The Eagles' 1976 compilation album, 'Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975,' has officially sold over 40 million units, making it the best-selling album of all time in the US, according to a new certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The band's seminal 1976 record, 'Hotel California,' was also certified 28x platinum, maintaining its position as the third best-selling album in the US. Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' holds the second spot, having been certified 34x diamond in 2021.
The RIAA tracks US sales and streaming equivalents, with certifications requiring a third-party audit. Since 2013, the organisation has incorporated streams from YouTube, Spotify and other digital services, equating 1,500 streams to an album sale.
Originally released on 17 February 1976, the album is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new crystal-clear, 180-gram vinyl edition. Founding member Don Henley expressed gratitude, stating: 'In an age where everything seems to become more ephemeral, it is gratifying to have been part of something that endures.'
The Eagles are also set to launch 12 final shows at Las Vegas' Sphere on Friday, setting a record for the longest-running residency at the venue. Since September 2024, their residency has entertained over 700,000 fans across 44 performances.
Formed in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, the Eagles mastered a blend of rock and country, with hits like 'Hotel California' and 'Take It Easy' becoming iconic. They disbanded in 1980, reunited in 1994, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
