REVIEW - Eagles at Coop Live Arena Manchester Review - Were they miming?

I went to see the Eagles at the brand new Coop Live Arena in Manchester in the UK. It was a fantastic gig supported by the Doobie Brothers. They was Tom Johnstone, Patrick Simmons, John McFee and Michael McDonald. The Eagles were Don Henley, Deacon Frey, Timothy B Schmit, Joe Walsh and Vince Gill.
This is my review!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks for the shoutout TJ! \m/

[@iamtjwalker]

Thanks for your video that started all this!! I've got the footage from Desperado from last Tuesday that matches up exactly with your original analysis if you wanted to do a follow up! Seems strange that Don gets cover versions removed but doesn't seem to be removing videos suggesting that he's miming.....I guess he would need to disprove it!!

[@RealButcher]

Wow....the real man! Thanks ❤🎉

[@lynnmartin4133]

We were 5 rows from the front centre stage. No miming. Joe Walsh was struggling a bit in places but no miming or trickery...including a sudden cough. His guitar playing was unbelievably amazing.

[@adamfromabove84]

Saw them tonight, without knowing any history to miming, I found this video by asking Google were the eagles miming? . I was thinking Don's singing the whole night was pitch perfect and impossibly effortless. Not one tired/strained breath. No close ups of Don. Naughty

[@kenbash2951]

The very first Eagles tour in Summer 1972- Doobies were the opening act. How fitting they are back together.

[@DonDixit]

Indeed it is. In the USA, over the years (make that decades) Doobs & Eagles played more gigs together. Prefer the more versatile and energetic Doobie Brothers who happen to have an unique catalogue of fantastic deep-cuts. As to the Eagles, in particular admire Don Henley who wrote half a dozen extraordinary quality songs.

[@JohnDeWeese-lq4pf]

I saw that line up too back in '72!

[@Lnt999]

I went on the 8th. The last ever Eagles UK gig. It was a privilege to be in the presence of greatness. The gig was fantastic. Henley, Walsh and Schmit are all over 75. They’ve been going for 52 years. If they got a bit of vocal help in small sections of the gig then fair play to them. But it all sounded perfectly live to me. There is a reason they’ve been going for 52 years and it’s because they’re bloody good at what they do. The vast vast majority of the time it was clearly 100% live.

[@bethany5688]

I was there on Fri 7th…..totally agree with you, they were awesome. They’re in their 70’s and to stand up there for two hours playing their greatest hits is amazing. I certainly wasn’t disappointed in the least…….if you’re paying this amount of money to criticise everything then why go………🤷‍♀️

[@asdfghjklkjhvbvcvjhvlyhb9957]

It`s only Henley of course who has been there 52 years.

[@PiglipsMaximus]

The sound is just so good there

[@beyondthebarricade]

Completely agree. Fantastic concert.. Not a long standing Eagles fan at all but I wanted to see them live. The section about Desperado had me thinking after watching this vid, but it doesn't stack up for me tbh. I recorded it too and did the loading in to daw after hearing what was said here, and compared the same way - no way was it the same vocal. Not on the night I went anyway! Each to their own. Great playing on the vid at end tho.. Although maybe some miming on a couple of notes ... 😊 Only kidding. Top vocal.

[@ljw5768]

I also went to the Eagles last ever UK gig! About 30 years ago.

[@taekwanlew]

The support, no matter how big, will never get the same sound as the headline.

[@Bizzle65]

Nonsense. Obviously the Doobie’s engineer didn’t have the same chops as the Eagles guy.

[@mikeshackleton4468]

I was there last night and DBS sound was excellent.

[@thegamerwolf1392]

Joe Walsh was deffo miming on some tracks. The vocal notes he hit were very high and no way could he hit them at his age. Finds it hard to speak these days never mind sing. Don Henley probably did on some tracks too. But on the night they sounded great, I really enjoyed both bands. The arena was fantastic. Like Don Henley said its not a ice skating rink. I would see them again miming or not. 9 out of 10 for a night out in my humble opinion.

[@lorrainekay2175]

Well as one old singer watching another right in front of me on Tuesday 4th's concert I can say that Don, as well as everybody else, was singing all night. You could see his breathing, hear the rasps into the mic and yes, it wasn't 'perfect'. I picked up the odd slightly off note and saw how he snatched the odd extra breath, which he wouldn't have needed ten years ago and which comes to all older singers. Whatever others allege, I know what I saw in front of me.

