bank of keyboards stuck in an alcove off the side of the stage. The rock. But they quickly eclipsed most of the groups they admired, tak-dark, quiet arena felt surreal from this vantage point. ing country rock mainstream with hits like “Take It Easy,” “Peaceful
Solters pointed out five high-tech video cameras that film every Easy Feelin’,” “Tequila Sunrise” and “Take It to the Limit.”
show. In a room off the winding hallway, deep in the bowels of the Clearly, fans in North Carolina remembered these songs.
arena, a series of monitors displayed every camera image while a Anytime they were given the opportunity, the crowd sang choruses
video team discussed what kind of lighting changes and camera in unison, lighters aglow.
placement would work best for this show. However, the Eagles’ repertory was never limited to country rock.
“Our bus and truck drivers are sleeping now, so that after Henley has described the band as a “musical mutt” with a diverse
tonight’s show, when all the gear comes down and is loaded, they can palate. While R&B, folk, bluegrass, blues and soul influences are evi-drive through the night to the next venue,” explains Solters. “When dent on their earlier albums, a real hard-rock edge emerged with their
they arrive, the crew members go to work and it all starts over. And 1976 release, Hotel California. Many attribute the rock influence to
there you have it, a day in the life of an Eagles tour.” Walsh (see sidebar), who replaced Leadon in 1975.
After plying an amiable guitar tech with as many questions “A lot of people shook their heads at first, trying to figure out
about the Eagles’ gear as I thought he’d tolerate, I finally took my how I would fit in with Eagles. But we had a pretty good idea it would
seat for the concert. all work out,” recalls Walsh, who was, and is, known for his electric-guitar work and a quirky sense of humor.
Show time Again, if audience reaction is any indication, things are still
The anticipation in the sold-out venue was palpable, which, “working out.” When Walsh took the mike for “Life’s Been Good,”
given the fact that North Carolina State had lost to Duke in college the entire audience sang along.
basketball playoffs earlier that night, was quite impressive. If you As the Eagles age, their audience just seems to increase. Fans in
know how North Carolinians feel about college basketball, you their 50s and 60s who came of age with the Eagles during the 1970s
know the aforementioned blustery night, which by concert time mingled with those in their 30s and 40s, who seemed to connect with
had become a full-blown storm, was merely a result of regional songs from the solo careers of Frey, Henley and Walsh that first hit
depression over the loss. the airwaves in the 1980s. There were also plenty of teens and 20-
But when the lights dimmed, basketball and weather ceased to somethings who became acquainted with the Eagles through classic-exist as the building erupted in cheers. Dark figures took the stage. rock stations or their parents’ music collection.
Then, as Walsh played the opening guitar licks of the first song, “The How long will the winds of popular music keep the Eagles soar-Long Run,” the lights flashed. ing? We’ll find out in the long run. C
The Eagles have indeed had a
long run. Drummer Henley and
guitarist/pianist Frey have been
the main creative writing team
throughout the band’s existence.
When they first teamed up with
guitarist Bernie Leadon (who
also plays phenomenal banjo)
and bassist Randy Meisner, who
have since left the band, they
were drawn to a type of music
that was gaining popularity in
The Eagles’ “Farewell 1” tour includes a horn section,
extensive percussion and other support musicians who
add subtle textures on some Eagles classics and a
hearty R&B flavor on others.
Southern California.
Early on, the Eagles emulated bands such as Poco and
The Flying Burrito Brothers,
who were forerunners of an
emerging genre called country
