Caesar Casino in Windsor, ON, Canada 05-24-09

[RamboIV]

Just got back. GREAT CONCERT. Videos, audio, photos, and a review coming shortly. Facebook friends of mine should check out my photo album "Concerts of 2009, Vol. I" for a few photos -- more coming soon. Security was incredibly tight, so I couldn't film much of the show. I have "Hotel California" and "Take it Easy" on my cell phone, but that will take some time to get them off of it. I also was able to hide my video camera under my jacket and point it at the massive display screen and hit record. Unfortunately, it didn't work for the first half, and the VIDEO is no good of most of the second. HOWEVER, I do know the video for "Heavy Metal" is actually pretty good, and I have some from "The Long Run" too. I haven't gone though everything, so some more good stuff might pop up, but I don't know. Either way, the audio from the second half of the show is recorded quite nicely. So, at least we have those files. I will be uploading quite a bit tomorrow and, as you can see, I have A LOT of audio and video to edit.

I'll post my thoughts and an (estimated) set list here soon.

[RamboIV]

These should tide some folks over. More coming soon...

Witchy Woman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbZHdf6lTXw

Cover of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-C02flHAK8

Heartache Tonight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v76RI1SI2o

Life in the Fast Lane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4sPQOx7eow

Those were the audio ones. I'll do video tomorrow. I still have Take it Easy, Hotel California, The Long Run, and Heavy Metal.

[sodascouts]

Great! Thanks for uploading these! And it was great meeting you (at the last minute I decided to go to this show, too!)

[sodascouts]

OK, some details about the show:

I would estimate about 2000 people in the audience. His band consisted not only of Frank Simes, who's toured with Henley, but Jonathan Clark who's toured with Glenn!

The setlist (Joe, please correct me if I forgot something - I know these aren't all in the right order):

Hotel California
Already Gone
Witchy Woman
Victim of Love
One of These Nights
Pride and Joy (Stevie Ray Vaughn cover)
Heavy Metal
Those Shoes
Superstition (Stevie Wonder cover)
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Seven Bridges Road
Tequila Sunrise
The Long Run
Heartache Tonight
Life in the Fast Lane
Take It Easy

Some comments:

He opened with Hotel California, and I noticed he extended the guitar solo at the end before going into the guitar duet.

Before Already Gone, he said "Feel free to get up and dance!" Two ladies did. I chair-danced, lol. It was fun to hear this song since it's not in the Eagles set anymore.

He introduced Victim of Love as "another song I wrote for Hotel California." Made me go hmm! Changed the opening lyrics to "What kind of love have you got - let me know if you find it or not." He did a great job with this one.

One of These Nights, however, was a bit off. Maybe he was having a bad night vocally, but his blew the falsetto at the end noticeably. The guitar solo was flawless.

The two "Stevie" covers, Superstion and Pride & Joy, rocked! Great guitar parts.

I've never heard Heavy Metal live, so that was cool. Glad Joe got it!

Those Shoes SMOKED. Loved it. He changed some words but I'm afraid I've forgotten which ones in particular!

Peaceful Easy Feeling fell flat, I'm afraid. I don't know why he chooses to do this particular Eagles song since it was prior to his joining - guess he just likes it - but it's a piece that necessitates an emotive vocal that he just didn't provide.

The highlight of the night, by far, was Seven Bridges Road. I wasn't expecting it and I was thrilled to pieces to hear it. He said, "You know, there's this acapella piece we used to do in the seventies, and I've got some guys up here who can really sing, so I thought we'd try to do it now." They went into the song, and other than a couple minor harmonic fudges, executed it well. Since I'd abandoned all hope of ever hearing this live, I was delighted!

When intro-ing Tequila Sunrise, he said something like, "One time I stayed up all night with this guy and the next morning I found out his name was Jack Daniels. I've never had tequila again." While this came off better than Peaceful Easy Feeling, I still thought it was a bit odd for him to play it considering its pre-Felder origin. The only pre-Felder songs he did that really worked were Witchy Woman and Take It Easy, I thought.

