The B’Eagles

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Website/s

Official Website

Date/Sat 25 March, 2006
Reviewed by/Denis Hill
Photography by/Nic Cooper

Sunday night gigs are something of a rarity at Plinston, but I was nevertheless hopeful as I took my seat, that Letchworth would respond in goodly numbers. Especially so, as I had heard pre-show, that the B’Eagles would be disbanding at the end of May. That sad piece of news alone demanded a generous send-off from the Plinston faithful.

All the usual B’Eagles technical hallmarks were apparent from the opening number “Take it Easy”, including top quality sound and a truly professional light show. The classy musicianship was there too and when the boys followed with “One of Those Nights”, the whole production seemed to ooze authenticity.

I had heard that The Eagles themselves are touring British football stadia this summer, but on the evidence of this opening, The B’Eagles need not fear even this comparison.

Looking around the audience during “Lyin’ Eyes” and “Already Gone”, I would describe the mood as ‘rapt’. I recognised a number of local musicians in the crowd and could sense their appreciation of some exquisite guitar work and quintessential Eagles harmonies.

Other highlights of a real connoisseurs first set for me were “Wasted Time” with its deliciously melancholic keyboard and the ubiquitous “Tequila Sunrise”. Both were masterfully handled.

During the interval I spoke to their manager Shaun who told me the band carried (and used!) twenty-two different guitars. Blimey – and if I needed further proof of the bands professionalism it came with their request to turn down the air conditioning on stage which was apparently playing havoc with their tuning!

There was an obvious heavier feel to the second set and “Life in the Fast Lane” featured some tremendous work on drums from Mike Bedford. The hot and heavy “Witchy Woman” showed Andy’s guitar craft at its prodigious best.

“Heartache Tonight” produced the expected “clap along” reaction from an increasingly animated crowd and “Take it to the Limit” was particularly memorable.

An air of expectancy went round the assembled throng when the “howling wind” sound effect heralded that classic of classics “Hotel California” and we were not to be disappointed as Andy, Bryan, Graham, Mike and Stu filled the auditorium with a note-perfect rendition.

A lovely little encore closed this most impressive show. I particularly liked the “Amazing Grace” cameo and the cowboy ballad “Desperado” where Stu got my plaudits for a deceptively difficult vocal sensitively handled.

What a great Sunday night out – and it this truly was the B’Eagles Hertfordshire swansong, then I can only say “What a way to go!”.

The B’Eagles were:-

Andy Whelan - Lead Guitar/vocals
Bryan Thompson - Guitar/vocals/keyboard
Graham Kearns - Guitar/vocals
Mike Bedford - Drums
Stu Page - Lead vocals/guitar