The Eagles deliver impeccable sound and stunning visuals at their Vegas Sphere concert: Review
LAS VEGAS – “Welcome … to whatever this is!”
This was Don Henley’s greeting just a few songs into the Eagles’ opening show at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Friday.
The core group of Henley (who alternated between playing guitar and drumming), Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey (the son of late Eagles co-founder Glenn), Vince Gill, Joe Walsh, and long-time live addition Steuart Smith showcased flawless harmonies, whether in the soaring notes of “One of These Nights” or the mellow feel of “Lyin’ Eyes.”
As the fourth iconic band to take the stage at the Sphere — following U2, Phish, and Dead & Company — the Eagles faced high expectations but had nothing left to prove.
The group has been touring the U.S. since last September as part of The Long Goodbye tour, with this Sphere residency featuring select performances until January 25. They’ve been packing arenas and treating audiences to hit songs that have become rock classics.
The Sphere concert lasted nearly two hours, heavily focused on their most beloved tracks. However, like other acts that have made the most of the venue’s breathtaking visuals, the stunning display was as essential as the music, taking fans on a serene and enjoyable experience.
Eagles deliver a masterclass in harmony
A mesmerizing display of planets spun above during “Take it Easy” while Gill delivered the lead vocals with his signature smoothness, and an enchanting forest of mossy trees embraced the audience for a dreamy rendition of “Witchy Woman.”
Walsh—affectionately called the “master of the Stratocaster” by Schmit—was the most animated performer on stage. His playful expressions and skillful guitar work were both charming and impressive.
He seamlessly blended the edgy riffs of “In the City” with a captivating black-and-white video of buildings stretching toward the ceiling, creating an immersive feeling of movement. While other bands have used this visual style in the Sphere, the video production felt uniquely crafted for each song and moment.
At times, the band embraced simplicity, like the stark black-and-white visuals accompanying their acoustic rendition of the harmony-rich “Seven Bridges Road.” Other times, they fully exploited the vast creative potential the venue offers, as seen with the stunning visuals during “New Kid in Town,” which were both impressive and all-encompassing.
Images of the band from earlier years complemented the gritty opening riff of Walsh’s “Life’s Been Good,” with the song’s keyboard break paired with mesmerizing visuals of the Eagles. Walsh’s elongated guitar solo demonstrated the exceptional sound quality of the Sphere, with his notes resonating beautifully and clearly.
Eagles Honor J.D. Souther and Jimmy Buffett at Sphere
As anticipated, Henley, dressed in his usual scholarly vest, took a moment to pay tribute to J.D. Souther, the composer behind many Eagles classics, who recently passed away, as well as his dear friend Jimmy Buffett, who died just before the band’s tour began in September 2023.
These heartfelt remembrances introduced “The Boys of Summer,” a track from Henley’s solo career in 1984 that continues to capture its nostalgic charm. An underwater visual played alongside, providing a soothing counterpoint to the song’s urgency, leading up to a finale that featured a lively rendition of “Life in the Fast Lane” (ideal for a ride down the Las Vegas Strip), the mellow “Take it Easy,” and Henley’s iconic ballad, “Desperado.”
Considering the Eagles’ impressive 52-year history, as Henley highlighted during the performance, and the notable success of their farewell tour thus far, the band opted not to pour excessive resources into a Sphere production.
This decision has resulted in not only a celebration of their legacy but also a unique and memorable experience for fans as their touring journey approaches its end.