I was surprised to hear The Long Run, but he pulled it off well, as he did with Heartache Tonight and Life in the Fast Lane. At the end of that, he got a standing ovation as he walked off the stage.

He came back out to do his encore: Take It Easy. Oddly, he introduced it with "Here's how it all started," imitating Glenn's intro of it on Hell Freezes Over. I was going "Uh... that's not where it all started for you" - kind of peeved me a bit. However, he did a great job with the song itself. There was a stage rush and everyone was dancing along. It got the best response of the night.

He didn't do his new song Over You, which was a shame because I liked it and it would have added a bit more "Felder" to the show. Many people commented with surprise that so many of his songs were Eagles. A lot were appreciative of that fact, however. "Wow, those Eagles, hit after hit!" I heard one guy exclaim. Another said "All these old songs take me back to high school." They seemed happy.

I appreciated the fact that he stayed after the show to sign things. Very cool!

[EagleLady]

It sounds like Felder can still manage to have an audience, which is great! I do wish, he would incorporate more solo songs though.

[RamboIV]

The setlist (Joe, please correct me if I forgot something - I know these aren't all in the right order):

Hotel California
Already Gone
Witchy Woman
Victim of Love
One of These Nights
Pride and Joy (Stevie Ray Vaughn cover)
Heavy Metal
Those Shoes
Superstition (Stevie Wonder cover)
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Seven Bridges Road
Tequila Sunrise
The Long Run
Heartache Tonight
Life in the Fast Lane
Take It Easy


Close. I believe it was...

Hotel California
Already Gone
One of These Nights
Pride and Joy (Stevie Ray Vaughn cover)
Victim of Love
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Seven Bridges Road
Tequila Sunrise
Those Shoes
Heavy Metal
The Long Run
(Band intros)
Witchy Woman
Superstition (Stevie Wonder cover)
Heartache Tonight
Life in the Fast Lane
Take It Easy

I bolded the ones I have video and/or audio of. Half of those are posted online. The rest coming soon.

[RamboIV]

When intro-ing Tequila Sunrise, he said something like, "One time I stayed up all night with this guy and the next morning I found out his name was Jack Daniels. I've never had tequila again." While this came off better than Peaceful Easy Feeling, I still thought it was a bit odd for him to play it considering its pre-Felder origin. The only pre-Felder songs he did that really worked were Witchy Woman and Take It Easy, I thought.

...

He came back out to do his encore: Take It Easy. Oddly, he introduced it with "Here's how it all started," imitating Glenn's intro of it on Hell Freezes Over. I was going "Uh... that's not where it all started for you" - kind of peeved me a bit. However, he did a great job with the song itself. There was a stage rush and everyone was dancing along. It got the best response of the night.

He didn't do his new song Over You, which was a shame because I liked it and it would have added a bit more "Felder" to the show.

Not to nitpick, but he said "Jose Quervo", not Jack Daniels. I thought his version of Tequila Sunrise was certainly adequate. I'll agree that Peaceful Easy Feeling could have been left out, though. However, Witchy Woman ROCKED.

I thought it was funny that he said "Here's how it all started".

I agree it was a shame he skipped "Over You", but considering we got "Seven Bridges Road" instead -- that's fine with me!

[luvthelighthouse]

Great! Thanks for uploading these! And it was great meeting you (at the last minute I decided to go to this show, too!)

I totally envy you, that you can decide at the last minute to shoot on up to Canada. For me to do that, it would require extensive planning.

I guess I was always under the impression Felder couldn't sing, from things have been said in the past... but he does okay.

Rambo, I can't wait for the videos. Thanks for sharing the audio thus far. Sounds like both of you had a good time. BTW, did you run into each other by chance?

[Freypower]

LTL, if you read Soda's post which you quoted, she says it was great to meet Rambo.

