In first of two Indianapolis shows, Eagles soar to new heights

The Eagles' Monday evening return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse nearly didn't happen.

The show's opening act, Steely Dan, canceled due to an illness that hospitalized founder Donald Fagen. Then, five members of the Eagles' road crew tested positive for COVID.

Eagles frontman Don Henley thanked Steve Miller, who filled in for Steely Dan on short notice, and his ailing crew for pushing through.

"The show must go on," Henley told a sold-out Fieldhouse, which will see the flock return for another show Tuesday evening.

More: Steely Dan will not open for the Eagles at two Indianapolis concerts. Here's who will

And thank goodness it did, because what followed was unquestionably the best show I've seen this year.

The birds of prey opened their beaks and let loose an astonishing array of rock vocals — six and seven-part harmonies, with five lead vocalists rotating throughout the night.

Henley, 76, had no business going that hard, with highs as clear as fine crystal.

Deacon Frey, son of late Eagles founder Glenn Frey, delivered fitting renditions of his father's trademark songs.

But the most talented singer in one of the world's best touring rock bands is, in fact, a country singer. Vince Gill once again brought the house down.

Just 19 months ago, these Eagles brought this very same house down with a performance of their "Hotel California" tour. That performance made my list of top shows in a very competitive 2022, and Monday's return — as part of the band's reported farewell tour — will grace my forthcoming 2023 list.

Henley shared a glimpse into the reasoning for the band not only returning to Gainbridge so soon, but adding a second show Tuesday evening.

"We play a lot of (arenas) like this, and this is one of the best-sounding rooms," he told the crowd, no doubt delighting several Pacers Entertainment employees. "I don't know why. This place actually has good acoustics."

He also praised this crowd's decorum.

"I like playing in the Midwest. Y'all are so considerate of each other. No one's standing up blocking anyone's view. There will be a time for that later."

It was a technically perfect show. I could not find a single flaw in the musicianship, sound, visuals, vocals or even the setlist. The only nits I will pick out are personal preferences.

For example: I am not a fan of Timothy B. Schmit's "I Can't Tell You Why." I just don't like the song.

I prefer Linda Ronstadt's version of "Desperado."

"The Boys of Summer" isn't an Eagles song, and it doesn't fit the vibe.

See? Minor, extremely subjective stuff. No objective flaws to be found.

Let me go back to Gill.

He gets the leftovers up there. Henley sings his usual songs, including a remarkable "One of These Nights." Frey gets "Take It Easy" and "Peaceful Easy Feeling" — both of which Gill could probably do a little better, but the look and taste of keeping those sacred performances in one bloodline feels right.

Even Joe Walsh brings his own unique vocal style to the group.

So, what does that leave Gill on this chilly Monday night?

"Lyin' Eyes," "New Kid in Town" and "Tequila Sunrise." Good songs, but probably not in anyone's Eagles top five. And all he does is deliver lilting, beautiful, moving vocals that make each memorable. The man is a killer up there.

It's no accident these are three of the twangiest Eagles songs, so a traditional country voice makes perfect sense.

Gill also gets the unenviable task of performing the band's tribute to its recently deceased former bassist, Randy Meisner, through the latter's signature "Take It to the Limit." Bam. Out of the park.

I love the Meisner version of that song, and Gill doesn't try to overdo it by climbing up to that high note at the end. He does it his way, and it's clear to me there is no one alive who can do it better than Gill.

The crowd gave Gill his due, enjoying "Hotel California" and all of the usual high spots.

But this audience loved — loved — everything Walsh did. He told the same jokes as he did in 2022, and probably at every show since then, but nobody cared.

He brings grime and character to his guitar playing. Although four other members were playing the same instrument, the most tone deaf among us could pick Walsh's finger growls out of a lineup.

Speaking of good guitar playing, here's a little love for Steve Miller. His band was solid and ran through a crowd-pleasing set with a minimal gear setup given the last-minute nature of his performance.

An hour of strong Miller, then two stunning hours from the Eagles. Take that under advisement if you're gazing at the resale tickets for Tuesday's repeat performance and wincing at their prices. If the Eagles are truly done touring, it's well worth it.

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Rory Appleton is the pop culture reporter at IndyStar. Contact him at 317-552-9044 and rappleton@indystar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RoryEHAppleton.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Review: Eagles perform in Indianapolis