Don Felder - Bush Hall, Shepherd’s Bush, London.

By Decibel Report

A rarely spotted Eagle finally graced these island shores to land in the rather intimate and ornate environs of West London's Bush Hall. And the highly expectant gathering of musical twitchers rejoiced in an up-close and personal live masterclass of cherished former band songs, solo songs from his latest hot streak release, and a scorching version of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Pride and Joy squeezed in for good measure.

Youthfully beaming and wearing a big metal cross on his chest - seemingly free from carrying the cross of Eagles baggage now well behind him - a lean and lithe Felder belied his 71 years with an immense set peppered with revealing tales and pin-sharp quips.

On a reconnaissance mission to test the vibes before bigger shows, this is Felder’s first UK solo show since taking flight from the well-feathered golden nest of his former bandmates. And us fortunate few, who could fit into this small capacity venue, will count our blessings for many years to come.

With a crack band of players covering his back, including former Eagles, Whitesnake and Stevie Nicks keyboardist Timothy Drury, Felder unfurled a set-list thickened, to the stunned delight of tonight’s congregation, with classic and flawlessly delivered Eagles’ songs.

Contrary to its song title, Felder walked onto the darkly lit stage to deliver opener Already Gone and the time and years just seemed to fly effortlessly by as the apposite One Of These Nights locked down into its morish groove.

As a preface to a tight as drum Victim Of Love, Felder revealed that Hotel California producer Bill Szymczyk etched V.O.L. into the vinyl run-off on the record as he sang the lead on this Henley lead vocal tune originally slated for himself to sing on record.

Straking guitar licks like a Master flecks paint onto a canvas with the finest of judgements, Felder revealed a distinguished display of restraint; not wasting a note or overplaying his hand on these blue-ribbon songs. This was most earthily evident on the grungy, talkbox grind of Those Shoes.

Breezy and harmonious renditions of country-rock classics Take It Easy and Tequila Sunrise rubbed up smoothly with the slow-burn blues of Witchy Woman.

New album cuts American Rock & Roll and the first live airing of Rock You tailored into the set like a seamless fit to the guitar groove of Life In The Fast Lane.

Then the most anticipated moment of the evening finally arrived to take a journey on a dark desert highway. Felder strapped on his white electric double-neck to chime out the portentous picky opening notes to his co-written monster hit Hotel California. This all-time classic tune dramatically rounded off an evening of exquisitely executed timeless songs all rendered with note-perfect musicianship.

A rewarding sign of Felder's down to earth personality became evident as he stayed after the show to sign autographs for all comers from the stage. It truly was one of those rare nights to remember.