[@GT380man]

You can fool yourself but Desperado was mimed. I watched the Wings of Pegasus videos and saw the comparisons from many years apart. Not similar. Identical. As a singer, Phil held a tone, twice, which sounded the same. But he showed the pitch analysis proved the takes were unique. He compared four Don Henley “live performances” and they were identical by pitch analyser. That means all of those “live performances” were mimed. Me, i don’t mind him doing it. I mind his deception.

[@atreb56]

I saw Fil's video too. Expert analysis. Too bad that there's no law stating that lip syncing must be revealed.

[@lynnmartin4133]

We were 5th row from front Thursday 7th. Agree. No miming. No trickery.

[@svensvensson2724]

The proof is in. They are miming. Denial won't change anything.

[@fromchomleystreet]

@terryjacobsen268 That doesn’t make it untrue. There is no other explanation for multiple performances being identical. You are simply in denial.

[@Nowhere_Man_1953]

I've saved quite a few ticket stubs from concerts, mainly in the 70's. I've also misplaced or lost many that I had. I have two from Eagles concerts. The first was on March 30, 1977 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. Jimmy Buffet opened for them. The price for a ticket was $ 9.50 tax included. The other one is from Sunday August 06, 1978 at CNE Stadium in Toronto. The price for that one was $ 12.50 tax included. The 70's was a great decade for music & concerts & maybe the best !

[@johnlane6459]

Hey Tom, glad you enjoyed the Eagles Gig. Michael Mac and Vince Gill are true legends in my book. Good to meet you at the weekend 🤠👍🏼

[@pierrebidondo4095]

Coop, Your song at the end is Freakin' brilliant! Way to stick it to the man! 😆🤘🏽✌

[@HelenBaker-kp4wn]

Saw the Eagles last night and they certainly weren't miming in fact their last night went out on a high and it was emotional to realise it was their last ever gig in the UK. I loved every minute of it, the atmosphere was electric.

[@sjaakbrand1188]

People just don't want to let go he was mining most parts last few years but I can hear and I even saw close up he wasn't mining 80% off al his vocals even his second voice and about the harmonies they where live for more than 60%

[@robdee9341]

@@sjaakbrand1188 You should have demanded 40% of your money back..

[@sjaakbrand1188]

@robdee9341 I think the eagles 2024 sound live more complete than in the 70this if live not more perfect but complete There are so many vocals second voice harmonies. Now in this modern area they can let you hear the whole package but the guys using some technical support. They are old people still giving a show. To much complaining going on. Many people are dead at this point or in a wheel chair. We do not blame them for not walking. You stay home our watch the show from legend of pop music it's your choice but imagine yourself about 80 years one the stage 200 gigs can you stil sing every song . Our yes they sing but sounding awfull Let them do there last trick and give them some respect. Those songs and the remaining guys they are history and legends

[@robdee9341]

@sjaakbrand1188 Well I'm nearly 73 and up until covid which messed up my voice I was singing with my band. 2 sets a night 45 minutes and 60 minutes total of about 36 songs. Just me on vocals. Lead Guitar. Double Bass and Drums.. No pre recorded tracks just live music..

[@sjaakbrand1188]

@robdee9341 that's really impressive and amazing

[@jobsgarage]

"There you have it gentleman, what more evidence do we need?". Case closed. Once upon a time there was a band call the Eagles.

[@TheHutchMusic]

I was there same night (you caught us walking in, on your video) and had similar opinions. In the end I was there to enjoy myself and loved it. Expensive yes, uncomfortable seats but 1000% glad I went.

[@iamtjwalker]

How funny that I caught you on video! Sorry about that! I'm really pleased I went too.

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

Gill gets a lot of crap for joining Eagles but he’s a 22 time Grammy winner! He’s awesome!

[@c.e.anderson558]

Kick ass Mashup. You are an excellent musician and vocalist You'll be on the air soon.

[@mariehope8202]

Saw the Eagles last night and it was a brilliant night 🎉❤

[@kirkbowe]

Thanks for the great video. With Michael Jackson, in the 80s, on those record-breaking tours, the official broadcast videos have where, for sections of a small number of some songs, you definitely hear a recorded main vocal for parts of it, and then his mic cuts in for other parts of that song. Apart from that, he sang live all the way. I was at one of the late 80s shows and as a teenager then I can't recall whether the audience on site had a mix of live + prerecorded or not. The live sound of many bands is massaged before the video comes out, of course. Maybe one of the techs from those days can speak up. But for a show like his you might give some leeway in terms of the balance between high energy theatrics and the purity of any of the audio elements. But with our beloved Eagles so much of how we revere them is to do with their incredible harmonies and their authenticity as musicians. And all of these current discussions relate to live recordings of The Eagles sound, rather than massaged post-produced versions. I don't know how authentic it is if they're not being honest with the live audience, unless there is a basic misunderstanding that we're not getting as fans, and we'll adjust our views when corrected.

