Roots, Toots n' Hoots Blog

Too much living life in the fast lane for The Eagles

Jeffrey Remz  |  March 23, 2010

When The Eagles were hot and ultra-happening in the 1970's, they were not considered country at all. They were really part of the California soft rock scene along with folks like Linda Ronstadt, Souther Hillman Furay and Jackson Browne.

Somewhere along the line, that all changed. Maybe in hindsight it started with a country tribute disc to The Eagles, "Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles," way back in 1993. Of course, The Eagles were shall see inactive for a long time until they regrouped and started touring again, eventually leading to the 2007 release of "Hell Freezes Over."

By that point, The Eagles were considered part of the country crowd- showing up at awards shows (The Eagles made their awards show debut on Nov. 7, 2007, when they performed How Long live at the Country Music Association Awards) and getting played on country radio.

And Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit have toured behind that album off and on for more than two years. It's going to continue again, this summer, of course, with a tour featuring The Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. Obviously based on the opening acts, The Eagles continue going for the country crowd.

But it seems in their infinite wisdom to keep milking the CD, the group also is trying to milk their audience. It seems that a VIP package to a show is going for $850, at least the "5 Star VIP Package" is.

What does that get you? A ticket in the first 10 rows. Plus a pre-show party, including dinner & drinks. An exclusive Eagles gift. Hassle-free entrance to the venue. Crowd-free merchandise shopping. A 5 star commemorative laminate. An on-site host. Not to mention parking.

This is the same band that included Henley going super green (to his credit, I might add) over Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau once toiled in the 19th century and having a conscious in general about a variety of issues (No Nukes for example).

Has the quartet's money gone down the tubes in the economic decline? Maybe they need a new financial adviser.

I have no problems seeing The Eagles. I hope to see them myself this summer, but hey guys it's tough times out there in case you weren't aware from your perch. Obviously no folks on the unemployment lines are going for the VIP tickets. I couldn't find out how much tickets were for other seats, but The Eagles tix have been priced sky high since they resumed touring.

Guess life in the fast lane has done a number on The Eagles and being kind to their fans in tough times.