On March 3, 2020 Beth surprised me by buying tickets to see the Eagles at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. The concert was to be April 4, 2020 at 8:00 pm. On March 24, 2020 we were sent an email stating that due COVID19 the concert was delayed until October 17, 2020. On May 1, 2020 we received further notice that the concert was further postponed until October 2, 2021.
We were offered a full refund and it was a seriously considered. Why? Well, the age of the band members for one. Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Steven B. Schmit are all in their 70s. COVID19 complications are worse for those over 65. Would they make it one year without losing a key member or just decide the risk is not worth the effort? Anything was possible on this front.
The decision was made to keep the tickets and take our chances. This concert is a chance for R Dub to check two boxes off his bucket list. Vince Gill was added to the band for his high tenor vocals and his awesome guitar work. I’ve always wanted to see both the Eagles and Vince Gill. No brainer, as they say. Take our chances and keep the tickets, hoping for the best.
The best was what we got. Thank goodness.
One year passed quickly. Beth reserved a hotel within walking distance of the XCEL Energy center and off we go for another adventure. It was worth every penny spent and all of the worry expended wondering whether or not the event would actually take place.
The XCEL Energy Center is the home of the Minnesota Stars NHL team. Our seats were in section 104, row 1, seats 5 & 6. If you are familiar with this venue you may be interested in knowing that that is the home team penalty box! We wouldn’t have know that on our own. The usher who guided us to our seats informed us of this novel fact.
The concert? It exceeded our expectations. The opening number of the 2021 Hotel California tour was…Hotel California. R Dub could not have been more stoked. I expected to need to wait until the encores to hear this tune. To hear it right out of the gates set the stage for a great night of live karaoke without a lyrics monitor. But really, who needs a lyrics monitor for Eagles tunes!
While driving up to The Cities from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin four Eagles songs played on Pandora. Hotel California, Life In The Fast Lane, New Kid in Town and The Last Resort. The first three songs of the concert? Hotel California, New Kid in Town, and Life In The Fast Lane. The last song of the first set? The Last Resort! Coincidence? I think not.
My two favorite Eagles tunes? Hotel California which led off the concert and Seven Bridges Road which led off the second set. I’m a sucker for harmony and the Eagles excel at harmonies. Adding Vince Gill strengthened this attribute.
Vince Gill was utilized vocally with his high tenor back ups and featured in several tunes. Specifically; New Kid in Town, Lyin’ Eyes, Peaceful Easy Feeling, and Tequila Sunrise. More importantly, the Eagles let Vince do what he does best, play guitar. I typed that this concert checked off two boxes on my bucket list, but to be honest, it makes me long to see Vince again in his element.
Added to the last two tours with Gill is Glen Frey’s son Deacon Frey whose vocals and guitar are featured in Already Gone. Deacon holds is own on stage with a heavy weight group of musicians and song writers. Don Henley placed Deacon front and center stage, exactly where his father Glen always stood.
Most songs featured the voice of founding member and front man Don Henley. But this was a stage full of good voices with great harmony. All and all, probably my most expensive evening of live karaoke ever. Beth had her camera set on live photos. My voice could be heard singing along on just about every “shot.”
The Eagles frown on recording video during the show. While her photos my not be technically video, we will not risk posting them.
I will be keeping an eye on Vince’s solo tour dates after this tour is over. The 18 months in limbo was well worth the wait.
Ron's Ramblings 