[@perrybarton]

10:57 Yes, it's pronounced "fry." 😎

[@Scotlanz]

Like vocal fry? 😂

[@JohnnyBouchier]

Thank you for this in-depth review. I certainly was not expecting your concluding thoughts. 🙂

[@mikecrean8849]

great review TJ. I was there on Tuesday night and I thought the whole Eagles performance an presentation was great. I was fully aware of this miming controversy but I just ignored it and enjoyed the show. One thing that I’m so glad you clarified was who was the unmentioned guitarist who was standing beside Joe throughout the show. I thought his playing and back up vocals was great. But the poor chap got no introduction on stage nor did he come on for the bows at the end. I tried to research him too, but found nothing about him. So thanks for advising us all that it was Stuart Smith. I’m not familiar with the guy but it’s been bothering me all week. Final question. Given Don Henley’s army of lawyers and his close guardian of copyright, how are The Illegal Eagles allowed to perform. I too have frequently seen them and they really are a terrific band. But how do they get round this performing and copyright issue. Great video man and keep up the good work. 🙋‍♂️👏👏🎼

[@Andy22882]

That guitar player is Steuart Smith, he's been with the Eagles since Felder got fired. He plays all the intricate little parts, he is great.

[@perrygoddard1520]

Loved your piece and have subscribed. I think you called it right, not totally lip synched just certain songs. I too have been playing for a number of years it's obvious your musical knowledge is extensive, so just adds more credibility. Finally. I wonder how many theatre audiences would be happy to watch a Shakespeare play performed by Dame Judy Dench and the rest of the cast lip synching the dialogue?

[@paulthorp9023]

Went Saturday and Tuesday, I felt Desperado was mimed on Saturday, and in a lower key and mostly live on Tuesday

[@paulthorp9023]

Oh, and forgot to say, witchy woman was awesome !

[@secobaairways4585]

I didn't need to be there to know that they didn't change the song from Saturday to Tuesday during a "live" tour.

[@catscan2022]

The backdrop during the songs was amazing especially the scene of the open road. Made me wish I lived in America with all that beautiful scenery

[@jevinday]

Vince Gill is in the eagles? I'm not surprised, I just didn't know that. I clicked on this the moment I saw it because of Fil's miming video, very interesting. Good to see they weren't mining!

[@VitalityMassage]

*They got the clue!* I watched the Desperado video from this night and he was live but... I also watched two other videos from last spring and last winter and they were both mimed. So it looks as though the Eagles got the clue. Don sounded fine so I'm not sure what he was worried about. Glad he's back!

[@johnmcalindon523]

A privilege to be in the same piece of ground as this band for a few hours. 01/06/2024

[@DavidWebb-wr1do]

I disagree, I watched Don closely during desperado, and I can assure you that on the last night when I went he definitely sang live, even a couple of brief moments where is voice just cracked a bit and had to take a couple of extra breaths. These guys are ultimate pros who sing and perform with an insane level of perfectionism. I am a singer who has performed live for 40 years so I obsess about these things. The Eagles were spot on and world class.

[@DavidWebb-wr1do]

I needed to update my comment having watched both wings of Pegasus KZbin videos on the subject, you cannot argue with the facts that in the live recordings analysed - and there were several, Don was miming! This is a shock! And tough to get your head around from someone who cares so much about his music, maybe too much. That he is willing to deceive his audience to maintain the quality of his live performance. No one expects a now much older artist to still sing like he was in his twenties, and it’s normal to drop the key a bit as the years go by. I will however, on this occasion of the long good bye tour, still cling to the fact that I was staring at the man, as he took centre stage to sing the last encore, his vocal was a bit patchy in places and his voice did catch a couple of times as I watched him take a few extra breaths, I would very much like to think that this imperfect version was genuinely sung live. But hey, mind blown, and just maybe he has got really good at miming to the backing track. If so then that’s disappointing. Other than that the show was amazing and the rest of the guys sang and played their hearts out. Brilliant show Don but a bit sad that my last memory of you may be that things were not quite as they appeared to be regarding your vocals.

