In the Summer of 1971, an American Country Rock band formed in Los Angeles called the ‘Eagles’. Founding band members were Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. They went on to be one of the biggest Country Rock bands in the world with five number one singles and 5 award-winning albums and selling over 150 million records. Even now four decades later in 2018 their songs are placed on adverts, at festivals and are currently in mainstream music covered by other bands.
20 years ago ‘The Illegal Eagles” formed the ultimate tribute band to the iconic Eagles. Last night mum and I went to watch them at Crewe Lyceum Theatre in Cheshire. The current members of the band included Christian Phillips, Greb Webb, Mike Baker, Garreth Hicklin, Trev Newnham and Tony Kiley on the drums.
As the curtains opened they played the Eagles very early songs, all the way back to the current day. Highlights for us included Life in the Fast Lane, Take it easy, The long road out of Eden, life’s been good. The band had a really nice rapport with them and clearly enjoyed playing their guitars and loved rockin’ out inches away from the audience. Trev was the ultimate banter king telling us stories, introducing the band members and pushing the merchandise stand and the DVD to its limit haha!
Mike Baker the newest member of the band only 12 months in, performed and sang some of the Eagles biggest songs and like me who wasn’t even born when the Eagles first formed as a band. Only in his early twenties and such a talented lead vocalist and multi-talented guitarist.
A highlight for me was Christian Phillips who played ‘Boys of Summer’ which is my favourite Don Henley song and always heard it playing in the summer at festivals covered by other people. Christian came out playing his guitar right in front of me, I couldn’t stop moving an thought at one point I was going to the invade the stage with my air guitar!
Mum’s favourite songs of the night the Eagles biggest hits Hotel California, Desperado, and Tequilla Sunrise. The audience was rocking out on their feet, screaming and cheering especially when Garreth Hicklin played the mandolin!
All of the band members are multi-talented playing a wide variety of instruments at one point the drummer Tony even played the piano.
The band is currently on a very ambitious 140 date tour around the United Kingdom. Even if you are not a big fan of the Eagles music these guys guitar solos are some of the best I have heard seen and heard. I guarantee by the end of the night you will be you on your feet rocking out!
The band after signed merchandise for the audience and had photos with them. Really nice to meet you all mum and I had a wonderful night!
Go and book this now, I guarantee you will LOVE it.
Tickets: here
Keep Rockin’
6 thoughts on “The Illegal Eagles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
Can you tell me the name of a former artist Al ……….. please
Had a great night talking/drinking (Wellington Inn, Wolviston) with the guys last night: after their gig at Billingham Forum. Will keep my eyes open for next time they are up here.
Saw the band at the the white Rock Hastings last night.
Absolutely OUTSTANDING.I saw them for the 1st time in Folkestone In April this year, couldn’t wait to see them again and will be going again and again fabulous nights entertainment
To Mike Baker
Did you look up Zayo de Sargazen. I think you could do a duet with her
I am at the Forum Kentish Town seeing her Monday .I haven’t said anything about our conversation but be careful, watch David Harewood Physios & me re drink and drugs
Came to see you in Halifax Victoria Theatre last night. Was blown away by all you guys talent . Seen the Eagles 3times over the years. But to be honest you all nailed it . Will come again in June in Huddersfield . You truly are a must see band .
Just returned home with my wife from a show at Malvern Theatre.
The band were “outstanding”, every single member was perfection, what a talented group
of people you are.
My only “grumble”, is that the band are so let down by the design of the merchandise.
My wife wanted me to buy a Tea Towel during the interval, as one of the band announced on stage that some were on sale ( good salesman 🙂
I purchased the Towel at a cost of £12.50, it was handed over, folded up in a crumpled square with no polybag or covering at all.
When I returned to our seat and opened it out, I am sorry to say, the design printed on the towel is awful.
With so much going for the band on stage and the great brand image you have in a brilliant logo etc. the merchandise is a total let down.
I must admit that I myself have been involved in the music merch business as a designer and producer of product for a number of bands, but I must say that your earning power is decimated by what was on sale, you deserve far better merchandise, and a massive gap in earnings is clear to see.
I am so sorry to sound ungrateful, but after seeing the band tonight, the commercial aspect left a lot to be desired.
I wish you well for the future, and once again, congratulations on being a brilliant band giving brilliant entertainment.
Best Wishes,
David.