Review: Musical roads diverge at Coors Field classic rock concert

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both”

Robert Frost’s first two lines in “The Road Not Taken,” published in 1916 – way before any of the Thursday night’s headliners at Coors Field were born – came to mind as I walked into the venue that was hosting Jimmy Buffett and The Eagles. Surrounded by grizzled music fans on a 100-degree day who proudly wore Hawaiian shirts or tattered Eagles tees shirts, it was hard to see how this musical pairing would play out.

Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band – adequate musicians who play soundtrack music to your luau party – coupled with a few guys from the Eagles playing songs by the Eagles with a couple guys influenced by the Eagles. Two different roads of music for sure… apropos to be held on a Thursday night, because this was must-see TV.

As the night wore on, this odd couple played out as expected. Buffett led the crowd through a handful of songs people knew by heart as beach balls floated through the venue, patrons inhaling an occasional whiff of marijuana as they drank a boat drink out of their plastic recyclable cup. It was enjoyable enough – conversationalists conversed while casual fans toe-tapped. Diehards danced in their seats. But most of Buffett’s songs sound the same after 40 years of playing them. So when he turned his attention to “Margaritaville” or “A Pirate Looks at 40,” it was a welcome chance to celebrate distinction.

For about an hour and 15 minutes, Buffett made his way through an abbreviated headline set. But let’s be honest – nobody missed the deep cuts and the Coors Field crowd got exactly what it needed from the group as the sun set.

And so came the Eagles – a band who wrote songs people love and still want to hear. Quickly, Coors Field put away the beach balls and stood at attention while the Eagles opened with the harmonizing sounds of “Seven Bridges Road.” This is why Don Henley gets the gang together to tour again periodically, even after the death of founder Glen Frey and without half of its original members. The songs make people pay attention. And most fans did.

The show covered big hits – and it really didn’t matter much that Vince Gill was singing “Tequila Sunrise.” The crowd still loved the song. The Eagles avoided sounding like a cover band on Thursday night because songs were played with compassion and commitment. The “real Eagles” mixed nicely with the hired guns, and it was touching to see Deacon Frey play his dad’s music. It seemed as if the show was going to be a special tribute to Frey, given the songs in the early portion of the set and a video monitor that suggested he was in attendance via his spirit. However, all eras of the Eagles were covered and the setlist made for a nice trip to memory lane for many in attendance.

As the night wore on, it became clear that Joe Walsh was doing the heavy lifting. His impeccable playing and passion for each song provided an essential spark that energized the setlist and sustained the crowd through over 2 hours and 15 minutes. By the time the encore came, the Colorado crowd celebrated the Walsh solo song “Rocky Mountain Way” with thunderous applause.

Two roads diverged for sure. The music by both bands and attention paid to it were in stark contrast. But what was the road less traveled on Thursday night? Probably retirement, as its clear both acts can continue this nostalgia trip forever. In the end, the acts gave people what they wanted – a good thing too, given ticket prices averaged way over 100 dollars inside the stadium.

And how about a word on Coors Field? It was a beautiful setting for an outdoor gig. Sound was fantastic in the lower levels, the staff – most of whom knew the songs as well as the fans – were pleasant and enjoyable, and the concourses provided plenty of space for merchandising opportunities and beverage selection. Coors Field was the best headliner of the night and seemed the perfect host for a nice get-together with some old friends from the 1970s.