The Eagles Melbourne concert review: still classic band still sounds magnificent

There was much to love about The Eagles at Rod Laver Arena. The new-look but still classic band still sounds magnificent, with their rich harmonies wrapping effortlessly around an iconic back catalogue comprising some of the most beloved songs in country, pop and rock.

The Eagles in concert at Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

It takes something special to fly like an Eagle.

Deacon Frey and Vince Gill, recruited to US supergroup The Eagles for their latest world tour, knew the legacy.

Frey, son of singer-guitarist and Eagles founding member Glenn Frey, who passed away in 2016, proved his position on the team immediately, taking lead on his father’s famous songs, including Take It Easy, Already Gone and Peaceful Easy Feeling.

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Don Henley and Deacon Frey perform at Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

It was poignant, powerful, perfect.

“We are pleased, proud and delighted to have Glenn’s son Deacon with us,” singer-drummer Don Henley told the capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena.

“He’s doing his poppa proud.”

The Eagles in concert at Rod Laver Arena. Don Henley. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

There is much to love about the new look (but still) classic Eagles.

Gill, a country music star in his own right, brought gentle persuasion to Take It To The Limit and Lyin’ Eyes, and great expectations to New Kid In Town.

The Eagles still sound magnificent, their rich harmonies wrap effortlessly around an iconic back catalogue.

The Eagles in concert at Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

They’ve also kept a keen sense of humour.

“Good morning everybody,” singer-guitarist and former party boy Joe Walsh joked.

“We played here before a lot of you were born, and were back again.

“You’re not gonna get rid of us that easily.”

Vince Gill at Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Henley praised the name of the venue.

He smiled: “It’s testament to your culture that this building bears (Rod Laver’s) name instead a bank or a telecommunications company.”

Henley added The Eagles would perform for two and a half hours … “because we can.”

And they did.

It was a magical showcase of some of the most beloved songs in country, pop and rock.

By the home stretch of Desperado and Hotel California, The Eagles — Henley, Walsh, Timothy B Schmit were soaring, new boys Gill and Frey included.

The Eagles play their second and final show on Wednesday night.