BY SANTI GABINO JR.
In a whirlwind of nostalgia and rock ’n’ roll spirit, get ready to witness a musical extravaganza like no other! Step into the world of the Eagles, as their timeless hits and soul-stirring melodies come alive when tribute band The Long Run presents “A Journey Through the Music of The Eagles!”
The Long Run will be in DeLand for two spectacular evenings at the Athens Theatre: at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17. They are set to electrify as they bring the magic of the Eagles to the Athens Theatre for their seventh consecutive year!
The story of the Eagles all began with a fateful meeting between Glenn Frey and Don Henley. Frey, a native of Detroit, had ventured to the West Coast in pursuit of his musical dreams. Henley, hailing from Gilmer, Texas, had also made his way to Los Angeles, drawn by the promise of musical stardom. In 1970, the celestial chords of musical destiny aligned, when they were both hired as backup singers for Linda Ronstadt.
As they collaborated and toured with Ronstadt, Frey and Henley realized their shared musical vision and decided to form their own band. They enlisted the talents of guitarist Bernie Leadon and bassist Randy Meisner, and in 1971, the Eagles were officially born.
The band quickly gained attention with their unique blend of rock, country and folk, setting them apart from the musical trends of the time. In 1972, they released their self-titled debut album Eagles, which featured the now iconic hit single “Take It Easy.” The song became an instant classic and introduced the world to the Eagles’ signature sound.
Over the next decade, the Eagles achieved unparalleled success. Their follow-up albums, including 1973’s Desperado, 1974’s On the Border, and 1975’s One of These Nights, solidified their reputation as trailblazers in the industry. The band’s harmonious vocals, intricate guitar work, and thought-provoking lyrics struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
In 1976, the Eagles released their landmark album Hotel California, which remains one of the bestselling albums of all time. The title track, along with hits like “New Kid in Town” and “Life in the Fast Lane,” showcased the band’s musical maturity and lyrical depth. However, despite their immense success, internal tensions and creative differences began to take a toll on the band. In 1980, after the release of their album The Long Run, the Eagles announced their breakup.
Following the disbandment, the individual members pursued successful solo careers, but the allure of the Eagles’ music was impossible to resist. In 1994, Frey, Henley, Don Felder, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit reunited for an iconic MTV concert special, reigniting the band’s flame, and the Eagles soared once again.
Since that 1994 reunion, the Eagles have continued to captivate audiences worldwide with their live performances and have released new material, including the critically acclaimed Long Road Out of Eden in 2007.
So, gather your friends, dust off your air guitars, and join us for a night of pure musical magic! “The Long Run, a Journey Through the Music of The Eagles” is an experience you don’t want to miss. Get ready to sing along and dance with abandon but take it easy, there’s plenty of room at the Hotel California!
More information and tickets can be found at www.AthensDeLand.com or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500.
The Athens Theatre is at 124 N. Florida Ave. in Downtown DeLand.
