Los Angeles, CA at the Forum - Jan. 15, 2014

[Freypower]

Thought I'd offer up my thoughts on the show last night.

Born and raised here in LA, I've seen the Eagles several times in the past - From solo acts, to the almost semi reunion at Long Beach Arena...right up to the Millennium show opening Staples Center. I've seen them only once since 2000 because, quite frankly, they played the same exact stuff (LROOE excluded, which I don't consider a true Eagles effort - another story). Upon watching the Documentary (which was great), and hearing their ideas for the tour, I was re-energized to see one of my favorite bands once again.

The show - exceeded my expectations. The flow was just exceptional. Two entire different feeling sets, yet I can't say one was better than the other. The first set with SN, TLHTM, DD, and the reprises was just this wonderful, mellow hour and five minutes (although they kicked it up as the 1st set concluded). The 2nd set, obviously much harder, had power and energy, yet keeping things controlled.

With that, the good, bad and ugly ---

The good -- Don Henley's voice (UNBELIVEABLE); Train Leaves here this morning, Doolin Daultin, an awesome 1-2 punch of Those Shoes/In The City, Joe Walsh's energy... and of course, Bernie (really great to see him).

The Bad -- wanting to hear a couple of other older tunes -- Outlaw Man, My Man, King of Hollywood, so wishing Randy came out to take a bow. And not to make this a topic, Smith is good...but Felder is better.

The Ugly (please don't kill me ladies) -- Glenn Frey's voice. I'm not sure if its been this way for a while, or been discussed here...but his voice is hurting bad. Many may not notice, but to me its quite clear and apparent he has problems hitting notes. Granted it did get better as the night went, but with Henley's voice sounding better than ever (It was that good!), Frey's lack of really showed. Our whole party agreed. It never cracked, it just wasn't strong at all. Gotta give A for effort though.

Finally, The Forum. I grew up going to shows there. I've also been to the others in town - Universal Amp (RIP), Irvine, Pond, Staples, SM and LB Civic, etc.... nothing, and I mean NOTHING, sounds as good as this place does. It is absolutely pristine. They did an amazing job to the listening aspect. They need help with the lines, and the ever so famous lack of restrooms... but there's nothing that comes close to the sound quality. The Fabulous Forum is definitely back.

All in all I'm so glad I went, and looking forward to the remainder of LA shows (I'm going to a couple more). I also predict before riding into the sunset, they'll make their final shows there later this year. One can hope. For those reading this in So Cal, or on the fence about going...consider this your wake up call. Don't miss it.

I never know what to make of this sort of thing, because every time I have seen Glenn Frey, including four times last year, his voice has been superb, and yet comments like this continue to be made. To each their own, I guess.

Also there is a great deal of the world for them to cover before they break up; Australia, for a start. So saying you hope they will do their 'final shows' there... I hope not.

[carol7lynn]

The L.A. Times had two articles in today's paper.

One was a review of the Forum itself-mostly thumbs up.

The second, which can be found on page D30 of it's Calendar section, tends to agree with my earlier observations that:

",,,,and on Wednesday they certainly didn't strain themselves. Once described as less performing than "loitering" in concert, the band seemed to expel more energy changing instruments than they did in playing them."

He loved Joe, of course most do, remarked that Henley was "in typically fine voice" and also related the "lottery incident" whereby "Frey chided fans near the front for standing and dancing during the ballads (Aha he did say ballads afterall wasn't to sure I heard that part right.), offering further evidence of his reputation as a spoilsport." Like me the critic does defend Frey by adding, "In his defense, he was coming to the aid of those seated an unable to see due to the dancers." Amen brother.

There are a couple of pictures-one of the Eagles and one of the audience.

Carol-Lynn

[Glennsallnighter]

I would hope Australia would be on their tour list. Perhaps later in the year. They seem to like November or December like they like June and July here

[Freypower]

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...0607625&type=1

I am not expecting Australia until 2015 because Don talked about getting his album out in the autumn of this year.

[GlennLover]

I never know what to make of this sort of thing, because every time I have seen Glenn Frey, including four times last year, his voice has been superb, and yet comments like this continue to be made. To each their own, I guess.

Also there is a great deal of the world for them to cover before they break up; Australia, for a start. So saying you hope they will do their 'final shows' there... I hope not.

He was in fine voice when I saw them in Montreal in November, as were they all.

[WalshFan88]

HC

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3yw_vAbdQw[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxUILU3OY5U[/ame]

TIE

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ps52UR-bA4[/ame]

[steve_e_dee]

I never know what to make of this sort of thing, because every time I have seen Glenn Frey, including four times last year, his voice has been superb, and yet comments like this continue to be made. To each their own, I guess.

Also there is a great deal of the world for them to cover before they break up; Australia, for a start. So saying you hope they will do their 'final shows' there... I hope not.

It's merely an observation, not a criticism. I've seen him in concert since his 1st solo tour of the early 80's and he just doesn't have the power to hit notes like he used. It happens... just ask Elton John, who has to sing in an entirely different key now.

Its obvious by your SN that you're quite the Frey fan. Your love of him may make you ignore those sort of things, which I completely understand (again, not a criticism). I'm just reviewing what I heard, and 30 years of seeing him live, or listening to his cd's just made me come to that conclusion. Perhaps I'll hear differently tomorrow night or next week when I see them again.

As for the "final shows", that was under the assumption the tour ends this year. I'll clarify by saying that when the tour finally does wrap up, I predict their final shows will be here in LA. Obviously I'd like the whole world to enjoy one more time.

[UndertheWire]

Steve, I think your observations are fair. I've been listening to a few bootlegs and it seems obvious that Glenn's voice was stronger 20-30 years ago. However, it is what it is. For me, it's still "good enough" and the alternatives of having someone else sing the songs or leaving them out just don't seem neccessary. I do wish I'd heard him during in solo career, though.

[UndertheWire]

Photo gallery:
http://www.laweekly.com/slideshow/th...rum-4321781/#1

[deb828]

This photo gallery is great! Thanks for posting. I love Don without the beard.