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his year celebrates a decade since the multi-talented Australian musician – David Thompson and compatriot Ritchie Baker, conceived the idea of a show dedicated to the Eagles, and this is how it came about…
“We were driving back from Brisbane,” says David, “and were throwing about ideas for a world-stopping show as our own entity when we were pulled over by a traffic officer for speeding. ‘Who do you think you are – eagles?’ he quipped.”
Fired up, David and Ritchie were ready to roll. Each of the musicians was hand-picked. “We had to be right from the word ‘go’.” In 2006 David left the show and by the time he returned to the fold it had been taken over by Showtime Australia. What a pleasure! David was able to perform the music he loved and a show he had conceived without having to worry about the overheads and topping it all – receive a salary.
“Hotel California – The Eagles Experience” is “tailored for the enthusiastic fan with every chord sounding as if it is the original”. Over the decade the show has ‘evolved’ – “it now has the X-factor,” says David. “We have the right bunch of guys who not only give 110%, but regard performing the music for the love of it and a privilege to be able to play every night.
“It is scary how in tune they are,” he says. “They are so natural, they are unnatural.” Adding to the authenticity are the videos forming the backdrops. “We have the right people singing the right songs and playing the right instruments.”
So much so that it’s almost a “religious experience” - where audience members “come because they love the music”. And don’t think they’re not accountable to the Eagles’ fans! While undergoing a tour in Canada and a rendition of ‘Hotel California’, which they sang in a lower key compared to the original, they were approached by a blind member of the audience who had noticed that the song was sung in a ‘different key’ – ‘I don’t have my eyes, but I do have my ears,’ he said.
The cast
‘Hotel California – The Eagles Experience’ fills the ‘musical void left by the much-loved rock superstars’. From the 70s through to the 80s they were a major force on the music scene garnering many Gold and Platinum records.
The band broke up in 1980, ‘but to the delight of their fans they re-united in 1994 for the ‘Hell Freezes Over Tour’ … and it’s this tour which is the focus of ‘The Eagles Experience’.
David takes on the role of Glenn Frey and is accompanied on stage by Scotsman – David Grey as Don Henley, both founding members of The Eagles.
The latter “idolises Don Henley” and believes that his songs “are heartfelt” – when offered a chance to perform in an Eagles show he said “I fancy that” and “grabbed the opportunity with both hands”.
“It was his voice that sold me,” says David T. “And then meeting the guy in person… his vocal and stage presence takes the show to another level!
“Every show needs to have its moments … in this show (The Eagles Experience) it’s every song that’s ‘chilling’.”
With David T’s background in country music (having toured with Johny Cash, Tammy Wynette and Keith Urban among others), David G’s gravelly voice and musical expertise and newcomer ‘Marcus from Manchester’ (Marcus Tate) as Joe Walsh on guitar and vocals, they have come up with an absolute winner that MUST NOT be missed! “You will swear that the songs are off the album,” David T promises.
To view a performance of 'Hotel California' visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hicGCRUMds
Itinerary
· 20 – 31 January: Joburg Theatre (Gauteng)
· 3 – 7 February: The Boardwalk, Port Elizabeth
· 9 February: Town Hall, George
· 13 & 14 February: Windmill Casino, Bloemfontein
· 17 – 28 February: iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom, uMdloti (KZN)
Booking through Computicket. |
