Eagles’ Heartfelt Tribute to Jimmy Buffett with Two Incredible Covers — Watch
via Concert Chick / YouTube
In a touching moment at their tour opener in New York City, the Eagles paid tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett by performing two of his beloved songs. The heartfelt gesture was a way for the band to honor a friend and fellow musician who holds a special place in their hearts.
As they embarked on their tour, Eagles member Don Henley shared warm memories of Jimmy Buffett, who is no longer with us.
He fondly mentioned:
“Jimmy Buffett is now sailing on that cosmic ocean, having that cheeseburger with Glenn [Frey] and Randy [Meisner].”
Henley’s words touched the hearts of fans, as it acknowledged the band’s late members, Glenn Frey and Randy Meisner, who were part of the Eagles family.
Henley further reflected on their shared experiences, saying:
“We always liked to laugh and say we survived the ’70s together.”
This sentiment of camaraderie and enduring friendship added depth to the tribute. After these heartfelt words, the band proceeded to perform Jimmy Buffett’s 1974 hit song “Come Monday.”
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The emotional tribute continued as Joe Walsh, another Eagles’ member, shared some humorous anecdotes from his adventures with Jimmy Buffett.
He humorously recalled:
“Jimmy and I got thrown out of some of the finest hotels in the world.”
Walsh’s lighthearted reminiscence of their misadventures set the stage for the second tribute performance.
To make the moment even more special, Joe Walsh donned a “parrot head” hat, a nod to Jimmy Buffett’s devoted fan base known as “Parrotheads.” With a grin and a tip of the hat, Walsh launched into another of Buffett’s beloved tunes, “Fins.”
The audience was treated to a heartfelt tribute that showcased the deep connection between Eagles and Jimmy Buffett. It was a moment of music and memories, a beautiful way to pay homage to a musician who had a lasting impact on their lives.
Jimmy Buffett and Eagles’ History
The history between Jimmy Buffett and the Eagles dates back several decades. In 1975, Buffett had the privilege of opening for the Eagles at a concert in Columbia, South Carolina. Reflecting on that momentous occasion, Buffett shared, “Mixed emotions were flowing, fear, excitement, and a lot of ‘what ifs’ were running through my head when the door suddenly opened, and in walked Glenn Frey.” This encounter marked the beginning of a profound friendship.
Buffett continued:
“He greeted me and the band warmly, thanked us for being there, and said to me how much he loved ‘A Pirate Looks at 40.’ He wished us luck and then went back out the door.”
This simple yet heartfelt interaction laid the foundation for a lasting bond between the two musical acts.
Their connection deepened in 1979 when Buffett contributed backing vocals to the Eagles’ song “The Greeks Don’t Want No Freaks.” Then, in 1998, Buffett had the honor of inducting the Eagles into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. During his induction speech, Buffett humbly stated,:
“I was the apprentice in the workshop, and I was glad to be there.”
He also expressed gratitude for the valuable lessons he learned from the Eagles, both on and off the stage.
The Eagles’ tribute to Jimmy Buffett was not just a musical performance; it was a heartfelt expression of friendship and admiration.
