As in previous posts I am once again moved again to write about a band that I recently saw in concert - The Eagles. Everyone has heard their music on the radio, perhaps you have even had a chance to see them in concert - they have been around FOREVER (or so it seems).
Back in 1971 they formed their band in LA - with the founding 4 members - Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner. As many bands do - the members change over time - they are now a six-member band - still with Don Henley, Deacon Frey (Glen’s son), Vince Gill, Joe Walsh, Timothy Schmit. The band has had 5 #1 singles, and 6 #1 albums, 6 Grammy’s, 5 American Music Awards. But what I always find inspirational is the fact that they are still touring at 50+ years later. 20somethings are attending the concerts and wearing their tee shirts from the 70’s. Did you know that Linda Ronstadt and her manager recruited Don Henley and Glenn Frey to play in her band? They later decided to form their own band and began putting together the talent and as they say in Hollywood - the rest is history. This is a group that has stood the test of time. Sure a few breaks in between, but who doesn’t need a break once and a while?
The energy and stamina that it takes to put on a 2.5-hour show, with guys that are mid 60’s-mid 70’s years young are incredible. The music still sounds magical, harmonized and still rockin’ the house down. Everyone is singing along - every word is a flashback from years past - summer nights, dreaming of California palm trees, and Winslow Arizona while ridin’ in a “flat bed Ford”, air guitaring to all parts of “Lyin’ Eyes”, every word to “Peaceful Easy Feeling” lip synced.
Their music has once again taken me into a different place and time. It’s that way, you can’t just sit there without running those past films over in your head. So many times, it brings a smile to your face and moves you, what else does that in your life? Sometimes books take you to an imaginary place, and art allows you to wonder if you could paint or sculpt something as beautiful, but I believe that music speaks to us in a way like nothing else can, like dreaming of a Hotel California night or remembering a sunset, you saw that looks just like that cover.
I just read that they are touring until 2025, their final tour. If you happen to get a chance to go to the concert, then go! “It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford.
Slowin' down to take a look at me. “
