The classiest tribute show in Australia
By BILLY DIXON
John Wells has been on the road with Drawcard Entertainment for more than a decade, but one element stands out from the rest – The Eagles Story is, in John’s words, “the classiest tribute show in Australia.”
With the passing of Eagles legend Glenn Frey earlier this year, the gang are back on the road for one last time, taking the opportunity to say “thanks for all the music” and writing a fitting end to the story.
Unfortunately for the fans, this will also be John Wells’ final show with the group. Having battled cancer for six long years, he’s decided it’s time to hang up the guitar and focus on his health. Together, they’ve raised many thousands of dollars for all manner of charities and causes – nobody will begrudge him this time for himself.
When the devastating bushfires struck Victoria on Black Saturday, they played 13 concerts in venues big and small, raising more than $200,000 toward replacing what was lost. They even talked the Hawthorn footy club into recreating valuable memorabilia lost in a Narre Warren wildfire, and are always looking to help out kids that struggling with a variety of serious health issues.
Operating as a six-piece outfit, The Eagles Story is a genuine rendition of the band’s journey til now. With dozens of instruments including the signature twelve-string, they travel with four crew just to ensure it all arrives. It’s not solely about the music, either – more than an entertainment experience, they interweave the Eagles’ complex and colourful tales with some of rock’s greatest music.
The show has two distinct halves as a result – starting with great harmonies and primarily acoustic sounds, it gradually descends into the heavier, Joe Walsh-inspired guitar work. Whatever your taste in music, if you appreciate the sheer skill and quality tunes so often associated with the Eagles, you’ll be a fan in no time.
For their closing shows, they will be donating to the RSPCA dog shelter over the next 6 months – another inspiration courtesy of Drawcard Entertainment, the driving force behind their giving. A great cause, good people, rock music’s greatest hits and it’s all for the last time – this is not a show you’ll want to miss.
See The Eagles Story at Frankston Arts Centre on Thursday 2nd June 8pm.
Tickets www.thefac.com.au
