The legendary rock band Eagles performed a rare concert without guitarist Joe Walsh on January 24 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Walsh was sidelined by the flu, marking the first time the group has played a show without him since he joined in 1975. The band decided to proceed with the performance, opting against a cancellation.
Key Takeaways
- Eagles played without Joe Walsh for the first time since 1975.
- Walsh missed the show due to the flu.
- Vince Gill and Deacon Frey stepped in to cover Walsh's parts.
- The band held an emergency rehearsal to prepare for the show.
- Their compilation, Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, recently achieved quadruple diamond certification.
The Unexpected Absence of Joe Walsh
Don Henley addressed the Las Vegas audience, explaining the difficult decision the band faced. He revealed that upon learning of Walsh's illness, they had to choose between canceling the concert or performing without their long-time guitarist.
“We had a choice to make,” Henley told the fans. “We could either cancel the whole thing, or we could man up and do the show. So we came down here this afternoon and had an emergency rehearsal for two hours. And fortunately, in this band, we have a deep bench.”
Fast Fact
The Eagles' album Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 recently became the first album to achieve quadruple diamond certification from the RIAA, signifying over 40 million copies sold.Filling Big Shoes: Vince Gill and Deacon Frey Step Up
The band quickly adapted, relying on the talents of Vince Gill and Deacon Frey to cover Walsh's iconic guitar and vocal parts. Vince Gill, a long-time admirer of Walsh's work with the James Gang, took on vocal duties for classics like "Rocky Mountain Way" and "Life's Been Good."
Deacon Frey, son of founding member Glenn Frey, and guitarist Chris Holt shared the lead guitar responsibilities for "Hotel California." Frey notably performed the song's famous guitar solo. The band made only one song change, replacing "Funk #49" with "Best of My Love."
"He was sick last night," Don Henley said, referring to Walsh's attempt to perform the previous evening. "But he heroically made it through last of the show…Joe’s going to be okay. He just needs some time. Give him some love."
Walsh's Prior Attempt to Perform
Walsh had tried to perform the previous night's show, but his illness was already evident. He was absent from the stage during various points, and the band had to skip "Rocky Mountain Way" from the setlist. Henley praised Walsh for his dedication despite feeling unwell, assuring fans that the guitarist would recover with rest.
A Look Back: Joe Walsh Joins the Eagles
Historical Context
Joe Walsh officially joined the Eagles in 1975, replacing founding member Bernie Leadon. His arrival marked a significant shift in the band's sound, moving them further into a harder rock direction. Walsh's first official concert with the band took place on January 18, 1976, in Auckland, New Zealand, during the start of their Pacific tour.Walsh's integration into the Eagles was a pivotal moment for the band. His distinct rock sound complemented Don Felder's guitar work, creating a powerful dual-guitar attack that defined much of their later success, particularly on albums like Hotel California.
The band's management strategically introduced Walsh on an overseas tour to allow him to acclimate fully before returning to American stages. This move proved successful, solidifying his role within the group and contributing to their enduring legacy.
The Eagles' Enduring Legacy and Future Sphere Dates
The Eagles are currently performing at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with shows scheduled through the end of March. Their next performance is set for Friday, January 30. The band continues to enjoy immense popularity, underscored by recent achievements.
Their iconic compilation, Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, recently made history as the first album to receive quadruple diamond certification from the RIAA. This prestigious recognition signifies sales of more than 40 million copies, a testament to the album's timeless appeal and the band's widespread influence.
Milestones in Eagles History
- July 15, 1971: The band, without a name, makes its debut as Linda Ronstadt's backing group at Disneyland.
- April 6, 1974: They perform at the California Jam Festival in front of 200,000 fans, solidifying their reputation.
- August 1, 1978: A record-breaking crowd of over 65,000 attends their show at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota, despite a torrential downpour.
- July 31, 1980: The band experiences a dramatic on-stage implosion, leading to a hiatus.
- May 27, 1994: The Eagles reunite for their highly successful "Hell Freezes Over" tour, spanning three years and grossing over $250 million.
- December 31, 1999: Don Felder plays his final show with the band, later leading to a contentious split.
- January 15, 2014: The Eagles reopen the renovated Forum in Los Angeles, a venue deeply tied to their history.
- July 29, 2015: Glenn Frey performs his final public concert with the band before his passing in 2016.
- July 15, 2017: The Eagles return with a new lineup featuring Deacon Frey and Vince Gill.
The band's ability to navigate challenges, whether it's a member's illness or internal disputes, speaks to their resilience. Their current residency at the Sphere highlights their ongoing commitment to delivering memorable live experiences to their dedicated fanbase worldwide.