associated_acts years_active label image_size article_title past_members background genre origin
ron grainer 1958 -- 1964 pye records -lrb- -rrb- only use for images smaller than 220 pixels the eagles -lrb- uk band -rrb-
 terry clarke rod meacham michael brice johnny payne group_or_band rock bristol , england
the eagles -lrb- uk band -rrb-

the eagles were a british music quartet active from 1958 until the mid-1960s .
they formed in 1958 , at the eagle house youth club in knowle west , bristol .
led by lead guitarist terry clarke -lrb- born june 11th , 1944 in knowle west bristol -rsb- , united kingdom died october 29th 2008 , bristol -rrb- , who used a homebuilt custom instrument , the group included drummer rod meacham -lrb- born roderick meacham , 25 march 1943 , bristol , died 21 march 2002 , bristol -rrb- , bassist michael brice -lrb- born 1943 -rrb- , and johnny payne on rhythm guitar -lrb- born john payne , 1943 -rrb- .
playing primarily instrumental rock , they began their career in bristol playing local venues such as dance halls .
they were launched into the world of professional music in 1962 upon being noticed by composer ron grainer , probably best remembered for his theme to `` doctor who '' .
grainer was interested in the eagles for a film project he was working on , `` some people '' , about a fictional bristol band not unlike themselves .
the eagles contributed to the `` some people '' soundtrack , and became grainer 's protégés , recording new versions of some of his film score work like the theme of the maigret television series .
the `` some people '' soundtrack reached no. 2 on the ep charts , and remained on the charts for a stay of 21 weeks .
the eagles were awarded the duke of edinburgh trophy for their work on the film , and soon after were signed to pye records , at the time among the top three labels in britain .
after releasing the singles `` bristol express '' and `` exodus -lrb- main theme -rrb- '' , the eagles embarked on a major tour of england along with more established acts del shannon , stevie wonder , johnny tillotson , and dionne warwick .
the tour world lasted much of 1963 , during which their debut album , `` smash hits from the eagles '' was released in the uk and the united states .
the following year brought their most successful single and the one for which they are best remembered today , a vocal rendition of `` wishin ' and hopin ' '' backed with `` write me a letter '' .
unfortunately , 1964 also brought a pair of tragedies which ultimately led to the end of the group : grainer went blind , and meacham suffered a nervous breakdown .
soon after , in late 1964 , the band went their separate ways .
