Deseret News | Eagles soar at Rio Tinto Stadium's first concert

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Concert review: Eagles soar at Rio Tinto Stadium's first concert

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Anonymous | 5:55 a.m. May 10, 2009

At first I was down on myself for not being there, but if they didn't play One of These Nights, Take It To the Limit, and Take It Easy, I'm glad I saved my money.

Michael | 6:19 a.m. May 10, 2009

An extraordinary treat. The only problem, it had to end. The Eagles were witty and gracious, with a great sense they were playing to an appreciative crowd, evidenced by their responses to us. An experience of a lifetime.

Rio Tinto | 7:59 a.m. May 10, 2009

Here's my take on the concert. The Eagles, as always, were great. Played a few fewer songs than normal. The sound was fantastic for an outdoor venue. In fact, one of the loudest concerts I've ever heard. Overall, the stadium is too big for concerts. Other than the first 25 rows on the floor, the rest of the seats are bad. The side sections of seats are a long way from the stadium. The best seats in the stands are worse than the worst seats at the ECenter, ESA or USANA. Yes, they can get more people into the shows at Rio, but the quality of the experience is way low. For you Kenny Chesney fans, take binoculars, you'll need them. Honestly, I think I'm already don with Rio Tinto concerts. Just not intimate enough for me. Like watching a concert from long distance.

Comments continue below

Censorship | 8:25 a.m. May 10, 2009

I was shocked that Rio Tinto folks "bleeped out" Don Henley's swear words, you know, the GD word, in the song "Life in the Fast Lane." That kind of censorship doesn't surprise me at BYU, but at Rio Tinto? I guess some one there doesn't think adults should hear words at a concert that they hear every day just shopping, dining out, golfing or at work.

Skip H | 8:42 a.m. May 10, 2009

What a RIGHTEOUS show! My first Eagles' show and man, I couldn't have asked for more (other than Last Resort - best Eagles song ever).
Joe Walsh stole the show at various points - but the band overall was tight and seemed into it.
It's amazing how many incredible songs these guys have cranked out during their careers....it was a night to remember!

Tim, Patcee and Keaton | 9:08 a.m. May 10, 2009

The Eagles indeed soared. The sound system was perfect the selection of music was perfect and the stadium rocked with the legends of rock. It was a perfect night with the only exception being some out of shape fans not wanting concert attendees dancing in the aisles. They should have gone to a Lawrence Welk revival. Glen Fry, Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmidt, and Joe Walsh showed why they are Hall of Famers. Joe has to be one of the greatest guitar players ever and continues to get better. Wow! We danced the night away.

Russ | 9:35 a.m. May 10, 2009

Don Henley called "Take It Easy" the credit card song since he wrote it. Whoever said they didn't sing it last night arrived late.
It should be noted that before the traditional encore song, "Desperado", they let Joe Walsh really rock out in tribute to the new stadium with "Rocky Mountain Way." Timothy and Glenn were jumping around like it was the first of the concert. These guys gave me new energy, even at my age.
Plus, how surreal to go to my old high school in Sandy to see the Eagles. Double Weird.

Re: Anonymous | 9:44 a.m. May 10, 2009

They played "One of These Nights", "Take it to the Limit" and "Take it Easy"

Blinky | 9:55 a.m. May 10, 2009

The Egos are overrated.

Alan | 10:06 a.m. May 10, 2009

The Eagles were indeed true professionals. The music was outstanding and, while the facility was less than spectacular, it is what it is, a stadium. I felt bad for the people sitting in the RSL seats. I'm sure they couldn't see anything live. They probably watched the whole thing on the screens.

heber58 | 10:29 a.m. May 10, 2009

Great concert, great experience. You could find minor problems to highlight, but the harmony was there, they appeared to be having almost as much fun on stage as we were. Played for 2 hours and we were left wanting more.

Russ | 10:51 a.m. May 10, 2009

I watched the whole thing with binoculars and had to stretch my neck around the sound pole. But, the sound system was perfect, a lot better than the Delta Center. I just saw REO outside at the Aruba music festival and the sound was awful. After ironing out a few kinks, like obstructed views and parking crowd control, this will be a world-class facility.

Denis | 10:59 a.m. May 10, 2009

An over-amped nightmare with sound at insane levels.
We walked out after 30 minutes of boredom with Michelle Branch (who we didn't know was going to open before we got there) and 40 minutes of torture with the Eagles.
Uncomfortable folding chairs on the ground, garbled music through ear plugs.

