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Eagles' album sales reach new heights
The Eagles were certified in March for sales of an additional 17 million album units by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), making the group the fifth-highest certified artist in U.S. history.
According to the RIAA, the Eagles' certified U.S. album sales now total 83.5 million, trailing only the Beatles (163.5 million), Led Zeppelin (103.5 million), Garth Brooks (101 million) and Elvis Presley (86.5 million). The Eagles' sales have surpassed those of Billy Joel (75.5 million) and Pink Floyd (68.5 million).
"Greatest Hits, Volume II," which was released in 1982, hit the 10 million mark this month to earn the Eagles their third Diamond award. "Hotel California" added sales of another million to reach 16 million. (According to the RIAA, the Eagles' "Their Greatest Hits: 1971-75" is the best-selling album in U.S. history, with sales of 27 million copies.)
"The Long Run" and "Live" were both certified at the 7-million level, "One of These Nights" was certified quadruple-platinum, "Desperado" and "On the Border" reached double-platinum and the band's self-titled debut release was certified platinum.
The RIAA awards its gold (500,000 units shipped) and platinum (1 million units shipped) after an independent audit is conducted by the accounting firm Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman. Record companies typically must pay a fee to the RIAA before the audit is conducted, so an album's certification level doesn't necessarily track sales levels exactly.
Confirming rumors that had been circulating for weeks, the Eagles recently announced a major European tour. The band plans to play only one U.S. concert in 2001, on July 28 in Dallas.
