A group of Australian and Scottish performers are hoping to put on the most authentic and powerful Eagles tribute show when they tour the country this month.
The Best of the Eagles production will include musicians performing in character, a full run-through of The Eagles seminal album Hotel California, and will be something never seen before according to Don Henley impersonator David Gray.
“I’ve done my homework, and from what I can tell there’s never been a show put on like this in Australia,” Mr Gray said.
“As far as I can tell, this is the first show in Australia with an actual Don Henley impersonator who does all the things Don does: play guitar, play drums and sing the lead vocals.
“There’s hundreds bands that just play Eagles songs, but that’s a cover act. It’s like putting on a Beatles tribute show and having the guy who’s dressed as Paul singing all the songs, you know?
“But a show that’s actually all about The Eagles – we dress up and perform as The Eagles – is something different.”
Mr Gray, who is a Glasgow native, was asked by the producer of the production to travel to Australia after seeing him perform in the United Kingdom.
He said the performers auditioned for the roles, which made sure they were the right guys for the job.
“The tour starts tomorrow, and this is my first time in Australia, so it’s all new for me,” he said.
Mr Gray said the performers auditioned for the roles, and he did not meet the rest of the band until arriving in the country.
“I was a bit nervous because I hadn’t met them before, let alone played with them, but when I got here they were fantastic,” he said.
The show will cover two hours, with the band performing Hotel California before dipping into other Eagles classics.
It’s an especially poignant tour, marking the 40th anniversary of Hotel California, and also coming a matter of months after the death of original Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey.
“People still want to listen to this music. It’s timeless and it’s still relevant,” Mr Gray said.
“What we’re trying to do is put on the most authentic show we can. Obviously we can’t match the original band – their songwriting and musicianship was just unbelievable – but we’re pretty sure this will be the best Eagles show out there.”
The Best of The Eagles hits Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on Friday, May 13.
Tickets are available on 9550 3900 or through manpac.com.au
