The last time we saw Don Henley he was holding down the beat for the Eagles, as the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers hit the road with their first album in over 25 years, 2007’s multiplatinum “Long Road Out of Eden.’’ The singer-songwriter was back in the area last weekend attending a board meeting at Walden Woods in Concord - talking fund-raising, outreach, and renovation - before hitting the road in support of his recently released hits compilation, corraling songs like “The Boys of Summer’’ and “The End of the Innocence.’’ Henley, who plays the Citi Wang Theatre tomorrow night, checked in from Foxwoods earlier this week.
Q. Now that the Eagles have finally released a record, when is your new solo album coming out? It’s been almost 10 years.
A. I don’t know. I started in August as soon as I recovered from the European [Eagles] tour. I’ve got several tracks cut but there’s no release date - you know how I am. I have my own pace that I work at. (Laughs) I’m thinking 2010.
Q. In terms of sound are you keeping it in the country-rock vein of “Eden’’ or working on the album of covers of folks like Randy Newman and Leonard Cohen that you’ve mentioned in the past?
A. That’s going to come next. This is a country album. Some of it is very traditional and some of it is a bit left of center. I’m just exploring right now.
Q. Since you don’t have new material and just toured with the Eagles, how are you composing your set list?
A. There are certain things that I’m obligated to do. But outside of that, I’ve gone back into the vaults, so to speak, and I’m playing a few covers and I’m playing a couple of things off my last solo album. It’s kind of a seasonal tour. Fall is my favorite time of the year, Halloween, Thanksgiving. I love the mood that it creates, so we’re doing a few spooky songs.
Q. When you come back to Walden Woods, do you still take time to walk around and soak up the atmosphere?
A. I try to. I did a little bit of walking [last week]. It remains one of the most beautiful spots in America, I think. When I walk around those woods and remember what our original mission was, it gives me the strength and motivation to keep on going.
Q. What do you look forward to most about touring solo?
A. I’m looking forward to being the boss for a while and I’m looking forward to playing some different material. I love my band, the humor and joking around.
Q. You’re saying with a straight face that you’re not the boss of the Eagles?
A. Nope.
Q. Really?
A. No. People think I am, but I’m not.
Q. So it’s been Timothy B. Schmit calling the shots all along?
A. Not him either. (Laughs).
Q. Well, I know it isn’t Joe Walsh so you’re telling me it’s Glenn Frey?
A. No comment.
