Eagles Perform Without Joe Walsh in 50 Years

The Eagles took the stage at the Sphere in Las Vegas on January 24 for their first performance without guitarist Joe Walsh in nearly 50 years, after the 78-year-old musician fell ill with the flu.

The band's decision to proceed came hours before the sold-out show, the 46th in their ongoing residency at the high-tech venue that began in September 2024. Walsh, who joined the Eagles in 1975, had powered through most of the previous evening's concert on January 23 despite feeling unwell, sitting out a few songs including his 1978 solo hit "Rocky Mountain Way" and skipping the closing bow. His doctor advised against performing the following night, prompting the group to adapt quickly.

"We had a choice to make," drummer and co-founder Don Henley told the audience early in the set. "We could either cancel the whole thing, or we could man up and do the show. So we came down here this afternoon and had an emergency rehearsal for two hours. And fortunately, in this band, we have a deep bench."

Walsh's guitar and vocal duties were covered primarily by Deacon Frey and Vince Gill, with assistance from touring guitarist Chris Holt. Deacon Frey, who joined the band in 2017 following the death...