I recall being young (single figures in age) and a backseat passenger in a Morris Minor, hearing many Eagles songs played on the radio or cassette. Not only did Eagles music hook you in, but fans of any age could sing-along to them. Not that I probably understood everything I was singing – but sing them, I did.
My love affair with Eagles songs was solidified by the movie clips my overactive imagination created while listening to them; I was able to visualise my own from the imagery of the well-crafted lyrics and brilliant instrumentation arrangements. To this day, I see my own music clips for songs such as 'Witchy Woman' and 'Hotel California'.Tonight (24 August) I'm excited to be joining fans of all ages who are mostly Boomers and GenXers to experience the internationally celebrated The Australian Eagles Show in their own locale.
Founding member Shayne Browne from Tweed (guitar), Michael Thompson from Loganholme (drums, vocals, band emcee), Paul Kerin (guitar) and Jason Chandler (bass) both from Brisbane, and their newest member Colin Grimley from Oakey (guitar). They're joined by Brooke McMullen, another from Brissie who is bringing elements of her The Linda Ronstadt Story to the show.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Kicking off the night to a large round of applause, and our first hit of nostalgia from the band is 'Heartache Tonight' followed by 'The Long Run' and 'In The City'. 'I Can't Tell You Why' is followed by the very well socialised track across the generations, 'Tequila Sunrise' that has fans crooning along in unison. I almost want to go and order the cocktail.
Bringing the rock back to the mood is 'One Of The Nights' and a crazy ole' night it is turning out to be as the band remain fresh in their delivery of these songs they must have done a zillion times – the enthusiasm and seriousness of what they do shines through in every note.
We now welcome McMullen to the stage to join the band, who is bringing some of her Linda Ronstadt covers to the show. Of course, this is after we are told the history of Ronstadt's part in bringing the members of the original Eagles together.
I'm loving Thompson's Eagles trivia titbits thrown in between the songs. Thompson even moves beyond music trivia and recounts the first iteration of colour TV – a piece of plastic-coloured green on the bottom for grass and blue on the top for the sky; how would that look on portrait shots LOL. Actors would look like a Franken-Smurf! Starting out with 'Poor, Poor Pitiful Me' Brooke has us eating out of the palm of her hand.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
It didn't take long for more groups of fans to shift from their assigned seats to the wings or to the back of the room to dance to the music. Those who are not joining them are either dancing in their seats (many are) or smiling while singing along and no doubt dancing on the inside. I am in all three camps!
With a Ronstadt costume down to a T, including a red rose at the side of her bangs, her vocals hit the notes and tone with alluring precision. I am a Ronstadt fan, so I was always going to be critical. No need, McMullen nails it on this and 'Blue Bayou' and 'When Will I Be Loved' that come next. McMullen leaves the stage after 'It's So Easy', which was pulled off in excellent fashion with harmonies and instrumentation faultless during all of these tracks.
The band finished set one with another three unforgettable Eagles songs: 'Already Gone', 'Heart Of The Matter' and a cover of Don Henleys 'Boys Of Summer' from his album 'Building The Perfect Beast'. Voices are singing loudly not only in the chorus for this one.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Set two kicks off with as much energy and friendly ambiance as the first. We sink our teeth into 'Saturday Night' done as a delightful duet – if you closed your eyes for even a second, you'd think you were before the Eagles themselves. Magic.
More magic is thrust upon us with 'Seven Bridges Road', and the more country vibing 'New Kid In Town' and the very emotive 'Wasted Time'. You would have to be made of stone if this one doesn't bring a tear to your eye or at least make your eyes misty.
