It’s the end of an era for the Eagles, and their fans. The iconic group announced on social media that they are embarking on their final tour, appropriately named The Long Goodbye, on September 7, saying farewell to their fans, many whom have been with them since their eponymous freshman album was released in 1972. Steely Dan will join the Eagles as the opening act.
“The Eagles have had a miraculous 52-year odyssey, performing for people all over the globe; keeping the music alive in the face of tragic losses, upheavals and setbacks of many kinds,” the band announces on social media. “Credit and thanks go to our longtime management team, our dedicated road crew, and our exceptional backup musicians for providing skilled and steadfast support, throughout these many years. We know how fortunate we are, and we are truly grateful.”
The Eagles, which now includes Vince Gill, go on to acknowledge that their longevity has far exceeded even their wildest dreams, with Don Henley part of the band since the beginning.
“Our long run has lasted far longer than any of us ever dreamed,” the Eagles say. “But, everything has its time, and the time has come for us to close the circle. The official farewell tour is currently in the planning stages. We want to give all our fans a chance to see us on this final round. So, scheduling information will be released as dates are set. The difficulties of booking venues for multiple nights may require us to return to certain cities, depending on demand. But, we hope to see as many of you as we can, before we finish up.
“Most importantly, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for embracing this band and its music,” the band concludes. “At the end of the day, you are the reason we have been able to carry on for over five decades. This is our swan song, but the music goes on and on.”
In a press release about The Long Goodbye Tour, the Eagles reveal that they expect the tour to last at least two years, giving both them and their fans ample time to reunite one last time.
“During ‘The Long Goodbye,’ the Eagles — Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey — will perform as many shows in each market as their audience demands. The tour is expected to continue into 2025,”
Gill joined the Eagles in 2017, filling the spot left vacant when original member Glenn Frey passed away.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity and a good hang,” Gill told Variety. “Everything about it is something I just can’t even believe it’s happened, and I’m grateful for it every time I get to go up there and continue to be a part of keeping that song catalog going. It’s an amazing accomplishment Don [Henley] and Glenn and Joe and Timothy and all those guys made, and all the former guys that played — Randy, Don [Felder] and Bernie [Leadon].
“I would have never believed that that would happen, and sadly it only did because of a tragedy and losing Glenn,” he added. “I’ve got a really healthy perspective of it, and I know I had nothing to do with any of it other than from this day forward. So I can’t get the big head about it.”
The Country Music Hall of Fame member knew at the onset that fans would be skeptical of him being part of the group, a wariness that he says was completely founded.
“The first gig that I did with them, I could feel the apprehension in the crowd, and it made total sense,” Gill recalled. “‘Take It to the Limit’ was the first song I sang, and I could feel after the first chorus everybody just take a deep breath and go, ‘I think it’s gonna be OK.’ I honestly could feel that from them; it was really palpable and really quite beautiful.”
See a list of announced dates on The Long Goodbye Tour below. Updates can be found at Eagles.com.
The Long Goodbye Tour Dates:
Sept. 7 — New York City — Madison Square Garden
Sept. 11 — Boston — TD Garden
Sept. 16 — Newark, New Jersey — Prudential Center
Sept. 20 — Belmont Park, New York — UBS Arena
Oct. 5 — Denver — Ball Arena
Oct. 9 — Indianapolis — Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Oct. 13 — Detroit — Little Caesars Arena
Oct. 17 — Cleveland — Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Nov. 2 — Atlanta — State Farm Arena
Nov. 7 — Charlotte, North Carolina — Spectrum Center
Nov. 9 — Raleigh, North Carolina — PNC Arena
Nov. 14 — Lexington, Kentucky — Rupp Arena
Nov. 17 — St. Paul, Minnesota — Xcel Energy Center
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Live Nation Entertainment / Ron Koch