Don Henley @ Budweiser Stage

Tom Schenck Corus Radio

December 11, 2017 4:45 pm

Don Henley @ Budweiser Stage — Don Henley performs at Budweiser Stage in Toronto, June 13, 2017
Véronique Giguère / Photos by Véronique Giguère Photography

It was a warm day in June, when the Eagle landed at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto. It was on a dark desert concert stage, the cool wind in my hair and the warm smell of Budweisers rising up through the air, as Don Henley brought his incredible songbook to the stage.

It had been a number of years since Henley had played in Toronto, the last time being on his Cass Country tour back in 2015. While that night focused on his new work, this time around, Henley was able to celebrate over four-decades worth of his music. From “Seven Bridges Road” and “One of These Nights” with the Eagles, to “Boys of Summer” and “New York Minute” from his successful solo career, it was all about the hits at the Bud Stage.

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For the Eagles’ members, it has been a tough time since losing their longtime friend, Glenn Frey. Being one of Don Henley’s best friends during their tenure with the Eagles, Henley was sure to pay tribute to Frey, by performing “Peaceful Easy Feeling” in his memory.

This tour date also saw Henley perform an outstanding three encores, proving that at 69-years-old, this Eagle still hasn’t lost his wings. Performing “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Hotel California” for the first, “Wasted Time” and “Desperado” for the second, and “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” for his final encore, Henley’s full vocal range was on display. He did not disappoint.

Getting a taste of Don Henley’s show would have put any fan into a “what if” kind of spiral. As in: what if the remaining members of the Eagles were to go on tour? Is that too much to ask? For this reviewer, it surely does not seem out of grasp, but it was truly special to hear the voice of the Eagles one more time before he rides off into the sunset.