[@ericmarshall963]

@@DavidWebb-wr1do The evidence is conclusive in my opinion. Whether it was the same for the UK gigs I’ve no idea as there is no way to tell for sure in a large arena without analysing the vocal tracks. Just out of interest were there any close ups on the big screen of Don singing lead?

[@DavidWebb-wr1do]

@@ericmarshall963 yes a few during the show, but thinking about it, not for the encores

[@ericmarshall963]

@@DavidWebb-wr1do Thanks Dave. If he was lip syncing for the UK shows it would have been very well rehearsed. As someone who bought all their records from the early seventies I just hope they actually call it a day now unless they bring out a new album (very unlikely). Clearly Vince’s vocals were live and Deacon’s I think. Joe’s were live too apart from perhaps a wee bit of help on the high notes. I’m not sure about Tim’s. I first saw him in Poco way back in time. Anyway thanks for your reply.

[@chesleystephens8864]

World class fakers

[@markmiwurdz2248]

@TJ Walker. Thank you for this review. The “other” lead guitarist - Steuart Smith, was on the Eagles studio album “The Long Road Out Of Eden”. I believe that Steuart also contributed to the production of that album. I hope he used the white double - neck guitar ( Music Man Shadow 6 & 12 string) on “Hotel California” during the performance you saw If he did, you may have noticed that on Steuart’s guitar the 12 string neck is the upper and the six string neck is in the lower position. Apparently, he specified the guitar with MM this way since he plays with the guitar quite high. I first saw Steuart play with Rodney Crowell’s backing band The Dixie Pearls back in the last century and was seriously impressed. He’s a proper Nashville picker! Keep up the good work. Stay safe and well.

[@terryjohinke8065]

Both Glenn Frey and Don Henley are Tenors. Don Henley is more alto -Tenor wheras Glenn Frey ( my personal favourite) is straightforward Tenor. He cannot sing as high as Henley. I have been playing Teqia Sunrise and, singing it since the 70s and I prefer Glenn Frey on that and Take it Easy. Henley is known for his lust for money and it wouldn't surprise me whatever he did to get " bums on seats" and tcket money. I agree with you wholeheartedlt about Vince Gill, agreat musician and singer in his own right.

[@_majortom_]

You are being too nice man. A friend of mine who left the show business after 25 years, and he was right in the top tier like Live Nation, Ticket Master, ..., he told me: "I left cause it has become more fake than the snake oil"

[@jennywebb8028]

Major Tom get yourself a life it was brilliant & live!

[@sjaakbrand1188]

If you look a 4 man pop band with just one leading vocal and people at they age 40 yes you are right it should be 100% live . But when many vocals and many shows old people can't deliver good quality. When you here second abd third voices and harmonies different lead vocals and people nering the age about 80 years and are true legends its acceptable.

[@harrynewiss4630]

@@sjaakbrand1188 No it isn't. Faking never is. If you can't sing or play any more, retire.

[@sjaakbrand1188]

@harrynewiss4630 hmm he can sing but long touring ....

[@harrynewiss4630]

@@sjaakbrand1188 shorter tours then

[@leepryor123]

Thanks for the review mate.

[@VicarOfMayhem]

Loved your song at the end, great job! I'm thinking about seeing them in October at the Sphere in Vegas...

[@scotsrich]

Have a look at Wings of Pegasus review of Glastonbury. Interesting analysis which makes the point that they could well be singing over (or under) a backing track. Almost impossible to spot especially watching them live.

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

As an aside I toured with Tangerine Dream in early 80’s and their show was run on Revox reel to reel tape machines . So the tapes would roll and the individual musicians would improvise as and when .

[@user-de4zy4ub3u]

What a con. I don't understand people saying that it's ok. If I go to see a live band I expect them to be live especially if I've paid 300 quid.

[@mikehetherington8484]

Brave guy, see also Rick Beato's commentary on Henley & Co's legal shenanigans

[@boatingforbeginners7949]

Brilliant buddy.. Very entertaining.. Pleased you enjoyed the show and it does'nt really matter.. fab tune at the end and fab singing too

[@iamtjwalker]

Thank you! I still enjoyed it and I'm glad I went!

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

Well the difference between original “Doobies” and “McDoobies” (my name for MCDonald Doobies) is the style. “OrigDoobs” were rock in’ “McDoobs” more R&B style.

