In what was a reprise of the History of the Eagles show from less that a year ago, The Eagles took the stage triumphantly. After all it’s been 43 years (according to Don Henley). So the guys who virtually invented classic rock (honestly, I think it was classic before there was classic), turned in a well oiled, finely crafted performance worthy of the name.

Founding members Don Henley and Glenn Frey opened with a few of the songs that put them on the map, even giving a nod to Randy Meisner for penning Take it to the Limit, a signature song.

As the first set progressed, Bernie Leadon, Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh came out in basically the order in which they became an eagle. This was Leadon’s second stint with the band (the first goes back to the early 70’s). Finally, with Tequila Sunrise the full compliment has taken the stage and the pace began to pick up.

The second half of the first set blazed with hits like Already Gone, Best of My Love and Take it to the Limit.

After a break (taken for cell phone use and bathroom breaks) the band started up again with the greatly expanded band  total of 11 musicians tearing into all the favorites we’ve all come to know and love over the years. I noticed the ‘please remain seated’ admonition was violated with enthusiasm by the sellout 14,000 strong crowd.

Sure, ok, some of the highest notes were missing, but the backline singers managed to unobtrusively fill in with an uncanny expertise that left my mouth dropped more than once.

On a personal note, as a Don Henley fan I would have liked to hear Boys of Summer, but Those Shoes didn’t disappoint.

This was the 2nd to the last show before a well-earned vacation after which the tour picks back up again in Australia. Everyone should see The Eagles at least once so make your flight plans early. You’ll be telling your grandchildren about it.