When Eagles founding member Glenn Frey died in 2016, a huge void was left in the legendary band.
Frey’s memorable vocals were key to the rockers’ classics such as “Heartache Tonight,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Take It Easy” and “Tequila Sunrise.” At one point, fellow founding member Don Henley said he doubted the band would continue without Frey.
But now a new Eagles tour is set to land Sunday night at Scottrade Center.
Stepping into Frey’s shoes are his son Deacon Frey and country music veteran Vince Gill.
The addition of Deacon Frey seems obvious; that’s not the case with Gill.
“It makes total sense to me,” Gill says. “I’m not patting myself on the back, but the way I sing and play is right in their wheelhouse. And we like a lot of the same songs, same artists and have the same way of making records. There’s a lot of similarities.”
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Gill, traditionally a country singer, says some people aren’t sure who he is.
“It’s all good. When people start to perceive something, they’re generally mistaken. I remember when a lot of people thought (the addition of Joe Walsh) was odd, but how smart was that? This is smart in the same but opposite way. Me coming from country might take them back to an honest place.”
Gill doesn’t think his own voice sounds a lot like Frey’s, but he also doesn’t think that’s important.
“I don’t think they wanted someone who sounded just like Glenn,” he says. “Deacon has that DNA. I get to be me.”
After Frey’s death, Gill had wondered what was next for the Eagles.
“I was really curious to see if they would press on, and I’m glad they chose me,” he says. “I wish I wasn’t doing it, because it means Glenn isn’t around.
“The beauty of what those guys have accomplished and continue to accomplish, you’d be hard-pressed to find any band in history that has the legacy of great songs they have. The opportunity for me to get to be a part of performing this catalog is astounding. These are the songs I grew up with. They’re a little older than me, so the songs are a part of my DNA.”
After hearing the Eagles’ music, Gill says, he knew he wanted to write music. “I wanted to write songs like those songs,” he says.
The first Eagles show with the current lineup was July 2017 at Dodger Stadium.
“I was scared to death,” he recalls. “But it’s fun to be 60 and really scared again. But I kept thinking about Deacon and what it must be like for him. I put my arm around him and asked, ‘Are you as scared as I am?’ But he’s a cool cucumber. I’m crazy about that kid, and it means a lot to me he’s a part of this.”
Gill says he has a long history with the Eagles, working with band members in various capacities. “Throughout the years I would always find myself in their presence,” he says. He considered Frey a friend, and they shared management.
Gill isn’t sure how long this incarnation of the band will last, but he’s sticking around for the duration.
“I’m doing as I’m told. I’m a smart guy,” he says, laughing. “I just like being a part of it. They’ve earned everyone’s respect in such a massive way — and certainty mine. So I want everything I do to be for the good of the cause.”
He’s not at all about wedging his own music into the show, though members of the band have tried to talk him into playing a song or two of his own.
“I’m hesitant to do that, afraid of what people might perceive,” he says. “I don’t want anyone thinking, ‘He’s in the band now, so we gotta hear his songs.’ I don’t need a lot of attention. But I may do a tune or two time to time.”
Gill may play his own concerts in between Eagles dates when he can. In the meantime, he’ll always be Vince Gill, even while he’s with the Eagles.
“I’m me in every situation,” he says. “I can’t change my stride. I’m good. You’ve got to understand, my whole career has been about a shared experience. Music to me is also about collaboration. And this is one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
What The Eagles, JD & the Straight Shot • When 8 p.m. Sunday • Where Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Avenue • How much $56-$396 • More info 1-800-745-3000; ticketmaster.com