On April 30th, 1977, the Eagles played two nights at the Apollo Center in Glasgow as part of their 1977 European tour. See exclusive home movie footage from the show shared by Jennifer Meisner, Randy’s first wife, who accompanied him on the tour.
A piper greeted the Eagles upon their arrival at Prestwick Airport in Glasgow.
The three artics parked in the lane next to the Apollo Centre last weekend told Glasgow that the Eagles had landed
West Lothian (Scotland) Courier, May 6th, 1977
(artics = tractor trailers)
This was the second appearance by the group at The Apollo in Glasgow. Their first was in November 1973, when they opened for Neil Young.
Eagles fans line the sidewalk outside of the Apollo.
Valerie Carter replaced Dan Fogelberg as the opening act for the entire tour.
“Hello, Scotland, we’re the Eagles from Los Angeles.”
Glenn Frey at the Glasgow Apollo.
Aberdeen (Scotland) Evening Express, May 4th, 1977
The band opened with a “note perfect version” of “Hotel California,” giving “tousle-haired guitar man Joe Walsh” a chance to shine early on. It’s no secret that Walsh, who had only been with the band a little over a year after replacing Bernie Leadon, was the main attraction.
Meanwhile, Randy Meisner just grooved quietly stage left pumping out some nice fat bass phrases.
West Lothian (Scotland) Courier, May 6th, 1977
Following “Lyin’ Eyes,” in which Glenn Frey inserted “Glasgow” into one of the lyrics, was Randy’s showstopper, “Take It To The Limit”:
“The Eagles were in full flight by this stage and the capacity crowd were lapping up the Californian coolness on stage. A huge cheer went up when Frey sang “A Glasgow night. It’s going to be a long one” during ‘Lyin’ Eyes’ but the highlight of this section was Randy Meisner’s ‘Take It To The Limit.’ Throughout, Meisner played steady and effective, if not spectacular, bass, But his ovation was for absolutely perfect vocal work on the one song.”
Aberdeen Evening (Scotland) Express, May 4th, 1977
Randy performing “Take It To The Limit” in Scotland. Footage is silent. Video courtesy of Jennifer Meisner.
During the second encore, Joe Walsh left the audience with a moment they would not soon forget:
“Then, surely never…yes, it was Joe Walsh in a kilt playing “Bonnie Galloway” on the bagpipes! ‘It took me two days to learn,’ he said.”
Aberdeen Evening Express, May 4th, 1977
Joe onstage with the piper in Glasgow. Footage is silent. Video courtesy of Jennifer Meisner.
While in Glasgow, the Eagles were interviewed for the Radio Clyde show, “Stick It In Your Ear.”
The Eagles boarding their private plane in Scotland. Randy’s son, Dana, is in front of him (his arm is to Randy’s left). Don Henley is ahead of them on the stairs with his girlfriend, Georganne Lapierre, Cher’s sister. Photo by Jennifer Meisner.
Reviews
The Eagles’ next stop on their European tour was Bingley Hall in Stafford, England. Read about it below.
For all other dates, see my page about the tour here:
I was there on May 1st
I was there on one of the nights, courtesy of a free ticket. I don’t recall Walsh on the pipes, though possibly I left early to catch the train back to Edinburgh.
Valerie Carter (RIP), the surprise opener replacing Dan Fogelberg was fantastic. Though not really my kind of music – nor were the Eagles, really – she was great, leading me to own her first two albums, which I have today on CD.
The Eagles were very good though rather predictable in that they were essentially just like the records. Nothing wrong with that but surprises are always welcome.
Though Joe Walsh was a major attraction for me and seemingly everyone else in the room, Don Felder’s playing was surely the highlight. He was such a confident and accomplished player, with great riffs and the ability to enhance the music at every turn. Walsh may have been enlisted to give the band some rock edge, though Felder certainly added his share of attitude.
I’d love to have seen the Sensational Alex Harvey Band or Average White Band – bands I saw elsewhere – play the Apollo, though no chance of that every happening now.
Thanks so much for commenting, Wayne.
Valerie Carter was a fantastic singer. Recently, I’ve been listening to her cover of “Find A River,” originally done by Lowell George. Her version just kills me.
I think Felder and Walsh both brought a rock edge and attitude to the table. Felder is a superb player. Although, in my opinion, Walsh brought more to the table as far as being an accomplished songwriter and all-around musician. But I’m a bit prejudiced because I’m a fan of his going back to the James Gang.
One of Randy’s problems with the Eagles was that they just stood around like statues onstage and played their songs exactly as they were on the record. They never changed it up. He thought it was boring and knew it was dull for the audience as well.