By: Robert Cavuoto
Don Felder
On a darkened airport runway in the middle of an open field, Don Felder of the Eagles and crew hit the stage around 8:00 p.m. Felder was decked out in white and an elegant gray vest, looking Cali-tanned and relaxed.
With a cherry sunburst Les Paul in hand, he opened the show with “Already Gone”, from the Eagles’ On the Border album, then cranked out a flawless 75-minute set of Eagle’s hits. He also threw in “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan and “Heavy Metal” a song Felder wrote for the ’80s movie of the same name.
There are only a few things in life that you can count on; that Christmas will come on December 25th and the Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning will happen the end of July at the Solberg Airport in Readington, New Jersey.
The three-day premier New Jersey summer fling held it’s 33rd annual balloon extravaganza to the delight of people from all over. Fifty hot air balloon ascended and floated about during the multi-day event, while down below the “hot ticket” rock show of the year was entertaining a swarm of fans and a fireworks display flew up and exploded combining to form a perfect reverie.
The organizers never disappoint and this year was no exception with a set of musicians including Don Felder of the Eagles on Friday 7/24, Kansas on Saturday 7/25 and the Tedeschi Trucks Band on Sunday 7/26.
As luck would have it, I was able to catch Felder offering up his An Evening at the Hotel California.
Don Felder of the Eagles plays Quick Check Balloon Festival ’15
During the show Don joked and teased the audience with references to his old band as the Seagulls or the Beagles as he introduced their catalogue of songs, like “One of these Night,” “Victim of Love,” “Witchy Woman,” “Take it Easy,” and “Long Run.”
Throughout the set Don had a big smile on his face and looked like he was enjoying every minute of it, as he held court for those seated, as well as the throng lounging on the lawn.
At 67, Felder has no plans for retirement. And why should he? He’s playing at peak performance, his vocals are amazing and he loves what he’s doing.
Don Felder and Greg Suran
The energy of his live performance captured the essence and energy heard on every Eagles album. Don still maintains his vocal power, as well as the punch he’s always shown on lead guitar. His band channeled all the trademark harmonies and background vocals that helped catapult the Eagles to their fame as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Don Felder
As the night came to a close, Don appeared on stage decked out with a white double neck Gibson SG. Everyone held their breathe. They knew what was next.
The crowd erupted with the intro of “Hotel California” and when a distant 4th of July style fireworks display launched, the crowd raved. The perfect end to a perfect outdoor summer concert.
