The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt played Freeborn Hall at the University of California/Davis on November 15th, 1972. The show was billed as a “pillow concert” meaning the audience members sat on blankets or pillows during the concert. There were no chairs.
Both Ronstadt and the Eagles traded off personnel throughout their sets. Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon joined Ronstadt’s band, on slide and banjo respectively, for a couple of numbers. Later, Ronstadt’s steel player Sneaky Pete Kleinow sat in with the Eagles.
The Eagles performed songs from their self-titled debut, including “Witchy Woman,” “Take It Easy,” and “Peaceful, Easy Feeling.” They also delivered a “stunning” version of J.D. Souther’s “How Long.” Roy Orbison’s “Dream Baby” was the encore.
Randy at Freeborn Hall
Neil Young was observed watching from the sidelines. The article mentions that he was considering touring with the Eagles. He did later tour with them, but not for another year. The Eagles opened for Young in November 1973 for a week-long tour of England and Scotland.
Below is the review from the UC Davis newspaper, The California Aggie (November 15th, 1972):
Great post! I was at this show with Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles. Best $3 I ever spent. I was blown, away of course. Thanks for posting.
I bet! I would have loved to have seen the original band. Linda, too. $3! That won’t get you a gallon of gas these days. Thanks so much for your comment.
I was there – and tickets for students like me were $2. One of the very best shows I ever saw. There were no chairs at Freeborn – you brought a pillow to sit on.
At the speedway in Rockingham, NC. The old Spirit of 76 logo…1972…am I still in a drug induced fog or didn’t the Eagles play and Linda R opened up singing Desperado acapella?
I’m not familiar with the Eagles ever playing the speedway at Rockingham, NC (at least while Randy was in the band). Linda wouldn’t have performed “Desperado” in 1972 because neither the album, nor Linda’s version, was released until 1973.