Stan Brein
There was great excitement about having an Eagles tribute band as part of the Classic Rock Group concert series. Most bands fit into niches. The Eagles are one of those bands with extremely broad appeal. Everyone loves at least one Eagles song, most folks know a good deal of the catalog, and more than a few know each and every song. This level of familiarity is a double-edged sword. When all the nuances, subtleties, and facets of a popular song are well known, it puts greater pressure on the tribute band to meet that level of expectation.
Desperado is a six-member band consisting of Donny Hart (vocals, guitar), Mel Bittick (vocals, drums), Ty Weatherly (vocals, bass), Keith Goodman (vocals, guitar), James May (vocals, guitar), and Dave White (vocals, keys). Their stage presence, musicianship, vocal ability, and showmanship all combine to create a concert that convinces your senses that you are listening to the Eagles in their prime. Even Harrison Ford is a fan (see their website).
Desperado slyly eased into the show with “Silver Dagger.” With the audience listening closely to the novel lyrics, they shifted full throttle into “Already Gone,” and the gauntlet was thrown. The crowd was instantly in high gear. There were the standards: “One of These Nights,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Heartache Tonight,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and, of course, “Hotel California.” The dance floor filled quickly and pretty much remained that way for the entire set. The great harmonies prevailed on “Take It To The Limit,” “Take It Easy,” and “Seven Bridges Road,” showing the band members’ talent and range. They belted out some of the Joe Walsh greats (“Life’s Been Good,” “Rocky Mountain Way,” “All Night Long”), and their signature piece, “Desperado,” had almost everyone on the dance floor.
For the finale, they tore into Linda Ronstadt’s “When Will I Be Loved,” leaving the crowd both satisfied and wanting more. The group did a solid two hours of music without a break. There was a great balance of rockin’, upbeat and slow tunes so everyone could get their style of dancing in!
Thanks to all of you who contributed to the band’s annual food drive and toy drive benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. The table in the lobby was full, demonstrating the good spirit of Robson and the Classic Rock Club members.
The Wildhorse Grill served a great buffet dinner. Thank you to Jeremy, Shelbi, Whitney, Jillian, Steve, Scott, and the entire Robson crew who work to make the shows a success.
Follow us at facebook, tinyurl.com/4wy6d9ry, and get on the mailing list at [email protected]. See you for the return of Double Vision on Jan. 22.
Here’s wishing all of you a wonderful 2022!
Keep on Rockin’ The Ranch!