I was curious to hear his version of Superstition, which I worship. It isn't bad, but it is nowhere near as funky as Stevie's and he hasn't got Stevie's vocal abililty, but as Soda said the guitar parts are good and at least he was prepared to try it.

[RamboIV]

Rambo, I can't wait for the videos. Thanks for sharing the audio thus far. Sounds like both of you had a good time. BTW, did you run into each other by chance?

We did run into each other, actually. And thank God for it -- I was really happy I had someone to talk to. It's always nice meeting another Eagles fan (especially a cool one like Nancy :thumbsup:).

Now, a few thoughts of my own.

After driving 7 hours and getting checked in at the hotel, I met up with Nancy for dinner/drinks and we went into the hall at 8pm (the concert started at 9). The first thing I noticed was the legion of security that seemed to flood the room, so my first thought was "Damn, I won't get much video", but I was able to figure a few things out.

Felder came out a little bit at 9 and began with Hotel California, which was very enjoyable. I recorded the video on my cell phone, so security wouldn't notice. His version of HC is top notch and a great way to open the show!

He followed with Already Gone and One of These Nights, both of which I liked. Especially Already Gone -- the Eagles left that out of the LROOE tour set, which disappointed me because that's one of my favorite hits. OoTN was adequate. I'm not a perfectionist, so I was happy with the vocals.

Pride and Joy was a fine cover, and I liked hearing Victim of Love (another favorite left off the LROOE tour) and Peaceful Easy Feeling (although he could have replaced that with a number of better selections).

Seven Bridges Road was VERY cool to see. I know that's a rariety and I'm kicking myself for screwing up the recording of that one. Tequila Sunrise was pretty cool too, but that's not one of my favorite tunes.

Those Shoes DID rock. And the crowd went nuts went nuts when he started it.

Heavy Metal was one of the highlights for me. It's one of my favorite tunes and I've never heard it live before. I got some good video of that one.

He saved most of my Eagles favorites for last -- which was good for my recordings! The Long Run, Witchy Woman, A surprisingly good cover of Stevie Wonder's Superstition, Heartache Tonight, and Life in the Fast Lane were all quite good!

His encore was Take It Easy, which was performed quite well. I have good video of that as well. I grinned when he said "Here's how it all started".

I was disappointed that he left out "Over You" and skipped addressing the entirety of his "Airborne" album, but the set list proved to be quite strong and the show was very enjoyable.

Afterwards, he was very nice about signing autographs. He signed my Airborne, Eagles LIVE, and Hotel California LPs. I asked him to write "Hotel California is MY song" on my HC vinyl, and he laughed, but did not. He was visibly very tired, so I didn't want to bother him.

I got some great photos, video, and audio, and the experience was awesome. Totally worth the 7 hour drive. It was also very cool to meet Nancy (sodascouts), and I think its safe to say we had a great time!

One final note about my videos online -- the audio is very high quality and they are full songs -- no partials, clips, or weird montages, so be sure to check them out!

[luvthelighthouse]

LTL, if you read Soda's post which you quoted, she says it was great to meet Rambo.

I did see that. I meant, did they plan on meeting up or see each other by chance. From Rambo's post, it was planned. Glad to hear the evening was fun. I'm sure I'd have a blast if I met up with a fellow Eagles fan too. I can't wait to see those videos.

[sodascouts]

Joe and I have communicated on Facebook and when I decided on the spur of the moment to go, I made sure to make plans to meet up with him. It was terrific to have a fellow fan to hang out with - Joe is a hoot! I had a great time indeed! :)

[Freypower]

This is the first time you've ever seen Felder, isn't it Soda? (I saw him in 1995 on the HFO tour).

I was wondering if he were allowed to use Simes & Clarke in his band as part of the settlement deal?

