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    Music Matters

    Grumpy Old Men: The Eagles needlessly admonish and police their fans, but their concert magic remains

    Jane Howze
    Feb 22, 2014 | 2:46 pm

    The long awaited History of the Eaglestour finally touched down in Houston at the Toyota Center Friday night to a sold out yet decidedly older and mellower crowd. Based on the highly acclaimed documentary of the same name, the concert traces the band’s beginnings in the early 1970s and includes most of their chart toppers through 1979.

    The tour kicked off in Louisville in July and has made its way to over 50 cities. It will conclude its North America leg in Columbus on March 5 and a European tour begins in May. After that, who knows?

    Aside from Paul McCartney, whose voice is a little suspect at times, I can't think of any artists whose voices have held up as well.

    I was a little worried that the band had been touring too long when during the first five minutes of the show Don Henley admonished the chatty audience, still settling into their seats, “to go outside if you want to talk.” That, along with ushers who acted like Nazi gestapos in ferreting out and shaming anyone trying to text or take a cell phone photo, made it seem that the Eagles were getting a little out of sorts and becoming — well, grumpy old men who had lost their pizzazz.

    But I needn’t have worried.

    Full disclaimer here. I became a big fan after reviewing the documentary at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and seeing the Eagles in seven concerts in the past year. What can you say about the seventh concert that you didn’t say about the first and sixth concerts that I reviewed for CultureMap? Here's what I noted:

    Same Old Concert Set

    The 27-song, three-hour concert, is divided into two parts that begins with co-founders Glenn Frey and Henley on a sparse stage with acoustic guitars, singing the little known "Saturday Night." Bernie Leadon, who left the Eagles 38 years ago, joins on "Train Leaves Here This Morning," another rarely played but sleepy ballad.

    One-by-one the others — Timothy B. Schmit, Joe Walsh, and backing musicians — deliver "Tequila Sunrise," "Lyin’ Eyes" (Frey dedicated that nasty kiss-off to his first wife, “Plaintiff”) and "Doolin-Dalton," "One of These Nights," and ends with a soaring "Take it to the Limit." The songs are interlaced with filmed commentary by Frey and Henley, which lowers the energy level of the crowd to that of a snooze fest.

    After a brief intermission, Walsh sings the wistful and poignant "Pretty Maids in a Row" and the concert slowly builds with "I Can’t Tell You Why," "New Kid in Town" and "Love Will Keep Us Alive." Walsh, who is engaging, quirky and a heck of a guitar player shines as he performs "In the City" and "Life’s Been Good."

    The show rises to a crescendo with "Life in the Fast Line," "In the Long Run" and two encores that includes the band’s signature song, a note-perfect "Hotel California," "Take It Easy" and Henley's hauntingly soulful solo "Desperado."

    Not only is the set list the same from concert to concert but so are the jokes and stories. As I sat with my Houston friends, I would say “Now is the time where Glenn Frey says that he is from Detroit where mother is half of a word." For better or for worse — not that I minded — spontaneity and passion have been sacrificed for precision. Even Walsh throwing Kleenex on a stage is exactly the same each night.

    As the band resumed touring after Christmas break, Henley was asked if there would be changes to the set list and replied, “If it isn’t broken, why fix it?”

    True enough but there are some diehard Eagles fans who wish they had included some of the hits from the highly acclaimed 2007 album Long Road Out of Eden.

    The Eagles Are Perfectionists

    The corollary to every concert being the same is that every concert is really good. The Eagles do not phone it in. They do not cut sets short. Every instrument is perfectly tuned and I can’t remember any of them ever sounding off-key or missing a cue.

    Even though I have heard that Don doesn’t care much for his signature song, "Desperado," he closes the show with it and gives it his all. And a concert in Birmingham is every bit as good as those in Los Angeles or New York.

    The Eagles Yearn To Improve

    In early concerts on this tour, I was struck by how disengaged the band (other than the effervescent Walsh) was from the audience — even in Henley’s adopted town of Dallas. I so badly wanted them to soak in the love from the audience but they left quickly. Not so at the Toyota Center or maybe it’s impossible to walk away from a Houston crowd.

    In the seven months since the tour launched, the band is more engaged with each other and after the concert they signed a couple of autographs from those in the front row. Henley even blew a kiss to the crowd. But the changes are larger than audience acknowledgment. The lighting is more dramatic, extra camera angles have been added and many of the songs have been re-worked to provide a slightly different instrumental arrangement or more dramatic conclusion.