[@d_tilla]

Think Don was miming some or all of his stuff. Maybe not all but definitely some. No one else was, imo, other than Joe Walsh's high note in 'In the City'.

[@conradharcourt8263]

Went on the 7th. Vaguely suspected some miming but enjoyed every minute. TBF there are several bands whose members are a third of the age and mime most of every gig!

[@bernie_smith]

I saw the Doobie Brothers 30th August 1977 at the Apollo, Manchester. It was a tremendous gig. At the time I was definitely mainly going to see Rock outfits, Rory being my favourite live artist during that period, but I knew the Doobies would be great and they didn't disappoint. I was 16 at the time. Never liked The Eagles at anytime, but I did manage to catch Neil Young during that period, superb. Keep up the good work on your channel! Regards.

[@niged]

I'm pretty sure that's when I caught the Doobies. Was Crawler the support band??

[@bernie_smith]

@@niged Yep, you are absolutely correct. Crawler were the support.

[@hgreaves7090]

We went on the last Saturday night (the 8th), was delighted to see 2 of my all time favourite bands on the same stage, absolutely amazing gig, great venue, sound was great. I took a few snippets of videos and they were definitely singing live, you could see and hear the breathing.

[@bshaker1188]

I saw the tour twice in the fall of ‘23 and spring of ‘24. Vince Gill did not sing back up on Boys of Summer both times, but he did at the Coop which tells me Henley was singing live where other concerts on the tour that was being called into question. The Eagles are amazing and despite the changes are still one of the top bands of all time.

[@videorichie236]

"Miming" is Marcel Marceau. "Lip synching" is what we call it in the U.S.

[@kadiummusic]

And we call in Lip Syncing in England... synching? 😁

[@mickyfinn7969]

In England I think we speak “English”. In America you speak “nobody in the rest of the world cares” .

[@yeticus1]

​@@mickyfinn7969 Well said!

[@mikepenny2963]

I recall seeing the Eagles on tv and when Don was doing lead vocal and playing drums, I noted his drumming seemed out of sync. My conclusion at the time was he was miming the drum part.

[@markmiwurdz2248]

Apparently it’s difficult to play drums and sing because the rhythm pattern doesn’t always “align” to the phrasing of the verses. The only other drummer I can think of who could sing and play drums was Levon Helm (RIP) of The Band. But he usually sang his own compositions so could write the words/verses to fit what he was playing.

[@spivvo]

Love the song at the end :)

[@eekamoose]

VERY classy solo at the end of your video!

[@asdfghjklkjhvbvcvjhvlyhb9957]

I was there on Saturday 8th , the last night. I was aware of the rumours while I was watching both bands . I also managed to get my zoom camera in and took some vids which I haven`t scrutinized yet . All the guitar base and drums keyboards sax etc certainly were live. All Joe`s lead vocals were live for sure, but early songs his mouth seemed to open but no sound was discernable during harmonies. Some of the backing vocals may have been backing tracks by both bands , it`s hard to be sure. I`m unsure whether Henley`s lead vocals were all live or not. The harmony vocals by both bands seemed so good yet they didn`t seem to be all at the mic`s. Having said that , the Eagles had at least two backing musicians that you didn`t watch who were probably singing. It was a fab night and memorable regardless. Update edit. Having looked at the vid I took of Henley singing hotel California I`m afraid he was actually miming then. It`s disappointing that they are being dishonest. I saw them in 2001 and they were legit then.

[@davidgriffith3938]

It is a common thing for the opening band to be screwed by the soundman to make the headline sound better. Knowing Don Henley, I would absolutely believe this was the case.

[@MarkMonroecabaret]

Thanks Tom..Fab.

[@snacklofter]

👍👍 Love your song!

[@neilforehand1121]

This is about the 5th farewell tour!!

[@jeffreylutz9061]

Name the other four

[@davehoward22]

Same with the who and kiss

[@winstonHancock-bk1ok]

I can tell from your guitar playing you do like Steely Dan( Larry Carlton ) I love it

[@saintjimmy456]

I saw them live last night. Perfect mimed vocals - literally perfect, a high key, no breathing, no breaking, no close up videos of him for most of it, sounded just like the album versions. The vocal on Hotel California was exactly like the album version and none of the band were on the big screens until after the vocal had ended. Also, he was hitting notes in Witchy Woman that even the new singers weren’t hitting in their songs. A great show, but definitely miming from Don. Joe was not miming at all, his voice was good but broke at times (a few bum notes in his last solo song) and he had close up shots of him throughout all of his songs, no gimmicks to hide his face during vocals

[@warrenschulze350]

Subbed just for the solo!

