity in the arrangement. However, the album’s liner notes attributed the song’s arrangement to having been “learned from their friend Steve Young in San Diego.” Matthews knew this wasn’t the full picture, and it’s likely, as he suggests in his memoir, that the Eagles themselves were aware of the true source of their arrangement.
For nearly two decades, the Eagles remained silent on the origin of their rendition’s arrangement. It wasn’t until a greatest hits compilation release twenty years later that Glenn Frey finally acknowledged the connection to Iain Matthews. In the sleeve notes, Frey admitted that they had indeed taken the arrangement from Matthews’ version. While Matthews graciously acknowledges this belated recognition, he also points out a crucial, often overlooked aspect of the story: the significant contribution of Michael Nesmith.
Matthews emphasizes that the “Seven Bridges Road” arrangement that caught Don Henley’s ear was not solely his creation. He credits Michael Nesmith’s exceptional acoustic flatpicking skills as being equally instrumental in shaping that particular version of the song. Without Nesmith’s input, Matthews believes the arrangement could have been drastically different – perhaps even so different that it wouldn’t have resonated with Henley and sparked the subsequent events. This highlights the collaborative nature of music creation and how often crucial contributions can go uncredited in popular narratives.
Adding another layer to the story, Steve Young, the songwriter himself, reportedly expressed his preference for Iain Matthews’ cover among the numerous versions of “Seven Bridges Road” that have been recorded over the years. This endorsement from the song’s creator further underscores the unique quality and impact of Matthews’ interpretation, shaped in collaboration with Michael Nesmith.
To fully appreciate the evolution of “Seven Bridges Road,” it’s worth listening to the different versions. Iain Matthews’ rendition from Valley Hi offers a crucial link in the song’s journey to wider recognition. The Eagles’ live version cemented its place in popular culture, while Steve Young’s original from his 1969 album Rock Salt & Nails provides the foundational blueprint. Each version brings its own flavor and contributes to the rich tapestry of the song’s history.
For those interested in delving deeper into Iain Matthews’ career and this anecdote in his own words, his memoir, Thro’ My Eyes, offers a fascinating firsthand account. It provides valuable insights into this story and many others from his long and distinguished musical career.
