The Eagles' Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 has surpassed Michael Jackson's Thriller to become the best-selling album of all time in the US, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The RIAA has certified the album 38x Platinum, accounting for sales and streams of more than 38 million copies since its release in February 1976. Thriller was most recently certified 33x platinum.
The band's 1976 follow-up Hotel California is now the third best-selling album of all time, certified 26x Platinum by the RIAA for sales and streams of more than 26 million copies.
“Congratulations to the Eagles, who now claim the jaw-dropping feat of writing and recording two of the top three albums in music history,” said Cary Sherman, chairman and CEO, RIAA. “Both of these transcendent albums have impressively stood the test of time, only gaining more currency and popularity as the years have passed, much like the Eagles themselves.
"As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program this year, it is only fitting that we can recognise the Eagles for their singular contribution to the history of American music.”
One of the top-selling acts of all time, the Eagles have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, have won six Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, their first year of eligibility.
The Eagles – Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Deacon Frey and Vince Gill – are currently on tour through October 2018.