Wife & I can't stand in one spot for long, with everybody around us 20 rows back (normally good seating) standing continuously from the time the band came out, we couldn't even see the stage & did not pay to watch the performance on the large TV screen at stage right that my wife couldn't even see.

Could have (and actually have) enjoyed watching Eagles concert footage on our own TV screen at home in comfortable chairs with tolerable volume for far less money.

If those sound levels will be typical for future concerts at that arena, we'll never go back.
I've been to indoor concerts in the 60s back in the heyday of the old R&R bands, and I still crank up a good song, but I've never encountered anything like the absurdly loud noise last night.
Bass literally thumped my chest.

Wow | 11:27 a.m. May 10, 2009

Denis just called himself old.

Mike | 11:38 a.m. May 10, 2009

Censorship grow up. So what if the offending word didn't make it to the airwaves. Maybe Henley wanted it that way.

All in all it was a great concert. I wished they would have played for another half an hour to get in Tequila Sunrise, Already Gone, and others. Toward the end the sound did get a bit over balanced toward the instruments and away from the vocals. You have to sometimes expect that in big outdoor concerts. Walsh brought down the house with Rocky Mountain Way. I also thought it was hilarious that he got that bug in his mouth.

Too bad the Eagles (Henley and Frey) don't swallow their pride and let Don Felder back in. He plays with a lot more soul than Steuart Smith.

To the dude that left, you missed out. I find ear plugs work fine. I wore them to Alabama's last concert and heard every note and enjoyed that concert. Alabama isn't known for being exactly soft.

Veronica | 11:39 a.m. May 10, 2009

The Eagles were great. I just wished they would of picked a different place then Rio Tinto. I have been to concerts and who pays top dollar to watch a big screen.

In a flat bed Ford | 12:11 p.m. May 10, 2009

Just a word to naysayers... You make your own fun at most big venue concerts. It really doesn't get better than the Eagles at Rio Tinto. Really. The more you can high five friends as your anticipated song starts up, the more you dance, to more you clap, the less likely you'll end up like Denis or was that spelled with a P? You can play Rock Band Guitar Hero in the comfort of the Lazy Boy - You can watch 100,000+ fans on Paladium at venues in Europe - or you can come to party. I'll take Rio Tinto over the Delta/Energy Solutions venue day in and day out (out, out, out, out, the endless echo cavern that it is). HERE I AM ENTERTAIN ME is so Jon and Kate makes 8. Organize a group on Facebook, meet early in a parking lot, trek to Rio Tinto as a rowdy group ready to party and be thankful quality musicians are willing to play Sandy!

Angela | 12:13 p.m. May 10, 2009

This was my first Eagles concert, and my husband's 2nd. We are both huge Eagles fans, and were very excited to see them. The concert started on a frustrated note. After having paid RIDICULOUS prices for concessions ($25 for a beer, soda, hot dog and pretzel), we were crammed like sardines into tiny folding chairs that were tied together. We paid $175 a piece for our chairs, and I was literally nestled between my husband and the stranger next to me. I was thinking how completely unbearable it would have been for anyone that was significantly overweight. Michelle Branch came out and bored the hell out of us for 30 minutes with her obnoxious fake twang. I couldn't move my elbows, and I couldn't see her. I even had to move my neck around to see the screen.
When the Eagles finally came out, the mood lightened, we all stood up and we had a great time. Joe Walsh was awesome, and although they've all noticeably aged, they are still worth seeing. Bottom line... we would do it again, but we would buy stadium seats, never field seats.

Denis | 12:15 p.m. May 10, 2009

I'm 56, and I saw a bunch of people older'n me in the audience. It ain't age.

I was going to rock concerts back when these older rock bands were in their prime, and I was a "rock jock" in radio in a previous life back in the early 70s. I understand loud concerts, it goes with the territory. I still crank music up in my "old age". I still go to concerts.
What they were doing last night was just plain way over the top.

We saw an Eagles "farewell" tour concert on TV a couple years ago, I checked the Internet for tour locations & found they were charging several hundred dollars per seat. Gave up on ever seeing them live. We were happy to get in early enough for good seats when we heard they were coming here.

We went to enjoy, we wanted to enjoy, we couldn't enjoy.

Agree with Veronica. We buy the best seats up front that we can when we go to an event so we can see the stage & do not spend the money to watch the screen.

RE: Veronica | 12:28 p.m. May 10, 2009

I understand that you may be upset that you paid money to watch a screen...but its like paying top dollar to a jazz game or a ute football game. Its the enviorment and to say "i was there" people pay for.

