Timothy Schmit Eagles Songs and Discography
Timothy Schmit joined the Eagles in 1977, replacing founding bassist Randy Meisner. His first studio album with the band was Hotel California, released in December 1976 by Asylum Records, which became one of the best-selling albums in U.S. history. Schmit provided lead vocals on tracks including "I Can't Tell You Why" and "New Kid in Town," and played bass on the majority of the record Hotel California credits at AllMusic. The album has been certified 26x Platinum by the RIAA, with global sales exceeding 32 million copies Hotel California RIAA certification data. Schmit remained the bassist and a vocalist through the band's subsequent reunion albums and tours.
After the Eagles disbanded in 1980, Schmit launched a solo career while the band was inactive. His solo discography includes albums such as Playin' It Cool (1984) and Tell Me the Truth (1990), which featured his own compositions and covers. During the Eagles' 1994 reunion, the live album Hell Freezes Over included Schmit's lead on "Get Over It" and "Love Will Keep Us Alive." The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 7x Platinum Hell Freezes Over Billboard 200 chart. The band's catalog, including Schmit-era recordings, continues to generate revenue through streaming, licensing, and physical sales.
Financial Impact and Earnings from Schmit-Era Eagles Songs
The Eagles' publishing rights and master recordings have been subject to major label deals and catalog sales. In 2022, the band's post-1972 catalog was part of a broader industry trend in which classic rock masters were valued at billions of dollars by private equity and music IP funds. Schmit's contributions to songs like "Heartache Tonight," which reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, added to the band's catalog value. The song earned the Eagles the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group that year Grammy Awards database. Royalties from these tracks flow to the songwriters, publishers, and rights holders through PROs such as ASCAP and BMI.
Touring and Live Revenue
The Eagles' "History of the Eagles" tour, which ran from 2013 to 2015, grossed over $140 million across 80 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore data. Schmit performed on every date of that tour, which was documented in a concert film and live album. The band's live shows remain a primary revenue driver, with ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship deals contributing to the group's overall financial footprint. Touring income is distributed among band members and their respective management and legal entities.
Schmit's Role in the Eagles' Business Structure
The Eagles have operated through various business entities, including partnerships and LLCs, to manage touring, recording, and licensing income. Schmit's role as a member and shareholder in those entities gives him a claim on touring revenue, album royalties, and sync fees when songs are used in film, television, and advertising. The band's catalog management