The Illegal Eagles. Truro. 22nd November 2006

I love live music. It’s that breadbasket-as-the-bass drum, pounding in the chest thrill. Okay, they’re a bit loud, but it’s fun. For a moment there I came over a bit nostalgic, with the whole 70’s soft California rock scenario - their lead guitarist with long hair, a clipped beard, and wearing flared jeans. This is unfortunately accompanied by an unwelcome emotional response – wistful and, oh dear, a bit resentful. I actually heard the thought, ‘when anything felt possible.’ Teenagers do think this, and I suppose it’s true, if circumstances are favourable. At times like that, I feel like I’m in the Indiana Jones film where he seeks the Holy Grail, and the old knight says to the first guy, “You chose poorly.” It’s that simple. There’s still time to have some fun though, just not in a spring fresh body – and not with the wide eyes of innocence. Dear old Eagles, with their romantic ballads and coupledom songs, sweet. Great to hear Peaceful Easy Feeling, Take It to the Limit, One of Those Nights, Takin’ It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, and of course Hotel California. Desperado makes my heart hurt.

The second half of the set is terrific with the audience singing along to the old favourites, and a fab selection of rock classics. When the band pause to talk us into a new number, some of the crowd yell out, “Get on with it, we wanna boogie!” - so they have to cut out the chit-chat and get back into the groove. I’m sitting directly behind the light and sound technicians, and the light show is quite a spectacle too, with the control board played like a piano, and the spotlights rotating and swooping around the auditorium. I was expecting sirens to wail. A great set, and The Illegal Eagles, now ten years old, send their audience home happy, so happy that a complete stranger pays for my car park ticket. Pay It Forward.

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