Don Henley’S Favorite Guitar Pick And The Superstition Behind It

April 2, 2025

Don Henley, the legendary frontman of the Eagles, always kept a special guitar pick in his pocket whenever he stepped onto a stage. This wasn’t just any pick; it was a battered, worn piece of plastic, faded blue with the inscription “Free Bird” etched into its side. It had been gifted to him years ago by a close friend who had passed away in a motorcycle accident. For Don, that pick was more than just a tool for strumming chords—it was a symbol of friendship, love, and the power of music to heal.

The story behind the pick dates back to a sunny day in Los Angeles, where Don and his friend, Mark, had spent hours jamming together in a small studio. They played everything from rock ballads to country tunes, sharing dreams and laughter. Music was their bond, a thread that tied their souls together. But one fateful evening, as Mark rode his motorcycle to a gig, a tragic accident took him away, leaving Don heartbroken and adrift in a world filled with unanswered questions.

In the days that followed, Don felt lost without his friend. The guitar pick that Mark had given him became a powerful reminder of their time together. He took it out before every performance, rubbing it gently between his fingers, whispering a little prayer to the universe. Each note he played felt like a conversation with Mark, and as he strummed the strings of his guitar, he could almost hear his friend’s voice guiding him. The pick became a talisman, a source of strength that inspired Don through the challenges of his career.

As the Eagles soared to fame, each concert felt imbued with an extra spark. The audience could sense the passion and emotion in Don’s voice, and he poured every ounce of his heart into each performance. Songs like “Hotel California” and “Desperado” resonated deeply, but it was during quiet moments, when he quietly held the pick that his spirit soared. He would often look into the crowd, searching for familiar faces, believing that Mark was there, cheering him on. This belief fueled his performances, turning them into cathartic experiences, both for him and his fans.

Years passed, and the music industry changed, but Don held tightly to his pick and the memories it carried. Despite the highs and lows of fame, the pick remained a constant reminder to stay true to himself and to honor the friendships that had shaped his journey. Whenever doubt crept into his mind, he would pull it out and remember the joy of creating music with Mark. It was a reminder that even in loss, there is the potential for growth and resilience.

Through the years, Don Henley continued to write and perform, always carrying the spirit of his friend with him. The guitar pick became a symbol of hope and perseverance, teaching him that the power of music could transcend even the deepest of sorrows. It was a message he shared with countless fans, inspiring them to find strength in their own lives. So, each time he stepped onto the stage, he didn’t just play music; he honored a friendship that would never fade, reminding everyone that while life can take away, it also has the power to give back in unimaginable ways.