In a rare and unusual criminal trial set to open Wednesday, three men are facing charges of conspiracy to possess stolen property in relation to handwritten lyrics from the iconic Eagles album "Hotel California." The defendants, rare-book dealer Glenn Horowitz, former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator Craig Inciardi, and memorabilia seller Edward Kosinski, have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial has attracted attention due to the involvement of Eagles band member Don Henley, who is expected to testify during breaks in the band's tour.

The dispute over the handwritten lyrics, which include drafts from songs like "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," and "New Kid in Town," began when writer Ed Sanders, who was working on an authorized Eagles biography, sold the pages to Horowitz. The pages were then sold to Inciardi and Kosinski, leading to a legal battle over their ownership. Henley has stated that the pages were stolen and never given to Sanders for the biography.

The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired to obscure the ownership of the documents, despite knowing that Henley claimed they were stolen. The defense, however, maintains that Henley voluntarily provided the lyrics to Sanders and that the documents were obtained legally. The trial will delve into the band's creative process and the fast-paced lifestyle of 70s rock stardom, offering a glimpse into the making of one of rock's most beloved albums.

The trial has also raised questions about the legality of the wheeling and dealing surrounding valuable collectibles and memorabilia. While disputes over such items are common, criminal trials like this one are rare. The defense has suggested that Henley may have pursued criminal charges instead of a civil suit in order to avoid the burden of proof required in a civil case. The prosecution, however, maintains that the defendants are the ones on trial and must be held accountable for their actions. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for the world of rock memorabilia and the ownership of valuable artifacts from music history.