[RamboIV]

Joe and I have communicated on Facebook and when I decided on the spur of the moment to go, I made sure to make plans to meet up with him. It was terrific to have a fellow fan to hang out with - Joe is a hoot! I had a great time indeed! :)

Aw, thanks Nancy! The same goes for you! How was your trip back? Seven hours was such a long drive for me to go. I know that is, for me, the absolute longest distance I will drive to see a live act. Thank God I brought a friend with me for the drive, otherwise I would have just died of boredom on the road. It was also great to meet up with a fellow fan before and after the show because after a live performance, all I want to do is talk about it, and my buddy isn't much of an Eagles fan, so thank God for you Nancy. lol

Here's the latest video that's online, the first ever recorded LIVE performance of "Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymEb-dXhs_w

[sodascouts]

This is the first time you've ever seen Felder, isn't it Soda? (I saw him in 1995 on the HFO tour).

Yes, part of the reason I went was because I never saw him with the Eagles.


I was wondering if he were allowed to use Simes & Clarke in his band as part of the settlement deal?

I imagine they can play with whomever they want; they aren't owned by Henley and Frey like so much chattel!

[Koala]

Thanks for the videos! :)

[sodascouts]

Aw, thanks Nancy! The same goes for you! How was your trip back? Seven hours was such a long drive for me to go. I know that is, for me, the absolute longest distance I will drive to see a live act. Thank God I brought a friend with me for the drive, otherwise I would have just died of boredom on the road. It was also great to meet up with a fellow fan before and after the show because after a live performance, all I want to do is talk about it, and my buddy isn't much of an Eagles fan, so thank God for you Nancy. lol

My trip back was uneventful, except for a hard time at the border. Because I've traveled so much all over the world including the Middle East, and my father used to work in Saudi Arabia, I got pulled over to the side for "further investigation" that took almost a half hour.

I got on the phone on the way back (using Bluetooth) and it made the time fly. I've driven further to see shows but it can be a hardship, that's for sure.
It's so cool that you got Heavy Metal recorded!!!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Joe and Nancy - thanks for the great reviews and I am so glad that you both enjoyed the show. And Joe, your video is awesome. I haven't had a chance to watch everything yet, but I will get to all of them soon. It is always such fun meeting up with other fans at live shows, so I'm glad the two of you were able to do that.

If Felder comes anywhere close to me, I plan to go see him. However, that hasn't happened at this point, so I'm not counting on it (there are no casinos in Va.) I may be oversensitive about this, but I do wish he would drop the songs that the band recorded prior to him becoming a member. IMO, it just seems like an ill-advised choice for him to perform PEF, Witchy Woman, and Tequila Sunrise when there are so many other songs he could perform that were recorded after he joined the band (TITTL and NKIT would be a couple that come to mind). I guess I can understand him performing TIE since it is probably the band's most recognizable hit next to Hotel California.

FP, as far as your comment about Simes & Clarke, I can't imagine why you would think Henley and Frey would have to grant permission to them to perform with any other artist. These guys are independent session players that perform with Henley and Frey's bands only a few times a year. I would think that they are perfectly free to do whatever they want outside of those committments.

[Brooke]

Thanks so much for the reviews and videos, Joe and Nancy! It's great that you got to go and meet up.

I wondered if Felder could sing. He did ok.

I really think he should separate himself a bit from the Eagles stuff, too.

[Freypower]

FP, as far as your comment about Simes & Clarke, I can't imagine why you would think Henley and Frey would have to grant permission to them to perform with any other artist. These guys are independent session players that perform with Henley and Frey's bands only a few times a year. I would think that they are perfectly free to do whatever they want outside of those committments.


Yes, of course. But I have never heard of them having played with anyone else. I am just trying to imagine Simes telling Henley at his recent shows 'I'll be playing with Felder next week'. Not that Henley would be concerned but it seems a bit strange, that's all.

[RamboIV]

And here's the rest of the show that I recorded...