    The Eagles Are Grumps

    It started in last fall when Frey told audience members to stop texting while the band was playing — they could do that later. By the New York concert, this had escalated to security guards roaming the audience ordering those with cellphone cameras to put them away. At one of the recent Los Angeles concerts Frey asked people not to stand during ballads and of course there were the omnipresent ushers patrolling the aisles looking for cameras or cell phones.

    Since some of their songs are in that in-between space of rock and ballad, no one knew if they could stand or not so they sat. It put a damper on the energy level of the crowd.

    In Frey's defense, he was trying to make sure everyone could see, but it came across somewhat curmudgeonly. It is understandable they don’t want people taping their concerts — try posting even 30 seconds worth on YouTube and it will be taken down in minutes — but most fans believe that paying several hundred dollars a seat should at least allow them to snap a quick picture.

    Two weeks ago Paul Simon and Sting performed at the Toyota Center and seemed to welcome snapshots. C’mon guys — go with the flow.

    Grumpy or not: The Eagles are terrific

    Despite all the hard living they did during the '70s, the Eagles have not lost the magical harmonies for which they are known and are still versatile musicians, though Henley, 66, has lost a step or two on drums. Over the years they have added talented back-up musicians who have been with them for many years and the phenomenally talented Steuart Smith on guitar. But the Eagles are still damn good.

    Aside from Paul McCartney, whose voice is a little suspect at times, I can't think of any artists whose voices have held up as well as Frey's, 65, and Henley's. Their a cappella intro to "Heartache Tonight" was spot on. Not knowing when or if the band will return to Houston, the audience was appreciative of what the Eagles have contributed and the level at which they could still perform.

    "Iconic" was the word our group used to describe the Eagles.

    The band performed most of their songs while standing in a line in front of a large screen.

    The Eagles at Toyota Center February 2014
      
    Photo by Jane Howze
    The band performed most of their songs while standing in a line in front of a large screen.
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    weekend event planner

    These are the 14 best things happening in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Apr 16, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    J Balvin
    J Balvin Facebook
    J Balvin in concert.

    Sunday will be both Easter and 420, which means a lot of those marshmallow Peeps candies will be consumed on this day.

    Of course, we have other things happening this weekend: J Balvin performing live, the long-awaited opera adaptation of a Lars von Trier classic, Axelrad’s two-day anniversary spectacular, an Earth Day celebration, and a Rockets pep rally.

    With so many fun things going on, no one should be sad. Like the song in the movie says, always look on the bright side of life!

    Thursday, April 17

    The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research presents The 13th Annual Stand-Up for Brain Cancer Gala
    The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research presents comedian Mike Birbiglia at the 13th Annual Stand-Up for Brain Cancer Gala. A reception for all attendees will be first up, followed by dinner and a night of entertainment. Birbiglia is a comedian, writer, director, and actor who has performed his award-winning solo shows worldwide, from the Sydney Opera House to the West End of London to Broadway. He also hosts his own podcast, Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out. 6 pm.

    J Balvin in concert
    If you’re a fan of reggaeton music, you must be excited that Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin will be performing at Toyota Center, in support of his 2024 album Rayo. And you also might be Chinese. According to NBC News, Chinese college students have been turning to social media and streaming services, listening to reggaeton from global stars like Balvin and Bad Bunny, in an effort to learn Spanish. So, not only is Balvin wowing audiences worldwide with his reggae grooves – he’s also helping foreigners with a new language! 8 pm.

    Friday, April 18

    Kemah Boardwalk presents Houston Rockets Playoff Pep Rally
    Kemah Boardwalk is teaming up with the Houston Rockets for a high-energy playoff pep rally. The Gulf Coast theme park will celebrate the Rockets’ big return to the playoffs with an afternoon of fun. Fans of all ages can expect photo ops with Clutch the Bear, appearances from the Clutch City Dancers, a live DJ, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisters, and more. There will also be a pop-up merch shop with Rockets gear. The first 100 fans in Rockets gear to stop by the merch tent will score a free, all-day ride pass. 2 pm.

