The Eagles Rod Laver Arena: trademark harmonies were on point

THE Eagles’ latest tour transports you back to the early 1970s when the US band began.

Glenn Frey and Don Henley perform during the Eagles concert at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Sunday 22nd February, 2015. Picture: Mark Dadswell

THE Eagles’ latest tour transports you back to the early 1970s when the US band began.

Back then, people lived in the moment and the Eagles want a bit of 1971 courtesy in 2015.

Fans were warned they might face eviction if they filmed on their phone or camera, or even texted.

Security guards were poised to swoop. And fans complied with the no-phone request — the only lights in the sold-out Rod Laver Arena show last night came from the stage.

Original member Bernie Leadon, who quit in 1975, was back on board for part of the show as they talked the audience through their songs.

When those songs are anthems like Peaceful Easy Feeling, Witchy Woman, Tequila Sunrise, Best of My Love, Lyin’ Eyes, One of These Nights, Take it to the Limit, I Can’t Tell You Why, New Kid in Town, Heartache Tonight, The Long Run, Desperado, Life in the Fast Lane and Take It Easy it’s an enjoyable history lesson.

The show started as they did, in intimate campfire mode, then swiftly moved into stadium country rock mode.

The band’s trademark harmonies were on point, the musical attention to detail was almost surgically precise and Joe Walsh could give rock solo masterclasses.

They probably have played Hotel California more times than they fought in the mid ’70s, yet there was still no feeling they were going through the motions.

The Eagles play two more shows at Rod Laver Arena this week, and Hanging Rock on Saturday.