A few weeks ago, the news broke that Glenn Frey passed away. I meant to write something about his death, but outside influences kept me from it. Then, we watched the Grammy Awards and the tribute with the Eagles and Jackson Browne. Again, I meant to write something, but outside influences kept me from it. Now, it is a quiet Sunday night, and the chance to write has finally arrived.
When I heard about the death of Glenn Frey, my mind went to the first time I saw the Eagles in concert. They were one of my favorite bands, and everyone knew that they would never go on tour. However, I always told myself that I was going to see them if they ever reunited. Then, Hell froze over, and they went on the Hell Freezes Over tour.
I got second row tickets to see them at Starwood Amphitheater and could not wait for the show. I would finally see the Eagles. Then, disaster struck. They postponed a bunch of concerts, including the one in Nashville. I could not remember why they postponed the shows, but, upon Glenn Frey’s death, I read that it was due to his illness. It would be the same medical issue that would eventually cost him his life.
When the show was postponed, many people assumed that it would be cancelled and were refunded for their tickets. I refused to do that. The tickets were too good to let go. I kept them for months before hearing that the show would go on, and it was an awesome show. They opened by playing the entire Hotel California album.
As the years passed, the Eagles went on more tours, and I saw them a couple of more times. The last concert was a journey through their history with original members coming back to play with later members. However, nothing would compare with seeing that first show and hearing them open with the guitar notes of “Hotel California” as fake lightning flashed behind them.
The Eagles are my favorite band, and Glenn Frey was one of the driving forces behind their music. He will be missed.
As I have been writing this, Eagles songs have been going through my mind. I think I will end this post by listing my Top 5 Eagles songs. Since, “Hotel California” usually dominates such a list, I will leave that one out.
- “Wasted Time” – The last track on Side 1 of the Hotel California album. It was released in 1976.
- “Lyin’ Eyes” – The second single from the One of These Nights album. It was released in 1975.
- “Pretty Maids All in a Row” – The third track on Side 2 of the Hotel California album. It was released in 1976.
- “Seven Bridges Road” – Appeared on the Eagles Live concert album. It was released in 1980.
- “Witchy Woman” – The second single from Eagles, their debut album. It was released in 1972.
Over the weekend, my wife and I went to the Country Music Hall of Fame. I mention that because I believe the Eagles should be inducted.
What are your favorite songs by the Eagles?
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
“Seven Bridges Road” tops the list for me.
It’s a great one.
Hotel California is full of memories.
It’s it my true favorite.
I love ‘The Last Resort’, but ‘Seven Bridges Road’ is one of my fave among their lesser-known stuff. ‘The Sad Cafe’ seems all the more poignant with the loss of Glenn.
I forgot about The Sad Cafe.
Loved Desperados … lots of early stuff.
What can you say? One of top groups of all time.
No doubt. One of the best ever.