This past weekend at the first annual The Classic West at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Glenn Frey was honored by his former bandmates in their first full-length show since his passing in 2016.
The Eagles headlined night one of the festival and the band paid homage to the late frontman by bringing up his son Deacon, country star Vince Gill and Bob Seger, dedicating songs to him throughout the set.
Before the band’s second song, Don Henley spoke about Frey for the first time of the night as Frey’s son Deacon took lead vocals on “Take it Easy.”
This one’s for you, Glenn. You’re in our hearts tonight and the music goes on.
Just before the band played “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” Deacon spoke about his father.
This is unbelievable. The last few years have been rough. The only remedy for that is love and I’m feeling it from you tonight. This is my medicine.
During the song, Deacon asked, “Anyone out there miss my dad?” and was welcomed with a roar from the crowd.
Later in the set, The Eagles welcomed Bob Seger on stage to sing “Heartache Tonight.”
Night two headliners Fleetwood Mac showed respect as Stevie Nicks dedicated “Landslide” in remembrance of Frey and to his son Deacon who performed the night before.
I wanted to dedicate that song to Glenn Frey, who was my friend. And I also wanted to dedicate it to his son, for stepping in and doing such an amazing job last night. [With] so much pressure, he just did it so beautifully, his daddy would be so proud of him. I didn’t do it before I sang, because I just would have started to cry.
Although they didn’t follow Nicks’ tribute to Frey, Journey had a special one of their own, dedicating “Lights” to their former frontman Steve Perry during their set.
In addition to their performances, the bands were joined by The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and Earth, Wind and Fire at the inaugural event. All six bands will swap coasts and head to The Classic East at Citi Field in New York on July 29-30.