Anonymous | 12:37 p.m. May 10, 2009

Denis is 56 & a former "rock jock" on the radio in a former life back in the early 70s.

This was not my first concert (any of you old enough to recall the 20-minute extended dual drum battle in the middle of Inna Gadda Da Vida at the Iron Butterfly concert at the old Salt Palace in '69?).
Loud comes with the territory, this was so over the top it was ludicrous.

We wanted to enjoy, we went to enjoy, we couldn't enjoy.

mlb | 12:39 p.m. May 10, 2009

To correct Russ - Glenn Frey called "Take it to the Limit" the credit card song. They played "Take it Easy" during the encore.

I graded the concert out at a C+ and only because of where our seats where. Whoduthunk a seat on the front row off the left hand part of the stage wouldn't be amazing. It wasn't.

All those people in different zip codes that witnessed the action on those big screen monitors witnessed more than I. That's because the crane that held the camera was RIGHT in front of us. It blocked 20 to 50% of the stage depending on the angle.

If you go to a concert in the future and dole out that kind of coin ($175 per ticket) make sure you know what you are getting into.

Otherwise the sound was great, the songs were great. I wish they would have changed it up a bit, saw them in Vegas in 05 and lots of similarity (hat-cam, Desperado to end the show).

Hope the come again.

Robert | 12:44 p.m. May 10, 2009

Hey Russ -- Don Henley did not call "Take It Easy" the "credit card song." You are confusing Don Henley with Glenn Frey -- and you are confusing "Take It Easy" with "Take It to the Limit." That must have been a really big pole in front of you.

The Eagles gave a great concert. It's not easy to play in chilly weather, but they did an admirable job. Glad I went.

Favre4ever | 12:53 p.m. May 10, 2009

Best concert I have been to, they totally set the bar for other people coming to RSL. The sound was great and the seats were perfect I would have paid more. It was the Best.. We will see how styx and REO is can they live up to the Eagles????

Denis' Twin | 12:58 p.m. May 10, 2009

Yeah, Denis, I feel your pain, buddy. I have had the same experience as you, when you pay top dollar and the event ends up being nothing like you expected.

For example, I will never go to another Jazz game. Would you believe that the idiots in the stands there actually cheer after every basket? That just totally ruined my experience and left my ears ringing. On top of that, at key points they would even stand up and yell. We didn't pay big bucks to sit and watch the Jumbotron. From now on, we're watching the games at home.

And don't even get me started with the Salt Lake Bees. Sometimes when the batter gets good wood on the ball, there is a loud crack that reverberates through the stadium. It is so unexpected and sudden. You'd think the pitchers would try to prevent such good contact. But, no, they just keep on trying to blow it past the hitters.

This was probably the first concert in history to have an opening act, so I'm sure it was a surprise. And no one should expect a concert to be loud either.

Boycott Rio Tinto!

Denis | 1:25 p.m. May 10, 2009

Sorry about what was essentially a double post above.
Computer was showing it wasn't accepted the first time & I re-did it.

Sarcasm is unjustified, guys. I've stated my opinions without insulting others.
If you were happy, great. I have not made personal attacks on anybody here who expressed a contrary opinion, and to avoid a further deterioration after I've expressed mine, I'm done.

Brian Re. Russ | 1:51 p.m. May 10, 2009

Glen Fry called "Take It To The Limit" the Credit Card song... and dedicated it to his first wife "Plaintiff." That's at the concert I went to anyway... C'mon Russ, if you're gonna report, get your facts straight. As concerts go, on a scale of 1 to 10, an eleven...$175.00/seat? prices me out...They have improved considerably since Their November 1972 performance at the Salt Palace.I was impressed at just how professional they were. They hit every note and had almost no improvisation. Great vocals.

Re: Mike | 1:56 p.m. May 10, 2009

"Maybe Henley wanted it that way." Not hardly. What musician or artist wants his words or work censored? It was some righteous clown who decided us fans couldn't hear him sing that word.

RE: In a flat bed Ford | 1:58 p.m. May 10, 2009

"It just doesn't get any better than the Eagles at Rio Tinto"? Well, how about the Eagles at any other venue, that would be better.

Randall | 2:02 p.m. May 10, 2009

Nobody Sings..."Welcome To The Hotel Utah".

Michelle Branch | 2:08 p.m. May 10, 2009

Is an awesome musician and talent. For those who did not like her because of a lack of familiarity, you don't know what you are missing. She just needed to have her band, because as bad as Rio Tinto is, it's even worse for an acoustic show, which is what Michelle tried to do.

