Opening this tremendous live concert with the classic country-rock Take It Easy, the hooky How Long, and the gorgeous Tequila Sunrise, the British Illegal Eagles deliver the sounds of American super-group The Eagles meticulously, stylishly and flawlessly.
The original Eagles wrote and performed sophisticated insightful narrative songs with intricate vocal harmonies, subtle chord structures, and catchy instrumental licks – this multi-talented six-piece band nails those tricky numbers perfectly.
This is the Illegal Eagles’ 20th anniversary tour, currently performing 140-dates, and the first set features early Eagles’ material – the unusual wistful Train Leaves Here This Morning, the beautiful Peaceful Easy Feeling, and the edgy Witchy Woman.
As the Eagles’ style turned rockier, this tight tribute band explores the harder sounds of One Of These Nights, the catchy Already Gone, and the bittersweet ballad in 3/4 time Take It To The Limit.
The highlight of the show is The Eagles’ anthem – the eight-verse, 32-line perceptive analysis of infidelity Lyin’ Eyes.
Unfortunately, like many current shows, the wonderful music was interrupted by “selfie” photos, mentions of social media, and endless plugging of “the merchandise store”.
Among six superb musicians, particularly outstanding is Garreth Hicklin on piano, keyboards, electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, saxophone, as well as lead and harmony vocals. (And his Dad Pete played in a band touring Germany with me!)
The standing ovation encore included the funky, chunky Life In The Fast Lane.
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