    Axelrad 10 Year Anniversary
    Midtown beer garden Axelrad is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a two-day celebration. They’ll have live music, tasty drinks, circus performers, a local market, and more surprises. On Friday, the live lineup will include Los Yesterdays, the Gabriella Martinez Selena Tribute, and Chicano Boulevard. On Saturday, we have Bardo of Chicano Batman, Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet, Urban Heat, The Omies, DJ Rubi, and DJ Jean Paul Tiblier. 7 pm. (6 pm Saturday)

    Theatre Under the Stars presents Waitress
    Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert piemaker who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. Waitress features music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, a book by Jessie Nelson, and direction by Diane Paulus. Through Sunday, April 27. 8 pm (2 & 8 pm Saturday; 2 & 7:30 pm Sunday).

    Theatre Southwest presents On Golden Pond
    Ernest Thompson’s play On Golden Pond is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year. Norman is a cantankerous retired professor with heart palpitations, but still as tart-tongued and observant as ever. Ethel is 10 years younger and the perfect foil for Norman. They are visited by their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiance, who goes off to Europe and leaves their teenage son for the summer. Through Saturday, April 16. 8 pm (3 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, April 19

    Houston Arboretum presents Earth Day Celebration
    Houston Arboretum's Earth Day Celebration will celebrate the planet through art. Attendees will get a chance to learn about the variety of animals, plants, and people that share the planet. They can also explore nature through poetry, drawing, photography, make their own nature journals, learn from their community partners, go on nature hikes, and enjoy all kinds of Earth-friendly crafts and activities. Guests can also enjoy the Houston Monarch Story, which features striking Monarch sculptures created by artist Michelle Matthews. 10 am.

    Moody Center for the Arts presents New Art / New Music
    At New Art / New Music, visitors can experience musical responses to the Moody Center for the Arts' current exhibition, "Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice," composed and performed by Shepherd School of Music students. Organized by Rice students Jaylin Vinson and Victor Cui, a series of original compositions will be played in the galleries, followed by a reception. 2 pm.

    The River Oaks Theatre presents Flamenco Arabe
    Join the River Oaks Theatre for a journey through the sights, sounds, and tastes of Al-Andalus, where music, dance, and gastronomy come together to create a truly unique experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and captivating movements of Flamenco Arabe, featuring performances by Oliva Chacon and Ana María Barceló, who bring the heart and soul of Flamenco to life. Be swept away by vocalists Julie Slim Nassif and Celia Corrales, oudist Sari Andoni, guitarist José Manuel Tejeda, and percussionist Jesus Pacheco. 7 pm.

    Houston Grand Opera presents Breaking the Waves
    Houston will finally get Breaking the Waves, the critically acclaimed contemporary opera from composer-and-librettist team Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek. Adapted from the Lars von Trier film, the story transports audiences to 1970s Scotland, where the impressionable young Bess wins permission to marry offshore oil rigger Jan. After the impatient lovers consummate their union at their wedding, Bess embarks on a journey of sexual exploration that is tragically interrupted when Jan is paralyzed in an accident. Through Sunday, May 4. 7:30 pm.

    Sunday, April 20

    Wild presents 420 Backyard BBQ Bash
    Houston's hemp dispensary WILD will host the 2nd annual 420 Backyard BBQ Bash at both the WILD Montrose and WILD Heights locations. The event is a high-spirited celebration of canna-culture, community, and curated indulgence — an unforgettable afternoon, packed with infused treats, exclusive deals, and backyard barbecue vibes. Guests can also expect infused cookies, brownies, cereal bars, banana pudding—and yes, even infused tres leches. 11 am.

    Munchizu: The Taste of Asia at POST Houston
    POST Houston will present Munchizu: The Taste of Asia, a one-day cultural celebration showcasing the flavors and traditions of Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. The event will feature tastings and live cooking demonstrations, including classic Korean kimchi and Taiwanese pickles. Guests can also enjoy a lineup of performances, from a Korean fashion show and dance presentation to cultural showcases from Taiwan and Japan, including a Japanese Taiko drum performance. 2 pm.

    Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra presents Monty Python’s Life of Brian
    Most of us know the story of the Messiah, born in a manger to a virgin mother who then grows up to become the savior of all mankind. This is not that story. Following the success of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the Pythons decided to really thumb their nose at the world and tackle organized religion. The result was 1979’s Life of Brian, a wildly controversial comedy classic that still shocks and delights over 40 years later. 6 pm.

    J Balvin
      
    J Balvin Facebook

    J Balvin in concert.

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