On May 17th, 1975, the Eagles played The Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA. Dan Fogelberg opened. Below you will find photos from the show, plus an audience recording featuring both songs that Randy performed that night.
In the Spring of 1975, the Eagles were still touring in support of On The Border. Their fourth studio album, One Of These Nights, would be released only a few weeks after this concert. They performed three songs from that forthcoming album, including the title track, Bernie Leadon’s “Journey Of The Sorceror,” and “Too Many Hands,” written by Randy and Don Felder.
Photos from the concert below show Randy, Glenn Frey, and Don Felder wearing Philadelphia Flyers hockey jerseys.
The review in the Wilmington News Journal included Randy among the three strong voices in the Eagles, comparing his “choir-boy” voice to that of Traffic’s Steve Winwood:
“The Eagles feature three voices strong enough to stand alone in any band, yet all blend sweetly for harmonies and each also handles his musician chores more than capably. Henley is best of the lot, the most soulful (a matter of opinion). Frey adds a pleasant ballad voice and uncorks a rip-snortin’ rocker wail for chooglers. Flesh out the sound with Randy Meisner, a thumping bassman and a voice as choir-boy clear as Traffic’s Stevie Winwood.”
Wilmington News Journal, May 23, 1975
Dan Fogelberg sat in on piano for the first encore of “Best Of My Love,” along with his drummer, Ron Grinel, who filled in for Henley so he could join the others at the front of the stage. A few years later, Grinel would play drums for Open Secret with Rick Roberts aka The Roberts-Meisner Band.
SETLIST
TAKE IT EASY
OUTLAW MAN
DOOLIN-DALTON/DESPERADO REPRISE
TRAIN LEAVES HERE THIS MORNING
PEACEFUL EASY FEELING
DESPERADO
OL’ 55
ONE OF THESE NIGHTS
BLACKBERRY BLOSSOM
MIDNIGHT FLYER
JOURNEY OF THE SORCERER
TOO MANY HANDS
ALREADY GONE
GOOD DAY IN HELL
JAMES DEAN
WITCHY WOMAN
CHUG ALL NIGHT
BEST OF MY LOVE (encore – with Fogelberg on piano & Ron Grinel on drums)
TEQUILA SUNRISE (encore)
Below are audience recordings of the two songs Randy performed that night:
“Midnight Flyer”
“Too Many Hands”
Either Glenn or Randy intros the song with “We’re going to play one more for ya from the new album.”
Listen to the show in its entirety below.
Randy-centric highlights include:
His harmony and bass line on “Outlaw Man.” (6:40)
The harmonies on “Ol’ 55,” especially on “feeling getting stronger” (36:00)
His world-ending high notes on “One Of These Nights” (41:00)
During “Chug All Night,” Randy adds a little “oooh yeah” after Glenn sings “well, I just might scream” at 1:31:55.
Headphones or earbuds strongly recommended.
Reviews
“Eagles Shine Through The Sound Barrier” by Edgar Koshatka, Philadelphia Inquirer, May 19th, 1975
“Eagles’ Country Tucks Crowd Under Wing At Spectrum” by Hugh Cutler, Wilmington News Journal, May 23rd, 1975
Another great piece of research. Thanks, and enjoyed the hearing the whole concert!
You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!
This is wonderful Jessica. The recordings are such finds! Thanks so much. Everything is always so well researched and presented with finesse.
That’s so nice of you to say. Thank you, Marie.
Blown away by the concert recording. The sound is so rich. Stunning musically and vocally.. too much talent!
I agree. This one was very good quality and a lot of fun to hear. The band was in great form.
Thank you so much. I like Steve Winwood’s voice, but Randy’s is smoother.
Yes, both had high voices, but very different.
Thank you so much! My wife and I were at that concert, at the Spectrum in 75, while we were dating. You’ve no idea what it means to us to relive that concert, almost 48 years later. You are an angel.
That’s so cool! Glad you were able to reminisce and remember.
Saw the concert with my future wife. I asked her what tickets I bought and she too quickly replied: the $4.50 ones of course!