Review: Eagles at the NIA Birmingham
Then the plaintive strains of a trumpet and the cover of best-selling album Hotel California projected on the back screen signalled that record’s title track, and the first of several standing ovations of the night.
‘Give the people what they want’ seems to be the Eagles’ motto so the rest of the hour long first half saw the likes of Witchy Woman, Lyin’ Eyes and Peaceful Easy Feeling given an airing, with each member taking a turn on lead vocals.
The second half had a mellow opening as the quartet perched on stools for a semi acoustic session of three more new songs, then Love Will Keep Us Alive and Take It To The Limit.
Then there was a surprise contender for gig highlight as Long Road Out Of Eden, the song, was rolled out as an eight minute epic, complete with thought-provoking news footage on the big screen.
After another huge ovation the favourites came thick and fast - ‘Crazy’ Joe Walsh wearing a ‘helmet cam’ for Life’s Been Good, a frantic Dirty Laundry from Don Henley and a terrific Heartache Tonight fronted by Frey.
Even after two and a half hours there was an appetite for more and Take It Easy and Desperado, sung by Henley under a single spotlight, didn’t disappoint as an encore.
Eagles play the NIA again tonight.
Rating: ****