Picking up the pace again, giving off highway driveway feels is 'Peaceful Easy Feeling'. Keeping the tone still in mellow territory is the knowing tale of 'Lyin Eyes'. Punters get a little nuts and break out in loud song to 'Take It To The Limit' and the band are impressively still yet tight as, and even though there's not a lot of movement (except for Browne moving to the opposite side of the stage and Grimley getting a little animated in his patch), they are obviously engrossed in performing.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
McMullen joins the band again in a vintage-style dress for 'Just One Look', 'That'll Be The Day' and 'You're No Good'; the fans love what she is bringing to the show and happily sing-along with her while tapping feet and nodding heads in time with the band.
Many are still on their feet dancing around the venue, but maybe there's even more now. McMullen is a gem, I need to catch more of. Superb vocals and her wardrobe and make-up – amazing!
I know we are nearing the end and I hoping they have kept the cream of the crop for fans. Yass! I get one of my favourites, 'Witchy Woman' and submerse myself in memories of my childhood and also my teens as my interest in the dark and mysterious evolved.
Thompson confirms my thoughts that the end of the night is near – they have three songs to see us out and will relieve us of the encore ritual. He also tells punters how he hopes they sold us memories tonight, and while their merch had not arrived from their recent trip overseas they still wanted to meet with fans and invited them to come down so they could all shake their hands and receive a personal thank you for supporting the show tonight.
Our uncalled for but greatly anticipated encore begins with 'Desperado' and the duet is done beautifully and heartfelt with phone lights shining like beacons in the night. I love the guitar work in this song, I'm not sure of the technical aspects but it really sets the scene and impacts on the listeners imagery.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
'Take It Easy' is the penultimate song and hands are waving while punters sing loud and with good gusto – even the crowd harmonies are again pretty darn good. Finishing the night with the timeless, haunting classic and supernatural tale of 'Hotel California' performed on a dark-red stage.
While fans raised the mobile phones to capture this, I am closing my eyes as I listen along. In an instant I am in the backseat of the Kingswood watching my personal Eagles video clip behind my shut eyelids. The nostalgia is so real it's believable, I can smell the fuel, the hot vinyl seats and feel the vibrations from the tyres on the road beneath the car. The vibrations are of course coming from the deep bottom end of the bass and drums (the smells from my brain).
As the vocals soar, the harmonies come in with careful consideration, although the whole venue is chiming in by now and collectively we sound awesome. Ha! However, amongst the excellence of this cover from the band, is the gold of the guitar solos which are meticulous as they have been all night, but in this song. Wow, just wow!
The two sets have been delivered with such scrupulous attention to instrumental detail from the deft fingers and hands from a band of very talented musicians. This recital was beyond bang on.
Browne and Kerrin cut the solos exquisitely during the set on a variety of guitars – I might add there were enough guitars onstage to open a small guitar shop. Taking turns to add great vocals and harmonies throughout the show gave the music so much more depth.
In retrospect, all guitarists have demonstrated player precision. Grimley also kept the rhythm tight as well as showing us his command of the fretboard. His contribution on vocals as well went over well with punters. He may be the newest member but a worthy and valuable addition.
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
Thompson has been an engaging emcee for the band and added to our Eagles music trivia between most songs. However, it is his drumming and pipes that are to be applauded the most. Dominating the tubs under the banner, with the right weight of hits while singing without missing a beat or drum fill got our attention – cheers.
Chandler thrumped away on his bass guitars yet very chill at his mic stand, never failing to lead the rhythmic beats – even playing in front of his mum and dad in the crowd. I found out from a punter called Mark that one of his axes is new and locally built (apparently 50 hours of labour created this beast).
IMHO, for any fan of any Eagles song, you have got to get your butt along to this show – because The Australian Eagles Show is so much more than a cover band that breezes unfailingly through 29 songs in a show; they are the (Australian) Eagles incarnate!
Fans confirmed with a raucous applause for The Australian Eagles Show and McMullen who satiated all desires to hear the Eagles music live with a few Ronstadt numbers for good measure. Plenty of punters took up the offer to go down to the stage to get up close and personal with the band and reciprocate their thanks for an amazing show. Because it was!
More photos from the concert.
