Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Whether with the Eagles or individually, Don Felder is one of the world’s most distinctive guitarists whose fret work can be found on countless radio classics and numerous soundtracks.

Luckily, the lovely North Shore Center For The Performing Arts had an up close and personal opportunity to experience them all from the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer firsthand, who alongside four top-tier session players, may very well have matched if not surpassed “The Long Goodbye” version of his prior band.

Even at 76-years-old, Felder has no end in site and made the many gathered marvel for the entire duration of 90 non-stop minutes, which began on the assertive notes of “Already Gone” and continued foreshadowing it was indeed going to be “One Of These Nights.”

A cover of Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble’s “Pride And Joy” found him favoring the blues, while the recent solo, “American Rock ‘N’ Roll,” reclaimed a role as one of the genre’s leading axe-slingers.

However, it was a fruitful 1974-2001 tenure in the Eagles that earned the lion’s share of the set list, including “Victim Of Love,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Tequila Sunrise” tapping into a country-flavored direction.

In fact, there was no style Felder couldn’t master, such as his own “Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride)” from the movie of the same name, which seemed to be a turning point towards a more aggressive side.

Examples included the personal return to form, “Girls In Black,” plus “Take It Easy,” “Heartache Tonight” and “Life In The Fast Lane” from a virtually bulletproof run throughout the ‘70s as the audience’s singing gradually got louder and fans rose to their feet.

Last but by far the most iconic was “Hotel California,” complete with Felder strapping on a signature double neck, which really made the North Shore Center never want to leave, though before officially checking out, the headliner graciously passed out picks and signed autographs at the edge of the stage, demonstrating a genuinely down to earth demeanor in spite of his legendary status.

For additional information on Don Felder, visit DonFelder.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts include Benise (Jul. 12); Fred Astaire Dance Studios Illinois (Jul. 13); 2 Pianos 4 Hands (Jul. 13); The Motortown All-Stars (Jul. 18); Paul Elia (Jul. 19); Pablo Cruise (Jul. 25); “Carousel” (Aug. 8); Mac McAnally (Aug. 22); Brett Dennen (Aug. 23); Chicago Korean Dance Company (Aug. 24); Clergy Boys (Aug. 25); Ann Hampton Callaway (Sept. 7); Andy Grammar (Sept. 8); Skerryvore (Sept. 12); Eddie B. (Sept. 13); Esperanza Spalding (Sept. 16); Chris Botti (Sept. 19); Jeff Garlin (Sept. 20); Daniel Villarreal (Sept. 21); Roger McGuinn (Sept. 25); Nick Carter (Sept. 28); Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus (Oct. 5); Joan Osborne and Joshua Radin (Oct. 8); Lewis Black (Oct. 9); “What The Heck Knows!” (Oct. 13); “Little Shop Of Horrors” (Oct. 24); Marc Maron (Oct. 25); “Mizantrop” (Oct. 26); Ryan Hamilton (Nov. 9); Modi (Nov. 13); Max Jobrani (Nov. 16); National Geographic Live (Nov. 17); “Swan Lake” (Nov. 20) and “Legally Blonde” (Dec. 19). For additional details, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

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