Latest Music News & Stories

Eagles Celebrate Night 1 at Las Vegas Sphere With Touching Tribute to Jimmy Buffett and JD Souther

Although taking a few breaks over the decades, during the 1970s, the Eagles emerged as one of the top rock bands of the time. But showing the power behind their songs like โ€œI Canโ€™t Tell You Whyโ€ and โ€œHotel Californiaโ€, the band watched as their stardom went international. Throughout the bandโ€™s time in the spotlight, members like Don Henley celebrated as the Eagles sold over 200 million albums worldwide. And although they performed on some of the biggest stages in the world, nothing prepared them for the Las Vegas Sphere. Letting technology propel their music into the future, it seems the Eagles took a moment to honor fellow stars like JD Souther and Jimmy Buffett. 

Kicking off their opening night at the Sphere, the Eagles entertained fans as the band took them on a visual journey throughout their discography. Although thrilled over their success, the band paused the show for a moment to remember the artists lost over the last year. For Buffett, the band decided to perform โ€œBoys of Summer.โ€ And shortly after, the Eagles paid tribute to Souther with the hit โ€œHeartache Tonight.โ€

Videos by American Songwriter

[RELATED: Don Henleyโ€™s Perfect Response to Why the Eagles Added โ€œCountry Guyโ€ Vince Gill]

The Eagles Remember Important Role JD Souther Played

Sharing his thoughts on the passing of Souther and Buffett, Henley explained, โ€œ Iโ€™d be remiss if I didnโ€™t acknowledge a couple of people, one of whom we lost a year ago this month, Mr. Jimmy Buffett. Weโ€™re dedicating this next song to him. And then the song weโ€™re going to do after this next song, I want to acknowledge the co-writer of that song, who we lost three days ago, Mr. JD Souther. JD, as some of you may know, played a pivotal role in the Eagles.โ€

With Henley detailing Southerโ€™s contributions to the Eagles over the years, he continued, โ€œHe wasnโ€™t in the band, but he certainly co-wrote some of our biggest hits, including โ€˜Best of My Love,โ€™ โ€˜New Kid in Townโ€™ and the one weโ€™re going to play after this next song called โ€˜Heartache Tonight.โ€™ So these songs go out to those boys, Mr. Buffett and Mr. Souther. Sing it so they can hear you.โ€ 

(Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission