This sold-out double bill in Cleveland was the Eagles’ final U.S. appearance before they embarked on a month-long European Tour. Opening for the band was Jimmy Buffett.
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
This concert 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).
Photo from the March 31st show (Cleveland Scene, April 7, 1977)
The Eagles published a full-page “thank you” in the Cleveland Scene newspaper on April 7, 1977:
Reviews
Jessica thank you for everything you do and share with us! I enjoy reading everything you put together and seeing the pictures! You are doing an awesome job keeping Randy’s legacy alive!!!♥️♥️♥️
Thanks, Carol! Much appreciated.
I saw this concert in 1977 my first concert 17 years old! Thanks for preserving this memory.