[@aliwhitwell]

Great playing and vocals too. Lovely sounding Gibson. 🙂

[@bazstravels8986]

I was there last night, 8th June, I thought it was a bit antiseptic, the Doobie Brothers were ace, the one song that made wonder about lip sync was One Of These Nights, it just seemed too perfect vocally, after all these years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Eagles fan from back in the day. The other point, it was the same video backing thru out the night as their show at Murrayfield two years ago and same talks bits. Saw The Boss 10 days ago and I know where I’ll spend my money next time. Namely, 25 July, Wembley!

[@abobharding]

I was there loved it !

[@catscan2022]

My only disappointment was there was too much Jo walsh and not enough don henley.. No new york minute (my fave don henley song) and no end of the innocence. Was disappointed Glen frys the heat is on never got a look in either

[@ambia_seoexpert]

Great job

[@michaelbird711]

Was a fantastic night and if they are still doesn't really effect my enjoyment of it, Aerosmith do it and probably countless other bands do as well

[@warwickdally3677]

I attended 2 Manchester gigs (1st and 8th of June) and have videos from both they both sound similar to me but not exact as it may be different volume etc as I was sat in different seats each time but it would be interesting if someone would want to compare both using sound tech

[@user-jj7uy1ns5f]

Lip syncing £300 ticket daylight robbery

[@JamieAndersonMusic]

Longtime Vince Gill fan. Saw him last year at the Opry and he was amazing. I doubt any of the solo acts at the Opry are miming.

[@13MWM13]

Or they could do what Robert Plant and others have done for decades: sing a different voice in certain parts of songs, such as a tenor or alto part. I don’t want to see a mimic of the studio version; I can listen to that at home. I like live stuff that sounds a little different in some cases because it’s authentic.

[@g55m1r]

Enjoyed your song at the end. Put me in mind of Flight of the Conchords.

[@stevengroves9018]

If you want to see Henleys real ability to sing live look up The Last Resort in Hyde Park on here.

[@fluthyhehim66]

Yes, that was back in 2016. He sang The Last Resort well, and referred to the song as "The story of Western civilization in 6 minutes".

[@Nick_Barre]

Sounds like the bad old days of giving the support band slightly sub-standard sound. Shame not to get the full-quality Mike McDonald's vocals.

[@alisondix5588]

I went also and I thought the Eagle were fantastic x doobie brothers I agree could not make out the lyrics x we were near the front high up and the roadies were fantastic turn around x but I thought Stewart Smith was out of this world what a musician 😀 miss Glenn frey 😢

[@timlc]

Don Henley famously said he was never happy with his vocal on the album, feeling that he’d needed more takes to get it right. It’s possible that this fear has followed him into his live performances, relying on a track that he was happy with to ensure he delivered the best performance he could on the night. I don’t know, I’m no expert, but this could explain the reasons behind what appears to be a pre-recorded vocal track.

[@markrushton1516]

No it's because he can. Put a disclaimer on the tickets to say you are hearing a pre recorded version

[@atreb56]

​@@markrushton1516There should be a law requiring announcement of lip syncing.

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Interesting comment about not filming during the show and it surely begs the question; why not ? As you say these days it is expected that many will want to capture a bit or all of a show. I would have ignored this if I had been there and assume most of not all in the audience did the same .

[@daviddonnelly3529]

Was Pete Best (ex Beatles) not at the show you saw because there is video on you tube of him onstage playing tambourine with the Doobies?

[@catscan2022]

So it was the same Pete best? We wondered whether it was the same guy

[@MelanieMaguire]

To expect anyone over 50 to be able to sing like they did when they were 20 is foolish. Singing is a physical endeavour - using ligaments, muscles from head to diaphragm and needing expert co-ordination between all of the parts. We don't expect athletes to retain their muscle tone, ligament flexibility and strength, their control into their 40s, 50s 60s etc. So why do we expect singers to do the same? It's completely normal for the aging voice to become deeper - lose it's high notes (lack of flexibility in the vocal cords - ligaments), stamina, control, vibrato becomes a wobble etc. Anything different is akin to a miracle. I would be very surprised if anyone over 60 on that stage wasn't miming. So, what do we want? No gigs from our heroes because they're just too old to do what they used to - or would we rather let them use whatever help they can so that we can still witness them "live" on stage, stand in the same room as them and see them with our own eyes, doing as much as they can manage, and not worry too much about the whole lipsyncing thing?... There are very, very few seniors who can still play an instrument, let alone sing. I feel we should give them some latitude and some love for all the pleasure they've given us with their music over the years. I'm glad you enjoyed the performance TJ!