Lori | 2:12 p.m. May 10, 2009

At first the sound was bad, but once the guys running the boards realized it, they fixed it.It was the last stop in the U.S. they were pretty horse.But even considering the outside conditions they still brought it. Joe Walsh was absolutely fabulous,as always he gets you on your feet and picks up all the slack. I saw them last at farwell one . They played 4 hours inside awesome. Outside stadiums suck. I'm suprised they agreed to play there. We're lucky they did.EAGLES ROCK! NEVER DISSAPOINT.....LOVE THEM!

Jan G. | 2:28 p.m. May 10, 2009

That was quite possibly the best I have ever heard Hotel California played, recordings just don't do it justice. As for Joe Walsh, well he is a Rock & Roll God. That's all!!

Dee | 2:48 p.m. May 10, 2009

Born in 1947 makes me the same age of at least 3 of the Eagles. They rocked, I rocked. It was great fun. Rio Tinto isn't the greatest venue, but all in all we had a great time.

Moonie | 6:27 p.m. May 10, 2009

I wished it would have been louder, and living 3 blocks away was probably able to see as much sitting on my front porch as some people did paying for prime seats. I love the eagles and wish I could have gone to it up close. But it was nice to be able to hear it from the comforts of my own home.
I didn't hear Michelle Branch at all so thought I wasn't going to be able to hear it but it got better as the night got later and kids were going inside. They probably had to end it early due to noise ordinances here after 11:00.
I'm looking forward to hearing more great concerts from Rio Tinto Stadium. I'll just have to work around the traffic jams and feel it's worth it.

KSG | 6:48 p.m. May 10, 2009

First of all, some of you should play nice. Harsh words coming from music lovers is a shame.
Secondly, even if the the sound was bad (or good, whatever) be thankful they came to you. Some of us had to drive hours to see the Eagles. HOURS!!!!! But so worth it.

Michelle Branch II | 7:10 p.m. May 10, 2009

I have heard better talent at a High School assembly. Sorry Michelle maybe you should stay home with your baby.
As for the Eagles I agree with all the previous posts. It was all about location, location and location.
I really got lucky, 5 rows up in section closest to the stage. Great view of the Jumbotron and the sound was terrific. Eagles are unbelievable talents and I am glad they still share their Saturday nights with us. The Beer was a bit to pricey but that didn't stop those of us who went to have a good time.

Anonymous | 7:24 p.m. May 10, 2009

All you people complaining need to be a little more realistic. Concerts are always loud and specifically designed to cram as many people possible in the venue. It comes with the territory. That's what a concert IS! Learn how to enjoy. Do you expect the venue to cater to every little need of 20,000 people?
I worked security at the concert and I wish I would have known who you ungrateful complainers were so I could throw you out.

penny | 8:19 p.m. May 10, 2009

To Brian: if you're going to criticize someone for not getting fact straight, you might want to spell check your comment before posting it. It's GLENN FREY... not Glen Fry.

To the security guard who worked at the concert: Luv U!

Sweep that Sidewalk, Joe | 8:26 p.m. May 10, 2009

I went fully expecting to see first round Jeremy Maclin hauling down long passes and showing off that dazzling speed. I told my wife, wait until you see Brian Westbrook. I noted that Donovan McNabb cannot be counted out. I was not sure why Cliff Branch was part of this, other than to rub salt in our wounds from the 1980 Super Bowl, but so be it. So, it was a major drag to show up after a bad traffic experience and find out it is Michelle Branch, not Cliff, and the musicians the Eagles and not my beloved Philadelphia Eagles. What is up with that? Very poor promotion by Rio Tinto. They never said Music Eagles or whatever. If you hear Eagles, who do you think is going to play in a STADIUM? I will admit their music was good but it feels a little weird being at a rock and roll show in face paint and completely decked out in green. Make yourself clear next time!

Bad venue | 8:27 p.m. May 10, 2009

I agree with the comments on the poor concert venue Rinto Tinto was. The Eagles put out an absolutely fabulous show, but we felt like we were watching it from 5 miles away. The stadium lighting for the walkways was too bright, it was distracting. I think people thought they were "bored" by Michelle because she seemed so far removed from the audience. The security people didn't get that when they stood up and reviewed their clipboards with each other, they were blocking our view of the big screen. Not that it mattered much, it was still so far away we could barely make out what as going on. Perhaps those who thought it was a great venue were part of the steady stream heading up and down the aisle to get beer, then bathroom, then more beer...very distracting for those with aisle seats. They weren't even listening. We paid $85 each for tickets, Some may think that's cheap, but I've had much better concert experiences for a lot less. I won't be back to Rio Tinto stadium.