A brief ad for the Felder concert...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x9-cCdmoiE

The Long Run...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVsaUxZC4Rc

Hotel California...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFhGsxc-tVw

Take It Easy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCHrsV-AXl8

Enjoy!!

Also... a few thoughts on "pre-Felder" Eagles songs...

Don Felder performed and added to those songs for the entirety of his career in the Eagles. He performed "Witchy Woman" and "Tequila Sunrise" more times than I'm sure he cares to count. He's used to them, he's comfortable with them. And considering he has been a recluse since he was fired in 2000, I'm sure he wants to start by doing songs he's comfortable with and songs he knows people will recognize. The only reason I don't like seeing him do Tequila Sunrise or Peaceful Easy Feeling is because I don't particulary like those songs.

I think Felder should perform those songs if he is comfortable with them now, and then slowly phase them out after he does live shows more regularly. He should then replace them with other Eagles songs that are not usually played live (like Seven Bridges Road or Those Shoes) and more stuff from his solo work (like ANYTHING off Airborne).

Also, I hope he never drops "Take It Easy" - that is like my favorite song and I love seeing it live!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Joe - thanks again for the awesome video. You did a great job shooting it.

As far as Felder performing the songs we have talked about, I agree that he, obviously, can do them - I just don't think they are the best choice for him. I agree with you that he should phase them out. It would be great if he does release another solo album to give himself more material. I'm just thinking that if he continues to perform primarily Eagles songs that he did not write instead of his own material that he will open himself up to criticism that he is not much more than a cover band. :confused:

[MikeA]

The Vids are much appreciated Joe. I don't much care what Felder plays as long as he PLAYS. He's still got all his licks!

Now, if Felder, Vitale, Passerelli ...... Hmmmm....

[EagleLady]

The Vids are much appreciated Joe. I don't much care what Felder plays as long as he PLAYS. He's still got all his licks!

Now, if Felder, Vitale, Passerelli ...... Hmmmm....


It doesn't do him any favors to play songs he never wrote in the first place

[Freypower]

Using that argument, three of the first four songs in the Eagles' current setlist should not be played by the Eagles (How Long, I Don't Want To Hear Any More, Guilty Of The Crime, not to mention Somebody). The difference, I suppose, is that the Eagles recorded those songs and Felder did not record TIE, WW, etc.

Dreamer thought he should do a couple more songs that he actually recorded like TITTL and NKIT. In my opinion he doesn't have the vocal range for either of those songs.

The problem with doing more songs from Airborne is that only a handful of people have ever heard it (me, for instance). It isn't a very good album and so I don't blame him for doing old Eagles songs. But there is nothing wrong with tracks like Never Surrender and Ashphalt Jungle. Why not try those?

[RamboIV]

Using that argument, three of the first four songs in the Eagles' current setlist should not be played by the Eagles

...

The problem with doing more songs from Airborne is that only a handful of people have ever heard it (me, for instance). It isn't a very good album and so I don't blame him for doing old Eagles songs. But there is nothing wrong with tracks like Never Surrender and Ashphalt Jungle. Why not try those?

Both good points. Also, its worth noting that he doesn't just do Eagles hits. Those Shoes and Severn Bridges Road haven't been part of the Eagles set list any time recently. Also, he knows that fans want to hear Eagles music. He is from the Eagles, that's how people know him-- Hence, they want Eagles songs. And why not do ones he's comfortable with?

I think he should add Bad Girls to the set. And In the City.

[Freypower]

Bad Girls always made me cringe, like most of that album. In The City would probably work.

But he is not 'from' the Eagles any more. He was fired in 2001. Unless he starts to develop some identity of his own and write music of his own soon, he never will.

[EagleLady]

He is not saying he is currently in The Eagles, He is saying that is where most people recognize him from, from his time In the band.

[sodascouts]

Just got an alert about these photos uploaded to Flickr.com (although it appears they were uploaded several months ago):

Don Felder at Caesar's Windsor (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29910151@N03/sets/72157619377274756/)