The Eagles singer/drummer Don Henley has defended the band's decision to strike a distribution deal with U.S. supermarket chain Wal-Mart.

The group's new album, Long Road Out Of Eden, will be sold exclusively through the retailers in North America, but the band has been criticized for working with the supermarket giant due to Henley's credentials as a long-time environmental activist.

The new album also includes critical references to American consumerism and big business - with many fans accusing The Eagles of hypocrisy.

But Henley is convinced their relationship with Wal-Mart can help in the fight for green issues.

He says, "You would have thought we made a deal with the devil. We caught plenty of flak. Some of my environmental friends are a little upset because we made this deal. But on the other hand, I have a direct line now to the CEO of Wal-Mart. We're certainly making our feelings known in terms of ecological stewardship and some of the practices of big business that are undesirable and wasteful."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)