You know it's going to be a good concert when Glenn Frey starts it off with “We are the ancient ones. And this is the Eagles’ assisted-living tour.”Yes! Ladies and Gentleman! It's the Eagles at the Hollywood Bowl! And Yes! Almost everyone in this venue is twice my age!
The Bowl is my favorite place to see shows. The outdoor seating with the hills all around to capture the sound of the band. It always makes for an awesome musical experience. Especially when you get to sit in the Garden section. There in a cozy little box for four you will be closer than most.
I acquired wonderful box seat tickets in exchange for happily doing a favour for a friend, which is an entirely different story never to be told here.
Of course, I invited the one person who would truly appreciate this experience: My dad. The lover of all things rock' n' roll. I have fond memories of driving across the country to visit our family in Missouri, Dad blasting "Take It Easy"into my eager six-year-old ears. Or driving through the deserts of Arizona eating beef jerky in our blue minivan and hearing the lyrics, "City girls just seem to find out early, how to open doors with just a smile." These were lyrics that would not only shape my taste in music, convince me that the Eagles are the hottest road-trippin' band ever, but somehow, subconsciously, influence the way I carried myself later in life.
The concert started off a bit slow with the band playing four songs from their newest album "Long Road out of Eden", but the instant "Hotel California" strummed its way into the cavernous Bowl, it was time to Rock n' Roll!
I admire these guys. They formed the band in 1971 and are still playing together. Okay, they may have taken a 14-year break, but they've given us their "Witchy Woman" and their "Dirty Laundry." They've had their "Life in the Fastlane." Ok! I'm done...
(My Dad and I)
Toward the end of the show, a friend of mine snuck Dad and me into his box, which gave us a closer view of the band, a big thrill for both of us. A much bigger thrill for Dad! It was also a welcomed excuse to get away from the people in our box. This couple sitting in our box owned some clothing-optional tropical resorts and couldn't wait to tell us all about them. Way to make it awkward, guys! I'm sitting next to my dad and, no, I don't want to hear about your topless Cancun package for only $700!
Joe Walsh looked awesome in his shiny satin jacket! Has he gone "Hollywood"? Or is he just the original badass he's always been?
Timothy B. Schmit, who has not aged since 1971, sang "I Can't Tell You Why" with a slow steady confidence.
Don Henley's voice was amazing and sounded just like it does on the records. And not to disappoint the throngs, he closed out the perfect night with a beautifully sung "Desperado."
Now this may be a rumour, but some say this might have been the last time the Eagles would play the Hollywood Bowl. I'm always one to be a part of history, but I am secretly hoping this rumour is untrue...
(The Eagles take their last bow)
Helpful Tips For Attending The Hollywood Bowl
- Parking is available at the Bowl, but if you don’t feel like getting caught in the rat race at the end of the concert you can use one of these options: Park in one of the two lots on Franklin and Highland. From there you just walk north to the Bowl. The lots will charge from $15-20.
Another option is to take a shuttle, all the info is at http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/visit/lease-events-getting.cfm
- The Bowl concerts are rain or shine. Come prepared for whatever the weather may be.
- You can bring a picnic! And you can also bring alcohol! Just no glass allowed.
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