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How The Eagles Helped Save a Lebowski Song
27 Sep
Summary
- A rare song in The Big Lebowski almost cost too much.
- Allen Klein demanded $150,000 for the song rights.
- Klein's dislike for The Eagles secured the song for free.
The iconic soundtrack of The Big Lebowski almost lost a key musical piece due to licensing fees. Townes Van Zandt's rendition of The Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers," a haunting track featured in the film, faced a significant hurdle. Allen Klein, who managed The Rolling Stones in the 1960s and held the publishing rights, initially demanded $150,000 for its use.
The Coen Brothers, determined to include the song, offered Klein a preview of the film. According to music supervisor T-Bone Burnett, it was The Dude's memorable on-screen disdain for The Eagles that swayed Klein. Having shared this dislike, Klein reportedly gifted the song rights for free, a decision sweetened by his own aversion to the band.
