The Eagles appeared to have disbanded when founding member Glenn Frey passed in 2016. Fortunately for the remaining band members, Frey’s son Deacon and millions of adoring fans, the Eagles rose like a Phoenix following a tribute during the 58th Annual Grammy awards and a pair of concert events a year later. During their near-capacity show at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Thursday, they paid tribute to Frey with Deacon and country megastar Vince Gill effectively filling in for Glenn.
Performing without an opening act, the remaining members Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmidt and Joe Walsh stretched along the edge of the stage alongside Deacon Frey, Vince Gill and Steuart Smith. Don Henley’s son, Will, and a cast of at least a dozen additional touring members, joined in to complete the ensemble and the more than 17,000 fans in attendance gleefully rose to their feet. For the next two-and-a-half hours, the Eagles worked through an anthology of favorites that exceeded all expectations.
Deacon took the honor of lead vocals on the Eagles first single, “Take It Easy,” blowing through any trepidation fans might have had while the artistic offspring seemed to overcome a mild case of the nerves. He was more settled on “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone.” Vince Gill had no such limitations as he effortlessly worked through “Take It to the Limit” and “Tequila Sunrise” early into the set. He also flashed his personable side when he could not control his laughter when Henley introduced him to the crowd, adding, “Vince and I shared cheese curds before the show, so if you hear any funny noises coming from the stage that’s what it is.”
The lack of Glenn Frey’s signature voice was a short-lived consideration, his painful loss was still present but his son’s prideful moments on stage were uplifting. Otherwise, it was the Eagles—Henley’s dry humor, the always quirky Walsh and exquisite vocal harmonies coupled with flawless musicianship.
They’ve always been an unofficial supergroup, their successful solo careers coming well after their combined success. And, regardless of their individual accomplishments, the Eagles were always greater than the sum of its parts. Those parts did get a chance to shine during the show. Walsh performed “In the City,” the biographic “Life’s Been Good,” “Rocky Mountain Way" and James Gang cover “Funk #49.” Henley added “The Boys of Summer,” while Gill showcased his fretwork on his hit “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away.”
Given the nostalgic sing-alongs, particularly during rocker “Life in the Fast Lane,” pristine “Hotel California” and country-tinged “Desperado” to close the night, the Eagles continue to soar.
