Eagles Showcase Legendary Career During Opry House Debut

Pictured (L-R): Timothy B. Schmit, Vince Gill, Don Henley, Deacon Frey, Joe Walsh, and Steuart Smith perform SiriusXM presents the Eagles in their first concert at the Grand Ole Opry House on Oct. 29, 2017 in Nashville.

From the opening notes of “Seven Bridges Road” to the closing number “Desperado,” the Eagles’ concert Sunday night (Oct. 29) at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House was a display of transcendent harmonies, timeless songwriting and expert performance chops. The occasion marked the band’s first time playing the legendary venue, during a private event for SiriusXM.

Longtime Eagles Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit were joined by Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Vince Gill, and Deacon Frey, son of late band member Glenn Frey. Deacon and Gill have been performing with the band during 2017, alternating lead vocals on songs traditionally performed by Glenn. Gill called the opportunity “one of the great thrills of my life…They’ve been heroes of mine.” He dedicated “New Kid In Town” to Deacon, who in turn gave strong renditions of “Take It Easy” and “Already Gone.”

Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill and Don Henley

Streaming live on SiriusXM, the concert rolled on with hit after hit: “Tequila Sunrise,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “I Can’t Tell You Why.”

Henley recalled writing their first No. 1, “Best Of My Love,” with Frey and J.D. Souther during the early Seventies in Laurel Canyon. (Today Souther calls Nashville home.)

(L-R): Don Henley and Deacon Frey

Walsh brought epic guitar jams to “Life In The Fast Lane,” as well as his solo hits “Life’s Been Good” and “In The City.” He told the audience, “In the Seventies, every night was Halloween for us.” By contrast, Henley did not perform his solo material.

Reba McEntire, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, and Ronnie Dunn lined the pews alongside members of the music industry—all were enthralled by the veteran entertainers.

The concert will air on SiriusXM’s “Hotel California,” the limited-run channel launching in mid November.