Blog of James Goodhead

After thirty-four years of excellence, the Eagles have decided to start a Farewell Tour (Part I) as a tribute to the fine support given by their legions of followers over the decades. Yesterday, as a reward for finishing my Finals, Gemma and I saw the finest hybrid of country and bluesgrass instrumentation ever to have graced a music stage. As most farewells go, the Eagles provided a comprehensive set of music covering all their different styles and genres throughout the evening.

Take it Easy was played to start the evening. Unquestionably, the song electrified the arena and for anyone still speaking about the World Cup (this comment is mainly aimed at the group of cretins behind Gemma and I) were quickly drowned out. Take it Easy is a cheerful song filled with pure country rock. Further, it is a song that everyone can relate previous experiences to whether it is going on holiday or sitting in a park on a sunny day. The raptuous applause that followed the song was fitting and Don Henley certainly was pleased with the reception. Don stated that unlike the previous night at Twickenham there will be no support act so there will be more tracks from their many albums throughout the evening.

After a couple more tracks from the album Take it Easy, the sinewy and slightly aggressive rock stance of One of These Nights filled the arena. Joe Walsh who joined the band in place of Bernie Leadon in 1975 started playing the guitar tremendously well. Before this song, a guest guitarist Stuart Smith had been playing the guitar solo’s to a mixed reception from the Wembley Arena. However, Joe’s personality shone through when playing the electric guitar and the whole audience stood up to applaud his unique skill. The very popular New Kid in Town from the 1976 album Hotel California was played followed by In the City, which let Joe Walsh explore his gravelling and high-pitched voice. This was the closest the Eagles came to the music from the utterly infamous Bee gees. The Eagles illustrate how to do a track of this nature properly whilst the Bee gees show how certainly not to do it.

A small intermission was called for by the band after an hour of playing. I was interrupted mid-conversation discussing the great musicianship and togetherness of the Eagles by Tequilla Sunrise, which followed the 10 minute interval. The Eagles have a voluminous amount of tracks that are instantly recognisable and likeable and Tequilla Sunrise is certainly one of these.  After another track from the album The Long Run, the Eagles played the September 11th-themed Hole in the World. Don explained the Eagles were meeting to discuss a new album, which was pre-arranged for 11 September 2001. After the tragic events, the Eagles decided to cancel their meeting and instead wrote Hole in the World. The song verges on gospel music and describes their wishes and aspirations for the World ‘There’s a hole in the world tonight. There’s a Cloud of fear and sorrow. There’s a hole in the world tonight. Don’t let there be a hole in the world tomorrow.’  Don also hoped the next President of the USA would be wiser, which the majority of the audience nodded approvingly to.

The affectionately nicknamed ‘credit card song’ Take it To the Limit was played to start the Status Quo-esque rock section of the show. This was my least favourite part of the show, mainly due to my musical preferences, however, before I started to wander off, Heartache Tonight played followed by Life in the Fast Lane. Joe Walsh’s guitar riff to start Life in the Fast Lane is surely one of the most memorable and pleasing to hear. By this time, the whole audience were on their feet swaying as one to each and every beat of the song. After the track, to everyone’s utter disbelief the Eagle’s left the stage. The following en-core shouts, stamping on the ground and screams from the audience were some of the loudest I have ever heard. If the people in front of me are reading this blog, I would like to apologise profusely for causing temporary deafness you certainly would have experienced.

Before a riot erupted, the most crisp and beautiful bars from the trumpeter (dressed appropriately in a Mexican hat) started playing. I truly enjoy listening to solely one instrument be it the trumpet, saxophone or piano, melodically filling an arena. After a two minute solo, the never forgetable Hotel California was played. The audience response and interaction was just incredible and it truly was some of the finest minutes of live muisic I have ever heard. If this wasn’t enough, Desperado was then performed. Again, the song started with only one instrument, being the piano. Then the slow, powerful and meaningful voice from the Eagles frontman combined with creative and truthful lyrics ’Don’t you draw the queen of diamonds, boy. She’ll beat you if she’s able, you know the queen of hearts is always your best bet’ was a perfect finish to a complete set from one of the most accomplished, respected and famous bands that there probably will ever be. After three hours of live music from the Eagles, I have hundreds of memories to carry forward and eagerly look forward to their Farewell (Part II) Tour!