POD Recap: The Eagles @ The United Center

The United Center was filled to absolute capacity to catch the Eagles, and their spectacular opener, JD and the Straight Shot.

James Dolan is the creative behind the collective JD and the Straight Shot, and has proved to be a worthy opener for the legendary Eagles, so far on this tour. Entering on a very minimal backdrop they proceeded to draw the crowd completely into their show. Although the show started off subdued, they quickly ramped up the pace as well as the energy of their songs, and it was easy to tell that all six members of the band were excited to be performing to a sold-out crowd. Their mix of country, folk and blues provided just the right vibe for the atmosphere at the Madhouse on Madison. They performed several tracks off of their newest album Good Luck and Good Night, including standout, Redemption Train. Thanks to several previous appearances at Madison Square Garden, the band seemed completely prepared to belt out their hits to the sold-out crowd. Look out for their new album, as well as continued appearances on the tours for The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, and POD favorite, Chicago.

After that spectacular performance, one of the all time great Super Groups took the stage. Featuring a lineup that including founding members Don Henley, and Timothy Schmidt, the band also brought along Joe Walsh, country stawart Vince Gill, Will Henley (Son of Don Henley), and Deacon Frey, the son of the late Glenn Frey. While many believed the recent passing of Glenn Frey would see to the end of the Eagles touring days, the addition of his son Deacon seems to be a perfect fit. After the opening cover of Steve Young’s “Seven Bridges Road”, the band immediately dove into the hits, following up with “Take it Easy”, a song the newcomer Deacon Frey absolutely shined on as he performed the vocals and the rhythm guitar.

The band continued to pile on the hits as they played over 20 songs spanning throughout the decades of their storied career. Stand outs included “One of These Nights, and Tequila Sunrise”, both of which the band played while surrounded by amazing visuals of night skylines, and golden hour palm trees.

While the band has had it’s ups and downs, it’s safe to say that they are planning to either go out on top, or continue their legacy as one of the greatest stadium bands of all time. The crowd was treated to the ultimate encore at this show, a performance of “Hotel California”. While I never thought I would get a chance to hear this classic in person, the Eagles surprised me completely with a rendition that sounded every bit as good, if not better than the album cut.

Seeing as this band is on it’s second show of a tour that has over 50 shows, it seems the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have no clear end in sight. While a majority of the crowd may have probably seen them perform before, it’s absolutely amazing that they are continuing to enthrall sold out crowds, and spread their music to younger generations. This group of septuagenarians is putting out more energy than most of the 20-30 year olds I’ve seen perform in the last year. It’s still almost unbelievable that I got the chance to see them live in action, but I am forever grateful for it.