The Eagles’ success stems in part from their refusal to abandon rock radio since their inception. Even after the band had broken up for nearly a decade, the invention of classic rock meant that their songs were still being played on car radios all over the world. ‘Take It Easy‘ became a glorified anthem for the American spirit. The band never doubted their ability to deliver the classics. However, their first reunion was the most terrifying time the classic lineup had ever played together.
Before the band ever considered sharing the stage, they needed some type of inducement. Glenn Frey gave Steve Wozniak an image of a middle finger when asked if the Eagles would play the US Festival in 1983. So it’s not like he was anxious to return to his old habits just yet.
If anything, the band was having fun doing what they do best: making amazing tunes. Despite the weird melodies that emerged from their ventures, they never came close to replicating the majesty of their past. Don Henley may have come close with songs like ‘Boys of Summer‘ and ‘The End of Innocence‘. There was a point where everyone wanted back in again.
After country musician Travis Tritt posted a video of himself singing ‘Take It Easy’ with the rest of the band, plans to reunite the old band began to take shape. When the band launched a new set of MTV shows called Hell Freezes Over, Henley, and Frey even recorded a few songs for the album. This included the rocker ‘Get Over It‘.
It’s one thing to commit to tour dates, but the band recalled feeling tremendously nervous when they took the stage. People can become accustomed to performing on stage after a while. But the band still felt nervous as they walked out again.
Speaking about the event in History of the Eagles, guitarist Don Henley recalled there being a lot of suspense backstage to see if they could go back to that pure sound they loved. He said, “Being the first time we had played together again, there was a lot of terror.” The audience was with us and encouraged us, which was great, but it was difficult.” Perhaps those nerves worked to their benefit.
As Timothy B. Schmitt subsequently described, there was a moment when Henley went off-script. He added, “Everything was going great, except Henley forgot the words to one of the new songs.” Blanking in the middle of ‘Learn To Be Still’, Henley took it in stride. He made a wisecrack reference to comedian Tommy Smothers before starting over again.
The first gig is often the worst, and if a few blunders were the height of their worries, the band was about to enjoy some of their best shows yet. With everyone sober, the band became high on their music every time they stepped on stage. They harmonized wonderfully on songs like ‘Already Gone‘ and ‘Hotel California‘.
Even though the good times weren’t supposed to endure when Felder abruptly resigned during the tour, it didn’t appear to matter. The monarchs of California rock had risen from the grave. Despite their advanced age, they were ready to kick some ass again.
