The opening guitar chords of "Take It Easy" captured America's attention in June 1972, and Eagles' debut single became that summer's national anthem. Blending musical and commercial excellence, the band from Los Angeles became a pop-rock phenomenon with few peers over the next several years. Eagles: Up Ahead in the Distance is the second of three volumes detailing the band's fascinating history, and authors Rik Forgo and Steve Cafarelli pick up where book number one in the series, Eagles: Before the Band, left off-continuing the stories of the group's evolution from opening act to can't-miss headliners. The second volume tracks how the Eagles rocketed to the top of the charts with hits like "Witchy Woman," "The Best of My Love," "One of These Nights," "Take It to the Limit," "Hotel California," and "The Long Run." It explores the inspirations behind the songs, traces each band member's journey, and the artistry and personalities that blended so beautifully but could clash so vehemently. Eagles: Up Ahead in the Distance follows the band's ascent into rock's upper echelon and describes how the pressure to succeed, creative intensity, and an unrelenting drive for perfection consumed its members and led to their breakup in 1980.