Joe Walsh has never missed a show with The Eagles—until now, reports Parade.
The iconic band performed their first-ever concert without Walsh since he joined in 1975 on Saturday, January 24, after the guitarist fell ill with a “bad” case of the flu.
“We had a choice to make,” Don Henley told the crowd at the Las Vegas Sphere. “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 parts were largely covered by Deacon Frey and Vince Gill, with Gill handling Walsh’s iconic “Hotel California” solo alongside new guitarist Chris Holt at the start of the show.
One setlist change was required, with “Best Of My Love” subbed in for “Funk #49” due to Walsh’s absence.
The Eagles have also added final 2026 residency dates at the Las Vegas Sphere:
- Friday, March 20
- Saturday, March 21
- Friday, March 27
- Saturday, March 28
The residency has drawn more than 700,000 fans across 44 sold-out shows since September 20, 2024.
The Sphere features next-generation technology, including the world’s highest-resolution LED display wrapping over and around the audience, creating a fully immersive visual experience. It also houses Sphere Immersive Sound, the most advanced concert-grade audio system in the world, delivering unparalleled clarity and precision throughout the venue.
Separately, the final solo album of original material by legendary Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno is now available on colored vinyl.