Rokisland – Thursday – 1/18/2024

Don Felder

Rokisland – Thursday – 1/18/2024

From glam to sleaze to classic rock, we welcomed a slower from Don Felder having never had the opportunity to see him play guitar for The Eagles, who are without question, one of the most influential rock groups of all time.  We didn’t get an opportunity to meet Don and his touring band, but are told that the line-up can vary from show to show and that it has even included Jarred Pope from the Tom Keifercamp.

To be honest, this was my first introduction to Don Felder in a live setting, and I don’t know much about his history with The Eagles given that Hotel California was released the year I was born. But, I do know every word to that title track, and found myself swaying to the melodies of his clean, classic delivery the entire set as a noteworthy audience of my musician friends hung on his every note from the side of the stage.

At Rokisland, Don was joined by Jeff Coffey (formerly of Chicago) on bass, Seth Rausch (Keith Urban) on drums, Peter Dyer (Mariah Carey, Adam Lambert) on keyboard, and Ben Mauro (Cher, Lionel Richie) on guitar.  It might take a moment, but try to digest how talented that arena-quality supporting ensemble for Don “Fingers” Felder must be to earn those gigs!

Don walked us through his arsenal of riffs and memorable melodies in a set that featured classics from The Eagles and his own work as a touring and recording solo artist, including cuts from list latest of three solo albums, American Rock ’N’ Roll (BMG) which was released back in 2019.

Much respect to this longstanding member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, having spent 27 years with The Eagles, who have sold over 150 million albums worldwide. From “One of These Nights” to “Tequila Sunrise” to “Witchy Woman,” there is no question why Don Felder is such a force to be reckoned with all these years later.