In summary | 8:28 p.m. May 10, 2009

The Eagles were great. The venue is not very good. In fact, a real dud. Michelle Branch was a treat, and for those who didn't think so, maybe you should listen to her CDs and her Wreckers CD, and wish you had her success and money. She's a top talent, would sell out a lot of smaller arenas, but maybe not the right act to open an Eagles show or play acoustically at Rio Tinto. Some, who saw her open for the Dixie Chicks a few years back, know how good of a show she can put on.

rdha | 8:40 p.m. May 10, 2009

Saw The Eagles once at the Delta Center in early 1995 and I loved it. Thought it was totally excellent but I think that once was enough for The Eagles. My concert ticket then was over $80.00 and it wasn't a close seat either. Fortunately, it was a Christmas present. I want to wait for someone who I really, really, REALLY want to see in concert. With the economy the way it is, I'm like cutting back on concerts big time but holding out for someone who I would like to see the most this year. Too bad, Dream Theater isn't coming to Salt Lake on their tour this year and I'm sure that if U2 came back to Utah to perform, that would be sold out and too expensive. I'm glad that I saw them just once too at U of U back in 1997. Maybe KISS will come in the fall. Would love to see them again but I'll see. Interesting reviews for the Rio Tinto Stadium concert, though. Would love to see a few concerts with Scott Iwasaki or Pat Reavy. that would be cool.

Concert Chris | 9:29 p.m. May 10, 2009

Friends -- I have been to 1,988 concerts, and that is the truth (I am old but not ancient). And I think maybe 20 of them were perfect, the sound, the venue, the songs the artist chose to play, the ticket price and so on. There were probably another 20 that were total disasters, like the band not showing up or walking off after one song (both have happened). The other 1,958 concerts were a good time, but not perfect. That was the Eagles last night. Great time, great performance and sort of eventful being the first at the RSL stadium. And that is a hint of what you should expect, it was a stadium show. It isn't the Salt Palace, not even Energy Solutions. So, next time go in with the right expectations and enjoy yourself. I did.

Kam Merzlak | 9:49 p.m. May 10, 2009

The Eagles were and are brilliant. If you have any complaints, next time stay home or go to church. I wasn't surprised that The Last Resort wasn't included in the bible belt show. We danced the whole night... to bad for the short guy behind me who insisted in everyone taking their seat.

Rich | 8:40 a.m. May 11, 2009

At least somebody got some benefit from the taxpayer funds spent on this stadium.

Denis Twin | 8:45 a.m. May 11, 2009

Well, Denis has really ticked me off now. No sarcasm allowed?

I'm going to take my keyboard and go home.

Little Jerry Seinfeld | 8:48 a.m. May 11, 2009

All you so-called proofreaders that keep correcting each other over the facts crack me up.

Not one person has correctly pointed out what Glenn Frey actually said. He said HIS WIFE referred to "Take It to the Limit" as the credit card song.

Thanks for playing, detectives.

Geography cam | 8:53 a.m. May 11, 2009

Where in the world is Kam Merziak?

That's the first time I've ever heard Utah referred to as being in the "Bible Belt."

FYI, I've seen the Eagles four times -- including their "Hotel California" tour in Los Angeles and I've never seen them do "The Last Resort."

But, if you want to tell people to go to church or that they live in the "Bible Belt" just because they didn't do "The Last Resort" here, well, uh, OK.

That short guy behind you who kept complaining? That was Denis.

Misic Fan | 11:01 a.m. May 11, 2009

I enjoyed watching the Eagles, what a fantastic show they put on. I thought they sounded good, and they were legendary.
I just wish we would have seen them in a different venue. Rio Tino is not the place to see a concert. We will not be seeing any other shows there. I didnt pay $ 175.00 to watch the show on the big screen and to have the person sitting next to me sit on my lap. The floor seats were tiny and zip tied together. Unless you were sitting in the first 20 rows and were taller then average you watched the show off the Big Screens. I wish the show would have been at USANA or ESA.

Eagles Good
Rio Tinto Venue BAD

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10 photos

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Don Henley, left, and Glenn Frey of the Eagles perform at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy Saturday. The concert featuring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band is the first one to be held at the recently built soccer venue.

Gallery (10 photos)