The Eagles
Format: Music Show
Genre: Rock
Review Date: January 25 2020
Performance: January 25 2020
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Duration: 160 Minutes incl. an interval
Age Rating: 8+
Desperado – History Of The Eagles celebrates the legendary American rock band The Eagles, who were formed in the 1970s and, with some enforced personnel changes, continue to tour to this day. Steve Ashcroft, Chris Brighton, Mike Tinsley and Nick Mellor, backed up by Darren Ashford on drums and Frank Beach on the piano, all arrived at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre to put on a show for those who had followed The Eagles throughout the years, and they absolutely succeeded at delivering a thoroughly enjoyable night of musical entertainment.
Description
Take It Easy, as The Eagles’ first single, was a fitting way to open the show, followed by Tequila Sunrise and Witchy Woman. As Steve (nicknamed “Ashy”) detailed the history of the band, in particular covering the group’s early years, the band then chose to perform Desperado here, with the tune getting a big reaction from the crowd. James Dean and Love Will Keep Us Alive led to Peaceful Easy Feeling, as well as Ol’ 55 and Best Of My Love. We then heard one of the more famous Eagles songs, and a famously long tune by the standards of the time, Lyin’ Eyes. The first half ended with Funk 49 and In The City, with the audience providing great applause as we went into the interval.
Having sported suits for the first period, the group donned T-shirts and jeans for the second half, which began with Seven Bridges Road and Do Something, before a tribute to Glenn Frey with No More Cloudy Days. Somebody was also from the album Long Road Out Of Eden, while the album Hotel California provided New Kid In Town. Next up, we had Life In The Fast Lane and Wasted Time, the latter of which led to a standing ovation, as well as a brief piano version of said tune. Victim Of Love led to another classic ballad that had been sung by Joe Walsh, Pretty Maids, and one of the few hits that The Eagles had never performed live, Try And Love Again. The Last Resort closed the main section, before a final encore in the form of Hotel Calfornia, which ended a great night on a high.
Analysis
All of the performers involved were superb. Steve and Chris covered the majority of the singing, but each of the four vocalists were highly talented, both from a singing perspective and also on their guitars, which helped to provide the backing music alongside the top-notch drums and piano playing by Darren and Frank respectively. Multiple times, the auditorium was silent based on how thoroughly mesmerised the crowd were by the singing, in particular for Do Something where you could hear a pin drop as all four showed fantastic range and were perfectly in sync with one another. I also liked the frequent use of humour between the hits, largely from Steve who was likeable and relateable, as were the group as a whole. And there was a gentle, friendly feeling to the show, which made it an easy listen as well as one which put a smile on the faces of everybody in attendance. It also helps that the vast majority of The Eagles’ most popular tunes were covered, which would please all of the true die-hards fans on hand.
Summary
Any fans of The Eagles will love this show, as will all music fans of any genre. Desperado – History Of The Eagles is a pleasant, entertaining and highly enjoyable show, and one that receives a strong recommendation from me.
Notes
Target Audience: Age 35+
Content: 0/5 – No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation: Yes
Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding
Further Information
For more information about Desperado – History Of The Eagles, click here.
