Eagles Kick Off “History Of The Eagles Tour” In Louisville

When The KFC Yum Center held their grand opening in 2010, the Eagles were chosen to christen the arena. The band returned Saturday to begin their History of the Eagles Tour, a tour co-founder Don Henley hinted could be their last.

The first set of the show seemed to follow the timeline of the band. Beginning with remaining original members Henley and Glenn Frey playing a rare acoustic number, “Saturday Night.” Original member guitarist Bernie Leadon,who left in 1975, then joined the two for a rare live version of “Train Leaves Here This Morning.”

“Peaceful Easy Feeling” brought bassist Timothy B Schmit to stage. It was not until the fourth song, “Witchy Woman” that the entire band appeared. Joe Walsh, an Eagle since 1975, received a warm greeting when he joined the group on stage.

The Eagles appeared excited to see the sold-out arena — Schmit thanked the audience stating, “It’s great to start a tour with a sold-out audience.”

Don Henley mentioned former original member Randy Meisner, who left in 1977. “Randy is recovering from some health issues, we wish him a speedy recovery.” Don Felder, a member from 1974 through 2000 who co-wrote “Hotel California, was not mentioned.

The show was mellower than previous reunions. Those shows featured both Eagles hit music and carved out time to spotlight the band members’ individual solo careers. It appeared that Henley and Frey decided this show was to be about the band’s long history.

Joe Walsh was the only member to play his solo material. His past hit, “Life’s Been Good ” was a great change of pace and brought needed energy to the show. “Funk 49” from Walsh’s band the James Gang was a standout. Walsh’s guitar solos on “Those Shoes,” “Hotel California” and “Rocky Mountain Way” highlighted the show.

The band was tight and Schmit, Frey and Henley’s vocals were strong. The backing band and sound system was excellent. This was also the premier of the band’s new stage filled with great lighting and videos of the Hall of Fame band’s long career.

Set List:
Saturday Night
(Don Henley and Glenn Fry only)
Train Leaves Here This Morning
(Don Henley, Glenn Fry and Bernie Leadon)
Peaceful Easy Feeling
(Don Henley, Glenn Fry, Bernie … more)
Witchy Woman
(Full band)
Doolin-Dalton
Tequila Sunrise
Doolin’-Dalton/Desperado (Reprise)
Already Gone
The Best of My Love
Lyin’ Eyes
One of These Nights
Take It to the Limit
Set Two
Wasted Time (Reprise)
Pretty Maids All in a Row
I Can’t Tell You Why
New Kid in Town
Love Will Keep Us Alive
Heartache Tonight
Those Shoes
In the City
(Joe Walsh song)
Life’s Been Good
(Joe Walsh song)
The Long Run
Funk #49
(James Gang cover)
Life in the Fast Lane

Encore:
Hotel California
Encore 2:
Take It Easy
(with Bernie Leadon)
Rocky Mountain Way
(Joe Walsh song) (with Bernie Leadon)
Desperado
(with Bernie Leadon)