For those who were fortunate enough to attend the Atlanta stop on the Eagles’ ‘Hotel California Tour,’ on Friday, March 4th at State Farm Arena, they were privy to an unapparelled experience — one that challenged perceptions of what it means to be old — and young. Though the show primarily appealed to a decidedly mature audience (with notable exceptions), this extraordinary and evergreen group of musicians, with more classic hits than most fully realize, had something for everyone to love.
The show began in theatrical fashion, as a somewhat ghostly, aged bellhop, in a cape and porter’s hat, walked to the side of the stage, to a small vignette — purposely shabby and deco-inspired — with a vintage Hotel California record in his gloved hand. He blew the dust off of the viny relic, and set it on an equally antiquated record player, dropping the needle as the curtain rose and a neon “Hotel California” sign illuminated the surrounding area.
The band’s Atlanta line-up included co-founder Don Henley, rocker Joe Walsh, bassist Timothy B. Schmit, as well as an interesting (and ultimately brilliant) choice to replace the late Glenn Frey: country star Vince Gill. Additionally, Scott F. Crago backed up Henley on drums, Stuart Smith played lead and rhythm guitar, Will Hollis took the keyboards and synthesizers, and Michael Thompson rounded out the supporting players on a candelabra-embellished piano – very much in the spirit of the gothic hotel vibe.
Henley began the haunting and iconic song behind the drum kit. The white-haired elder statesmen, in a crisp white shirt and black leather vest, sang as he might have when the album was introduced in 1977. Still in excellent voice at 74, he was (predictably) greeted with the adulation he has certainly earned over his impressive, 50+ year career.
The enormous, multimedia screen made for a dramatic backdrop. The visual narrative led concertgoers through multiple doors and dimly-lit hallways, creating a slightly menacing feeling. Any sense of dread was alleviated, however, by the band’s pristine harmonies. This alchemy of voices could only be created by men who have sung together so long, they sound as if they are a single entity. Walsh, Schmit and Gill were also resplendent in effortlessly-elegant black. They may be, by any objective measure — old men — but they are likely the coolest old men any of us will ever encounter.
Next up, was “New Kid in Town” (literally and figuratively), sung by Vince Gill, who at 64 was the “youngster” of the group. He has big shoes to fill, but he rose to the challenge, as he made the song his own, playing the first guitar solo of the evening. Atlanta fans, who clearly love their country music, gave him the night’s first standing “O”. In his black fedora and long black coat, he fit in so well, you’d never know he had only joined the band in 2017.
The group proceeded to perform their best-known album from beginning to end. The virsiosity of these men made anyone who was old enough to remember Don Felder, who was unceremoniously dumped from the band in 2001, quickly, and completely forget his presence. His nemesis, Joe Walsh, shredded his guitar solos with aplomb, as did touring guitarist Stuart Smith, who began the concert with the quintessential late-‘70s instrument: the double-neck axe. These men were able to perfectly replicate the quality of sound of the original album, allowing listeners fully appreciate the Eagles’ musical artistry.
The Eagles masterfully traveled through California’s first side — ending with “Wasted Time”, as Don Henley shared the stage with a massive — and moving — string section, courtesy of Atlanta Studio Orchestra, as he sang the soulful, and melancholy ballad.
“Side B” was introduced by a sultry blonde, a symbol of another age — in a classic-Hollywood black dress — who suddenly appeared onstage (much the same way as the bellhop), flipping the record over. Eagles continued their trip through our collective memories, with a reprise of “Wasted Time”, then “Victim of Love”, and a Joe Walsh favorite, “Pretty Maids All in a Row”. Walsh, by far the most epically “Rock and Roll” member of the group, didn’t disappoint. In his long black jacket, leather pants and boots, he cut a striking figure, never missing a note or guitar lick.
Closing out the album portion of the show was “Try and Love Again” and the apropos, “Last Resort”, which saw the return of the orchestra, this time with the gospel choral accompaniment of Georgia Tech’s Chamber Choir, appearing as angels with white robes and heavenly voices.
Following a short intermission, the musicians returned with many of their additional hits, beginning with the acapella with acoustic opening of “Seven Bridges Road”. In addition to the contrasting sound, the men also had a clothing change – now in decidedly more relaxed jeans and chambray shirts, personifying the ‘California country’ attitude that is truly the DNA of the band.
Later, Timothy B. Schmit, still with his signature long (now silver) mane, finally had his solo moment with “Peaceful Easy Feeling” – originally voiced by Frey. The lyrics naturally flowed from his lovely tenor voice. A man who seemed content just to be part of the team.
The longer the Eagles performed, the more one was reminded of the beauty and craftsmanship woven through each song. Their style and breath of genre, reflects the American Zeitgeist; from Bluegrass to Blues, Rock to Disco, and Gospel to Motown.
One of the more surprising aspects of the show was the generosity the members showed each other, allowing them to play songs from their solo efforts — once a source of consternation among them. Walsh played a rousing rendition of “Life’s Been Good”, which, with his time-tempered voice and electrifying guitar solo, brought the audience to its feet. “If I knew I’d have to play this song all this time, I may have written it differently,” he joked. He later gave a salute the James Gang with “Funk #49”, then his own “Rocky Mountain Way”, for the first song of the encore.
Also, during the encore, Don Henley shared his biggest solo hit, “Boys of Summer”, to the delight of all of the crowd. Then came, “Desperado”, and finally, “The Best of My Love”, which seemed to be a love letter to their many, enduring fans.
One may see these men as somewhat grizzled, septuagenarians — but if you close your eyes, you can easily travel back in time, when they were at their hottest and most celebrated. It was inspiring to hear these immensely talented artists and still be thoroughly entertained by them. They are truly part of the tapestry of our American culture, no matter what our age or beliefs. Each of us were able to take — as Henley so eloquently put it — a “three-hour vacation from the world and its troubles,” and that’s something we can all agree on.
Set List:
HOTEL CALIFORNIA
- Hotel California
- New Kid in Town
- Life in the Fast Lane
- Wasted Time
- Wasted Time Reprise
- Victim of Love
- Pretty Maids All in a Row
- Try and Love Again
- The Last Resort
Intermission
GREATEST HITS:
- Seven Bridges Road
- Take it Easy
- One of These Nights
- Take it to the Limit
- Peaceful Easy Feeling
- Tequila Sunrise
- Witchy Woman
- In the City
- I Can’t Tell You Why
- Lyin’ Eyes
- Those Shoes
- Life’s Been Good (Joe Walsh song)
- Already Gone
- Funk #49 (James Gang /Joe Walsh song)
- Heartache Tonight
ENCORE:
- Rocky Mountain Way (Joe Walsh song)
- Desperado
- The Boys of Summer (Don Henley song)
- Best of My Love
