Eagles at United Center in Chicago

22 Mar, 2018 John Kosiewicz Concert Reviews, Rock

Eagles - Photo credit: John Kosiewicz

As the spot lights shined down on the stage giving a glimpse of six silhouetted figures, the Eagles kicked off the night with their stunning harmonies covering “Seven Bridges Road” by Steve Young. The song emphasized that the harmonies of the band were still spot on, despite the loss of Glenn Frey two years ago.

On March 14, 2018, legendary band, the Eagles, soared into Chicago for one sold out performance at United Center, along with supporting artist, JD & The Straight Shot. “An Evening with the Eagles” initial state date for 2018 was slated to kick-off in Chicago. However, due to the overwhelming response for the original announced Eagles’ 2018 tour dates, additional shows were added, making the kick off on March 12 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The band’s updated line-up includes long time members: Don Henley on lead and backing vocals, drums, percussion and rhythm guitar; Joe Walsh on lead and rhythm guitars, keyboards, backing and lead vocals; and Timothy B. Schmit on bass guitar, backing and lead vocals. Additional members on stage, Deacon Frey (son of the late Glenn Frey) on vocals and rhythm guitar; Vince Gill on vocals and rhythm guitar; and Steuart Smith on guitars, mandolin, and backing vocals, plus a mix of many other on-stage support. Not only was the Frey family carried on with Deacon, but the Henley family as well. Don Henly introduced, “In the back is my son, carrying on the family tradition.” Schmidt was confined to a chair with his leg propped up, as he nursed a leg injury after falling in the hotel shower the night before. He mentioned that it was “One of those… help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up. I was not happy and thought I wasn’t going to make tonight, but here I am”, then proceeded to sing, “I Can’t Tell You Why.”

You can say that Joe Walsh had connections to the Chicago area. He lived in Evanston when he was about 5. In addition, he used to fill in for the Steve & Garry radio show, logging many hours on WLUP. Walsh made a quick mention about being sad with WLUP radio station going off the air. He then dedicated his song, “Life’s Been Good” to Steve Dahl, stating, “This is for my buddy Steve Dahl. This one’s for you Steve.”
For most artists, ending a concert with an encore of a great song like “Hotel California” would be enough. However, the Eagles aren’t most bands. They returned to the stage for a second encore, with Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way,” then followed by Henley singing “Desperado” to close the night out.

Chicago, if you missed this show, you’ll have another opportunity when they return to the United Center this fall on October 15, 2018. You can find the latest information and tour dates on their website at: Eagles.com