Eagles Bring ‘The Long Goodbye’ To Nashville With Hit-Filled Celebration
Eagles. Photo: Chloe Weir
More than 50 years after the band first formed, the Eagles proved Saturday night (May 9) at Nashville’s FirstBank Stadium that their catalog remains as powerful as ever. As part of “The Long Goodbye, Act III” tour, the legendary group delivered a nearly two-hour masterclass in harmony-driven rock, balancing timeless hits with solo spotlights and fan-favorite deep cuts.
Opening with the unmistakable acoustic intro of “Hotel California,” the band immediately set the tone for an evening rooted in nostalgia elevated by pristine musicianship. From there, they moved seamlessly into “One of These Nights” and “Lyin’ Eyes,” with the crowd loudly singing along to every chorus.
Vince Gill’s soaring vocals shined on “Take It to the Limit,” while “Witchy Woman” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” showcased the group’s enduring harmonies. “Tequila Sunrise” brought a laid-back California warmth to the stadium before Joe Walsh took center stage for a spirited performance of “In the City.”
Timothy B. Schmit delivered one of the night’s most emotional moments with “I Can’t Tell You Why,” followed by the reflective “New Kid in Town.” The band’s famed vocal blend reached another level during “Seven Bridges Road,” which earned one of the evening’s loudest ovations.
The second half of the set leaned into the individual legacies of the band members. Walsh injected humor and swagger into “Life’s Been Good,” while “Already Gone” brought the energy back up before Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” turned the massive crowd into a singalong. Walsh then unleashed a fiery rendition of “Funk #49,” helping propel the band into the hard-driving “Life in the Fast Lane.”
The encore delivered exactly what longtime fans hoped for. “Take It Easy” transformed the stadium into a communal chorus, while Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” highlighted the guitarist’s enduring charisma and slide guitar work. The emotional weight of “Desperado” provided a reflective moment before the Eagles closed the evening triumphantly with “Heartache Tonight.”
“The Long Goodbye Act III” will continue tomorrow (May 13) in Hollywood, Florida before wrapping on May 16 in Arlington, Texas. The band will also perform again at The Sphere on Sept. 18 and 19, and Nov. 13, 14, 27, and 28.