[@MelanieMaguire]

PS. When you think about it, these are 50s 60s 70s who have come 5000 miles to share the music in person with their fans and followers. Anyone who's ever toured will know how grim and gruelling it is. Anyone who's ever done a long-haul flight will know how unpleasant and exhausting it is. It's a really wonderful and epic thing to have these classic American musicians make the effort to come all the way to Britain for their last concert...

[@georgebur]

Serious singers sound good through to 75

[@Nick_Barre]

You mention your earplugs that take things down without losing quality. Interesting. Can you specify what they are please?

[@stevenlornie1261]

Earplugs are dime a dozen these days. I've got Senner.

[@kathykaye272]

Your song was amazing! thanks for that

[@stephenward3468]

Who said in twenty years time who knows what the music industry will be in.I recall DH made that statement,was he dropping a hint at something? My illusion of the Eagles is quickly fading into the sunset.

[@harrynewiss4630]

Yes they are.

[@g55m1r]

I saw Eagles farewell tour with Steely Dan in Boston last September. SD’s sound wasn’t good there either. By contrast Eagles’ sound was brilliant.

[@RealButcher]

@14:55... what what what... tell me... "I wish I had'nt doen this" ... 😮❤ Oh boy oh Boy oh Boy... the anticipation... is killing... 😂 or 😢

[@takeiteasyUK]

I was there and the fact no close ups of Henley singing Desperado and Hotel California gives the game away

[@markrushton1516]

're the phones we managed years without them. All our attention was on stage not making memories or trying to post to a platform. If they weren't miming the lawyers would have been the case.

[@jhall6926]

Was it live or memorex...? .....😮.....great job.

[@patricksmith9656]

lol that takes me back

[@quinnisquinn9502]

Hotel California sounds live now. Boys of Summer, Desperado - 100% lip synced.

[@markchadwick8887]

Just got back form their last night in Manchester, I didn't know about the miming issue going in, but during the first song Henley "sung" I turned to my wife and said he was miming. It bugged me on each Henley song (I didn't think about it on the others) then checked the internet on the way out to confirm what I thought. It was a great concert but I would have felt worse if I had paid the £300. The rest of the Eagles and Doobie Brothers made it a great night though.

[@limeyf633]

i LIKE your style TJ

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

John McFee ? ex Clover from the mid 70’s I believe.

[@morgan72359]

@andrewarthurmatthews6685 He's probably best known for work with Doobie Brothers. He's also on at least one Timothy B Schmit solo album - Leap of Faith.

[@JohnPilka]

Do I hear a little Bill Nelson in your lovely guitar playing?

[@tonepilot]

I like both Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers but I'd rather see the Doobie Brothers live.

[@Traci59]

I’ve seen both, Steely Dan a few yrs ago in Tuscaloosa, Al & The Doobie Bros last year in Huntsville. The latter was outstanding, maybe the best ever.

[@Bizzle65]

Cool story, Bro.

[@mikelanham2901]

👍

[@DrTune]

Isn't the point that the recorded vocals were sung by Henley, possibly on stage at a gig, then quite possibly touched up, and then repeatedly re-used on tour. I'm sure they "sounded live" because at one point they were. The question is - is a previous good performance being recycled

[@ablestringer9063]

I reckon you could do a great David Bowie impression if you tried

[@fromchomleystreet]

Hotel California is definitely lip synced. The highest note, even in the lowered key, is an A, which is a full-step/tone higher than the highest note he would have to hit in Desperado if he really was singing it in the original key they’ve miraculously returned it to (and which we know is lip synced), and a major third lower than the highest note in Desperado in the easier key into which it was transposed a decade ago so that Henley could hit it, when he could still be bothered trying to. And yet he appears to hit that Hotel California note perfectly and effortlessly, while simultaneously playing drums, every night, at the age of 76. We know he’s faking the easier task (“Desperado”). Common sense should tell us, therefore, he’s also faking the significantly harder task (“Hotel California”) As for why they are playing “HC” a semi-tone lower than the original key, in contrast to “Desperado” which they’ve returned to its original key, I would surmise it’s because that note was too high for him to hit when they recorded the backing track that he’s miming to, even in the studio. Alternatively, it may be a legacy of a time on an earlier tour when he WAS really singing, and therefore needed it transposed, and the band got used to playing it that way.

