Eagles at Richfield Coliseum in Cleveland, 1977

The Eagles played a sold-out double bill in Cleveland, OH on March 31st & April 1st, 1977. It was the Eagles’ final U.S. appearance before they embarked on a month-long European Tour. Opening for the band both nights was Jimmy Buffett. Below you’ll find photos and reviews, including an article from Pauline McLeod of the London Daily Mirror, who attended the concerts and detailed what it was like for the band at the end of the tour.

In this preview for the show in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Larry Solters, the Eagles’ press agent (whose nickname was “Scoop”), stated that “Take It To The Limit” was one of the strongest songs on their tour.

Most of the photos below are from the April 1st show.

Before the Eagles walked onstage officials issued a warning about shooting off firecrackers during the concert. Despite the warning, an explosion rang out and startled Randy, who “shot a sharp look in the direction of the noise”:

“During the third song, it happened–a big explosion that cut clearly through the high-decibel melody. Bassist Randy Meisner shot a sharp look in the direction of the noise and walk-staggered two steps backward. After the number, [Glenn Frey] said from his piano, ‘OK folks, that’s the last firecracker while we’re playing, got it?’ Walsh walked to his mike and said, ‘Yeah, just keep ’em in your pockets till you get home.'” —Akron Beacon-Journal, April 1, 1977

Praise for Randy’s performance of “Take It To The Limit”

“Meisner got a standing ovation for the…soprano conclusion of ‘Take It To The Limit.'” –Akron Beacon-Journal, April 1, 1977

“Meisner, who plays bass and sings falsetto, had the first show stopper with the group’s classic ‘Take It To The Limit.'” – Cleveland Press, April 1, 1977

“But perhaps the high point was bass player Randy Meisner’s strong tenor and falsetto on the compelling ‘Take It To The Limit.'” –Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 2, 1977

“Highlights included Randy Meisner’s stellar vocal delivery on ‘Take It To The Limit and Walsh and Felder’s dueling guitars on ‘One Of These Nights.'” –Cleveland Scene, April 7, 1977

Cover of the alt-weekly newspaper, the Cleveland Scene, March 31st, 1977. Read the accompanying article here.

The Richfield shows marked Joe Walsh’s first appearance in Cleveland as a member of the Eagles. Joe attended nearby Kent State University (note his sweatshirt) and made Cleveland his professional home for years (the James Gang originated there).

Pauline McLeod of the London Daily Mirror attended the Cleveland concerts. She interviewed Don Henley and Glenn Frey, as well as Glenn Frey’s father, who attended the April 1st show. She also detailed what it was like for the band at the end of the 12-city tour.

“After the last night of the tour, the Eagles flew off in all directions. The shy and retiring Randy Meisner spent most of his last few hours meditating on how to get to his wife, three kids, and fifteen vintage cars in the tiny town of Mitchell, Nebraska as quickly possible.” -Pauline McLeod, London Daily Mirror

The Eagles published a full-page “thank you” in the Cleveland Scene newspaper on April 7th, 1977:

Reviews