[@iamtjwalker]

I totally agree!

[@edwardhoughton8861]

Kelly Rowland 'singing' to backing music at the Manchester Apollo and her big hit with Nelly was on a big screen there was no band we should have asked for our money back!

[@colinturner4158]

Their brilliant

[@raymondoakford8357]

The one singer who is the definition of it being impossible to mime was Ray Charles.

[@jimbonobodycares10]

Sounded live to me

[@stevebrown1334]

It was. People talk rubbish

[@saintjimmy456]

I was there last night. Joe sang live. Don was definitely not singing live. Did you not notice during Hotel California that the vocal was exactly the same as the album version and there was no videos of the band until his vocal ended?

[@alanmoss3479]

Went to see them in Sheffield Arena they were too perfect but not miming just so good at their craft

[@johnnynick6179]

No.... they are using backing tracks at ALL their shows now. They've just gotten really good at playing with tracks that's it's not easy to tell.

[@alanmoss3479]

@@johnnynick6179 I’m going back 15+ years

[@johnnynick6179]

@@alanmoss3479 Perhaps 15+ years ago they were doing everything live... at this point I don't know. I am a huge Eagles fan and I have always been amazed at how perfect their harmonies are live. Now I'm wondering whether they EVER actually performed completely live. Once you betray a trust it is nearly impossible to get it back. I won't be paying big $$$ to see them again.

[@MembersOnlyRocks]

Backing tracks are not in all or nothing endeavor. They can be using backing tracks just to hit the hard parts but sing the rest that is easy for them to help the authenticity of the performance. Anyone going to a concert in 2024 and think they aren’t hearing backing tracks, at least for some instruments and perhaps vocals, is fooling themselves.

[@johnycat7373]

You are absolutely right. But for many of us we would prefer to hear a less polished live version. I think that if bands use backing tracks there should be some kind of notification that they do, rather than deceiving the audience. I am a giging musician and there are local bands that use backing tracks. I could not look at myself in the mirror if my band used backing tracks. I would be ashamed. I nearly had a fight with another guitarist at a gig, because after following them I said on the mic "If we don’t sound quite as polished as the other group , it’s because we don’t use backing tracks like the band before us. We are real musicians…." Most concerning thing was that half the audience didn’t realise that there were two guitars in the mix and only one guitarist….So I don’t know if you are defending the use of backing tracks. Perhaps I’m just getting old . But I think that it is typical of the modern fake world in which we live. Integrity , honesty and effort, mean nothing

[@robbo811]

No not at all, that is defending an act being fraudulent, compounded by excoriating price gauging

[@markmiwurdz2248]

All this begs the question. How would these singers/songwriters have ever known that they would still be performing their works in the sixth, seventh or even eighth (Mr. McCartney) decade of their lives? Hats off to the musicians who had the foresight to write their songs so that they could perform them into their dotage! Check out Steve Miller - an octogenarian - singing and playing “The Joker” with John Mayer from just last year. One song is different to a whole concert but Steve still managed.

[@atreb56]

​​@@johnycat7373Agree. No integrity anymore. Pitch correction and Autotune are the industry standards now. I'm glad I have my old recordings.

[@chrisbodum3621]

Get back to fitting out narrowboats. [The Narrowboat that James built]

[@nickbishop48]

Its incredibly simple to find out if someone is miming. I did it at home at the Queen's Platinum jubilee concert. If you "shazam" the song whilst its playing it will not recognise it if its a live performance. If they are miming then Shazam will recognise the song immediately. It's so easy.

[@ericmarshall963]

Will Shazam recognise a specially recorded backing track ?

[@nickbishop48]

@@ericmarshall963 it only recognises the original recording and most who mime use that

[@ericmarshall963]

@@nickbishop48 I don’t think that is what is being used here though. The original recordings were approximately 50 years ago for most of the Eagles songs.

[@Bizzle65]

Only works if they are miming to the original released recording, which they would never do. Only elements of the performance would be on backing tracks. Shazam works like audio fingerprints. Has to have the exact same waveform.

[@nickbishop48]

@@ericmarshall963 no. Has to be the original but lots do use the original recording

[@ffbruce4213]

Your song, brilliant