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Eagles Honor Jimmy Buffett During Farewell Tour Opener

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Eagles kicked off their “Long Goodbye” farewell tour last night (September 7) in New York at Madison Square Garden.

The iconic band’s setlist was filled with their biggest hits, but also some surprises. (The full setlist is below.) Particularly, the Eagles took a moment during their show to honor their friend, Jimmy Buffett. The singer-songwriter passed away last week at age 76 following a battle with skin cancer.

Per Ultimate Classic Rock, Don Henley said, “Jimmy Buffett is now sailing on that cosmic ocean, having that cheeseburger with Glenn [Frey] and Randy [Meisner]. We always like to laugh and say we survived the ’70s together.” Joe Walsh then said, “Jimmy and I got thrown out of some of the finest hotels in the world.”

The Eagles performed two Buffett songs: “Come Monday” and “Fins.”

 

Buffett famously inducted the Eagles into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He recalled his interactions with the Eagles over the years. Buffett often was an opening act for the band on various bills and tours. He made a point to recognize the Eagles for always treating him with respect, even though he was often their opener.

“I was the apprentice in the workshop, and I was glad to be there,” said Buffett. ” … It was the little things I was privileged to witness backstage that helped me survive and become a better performer.”

Eagles – Farewell Tour Opening Night Setlist – Madison Square Garden – 9/7/23

“Seven Bridges Road” (Steve Young cover)
“Take It Easy”
“One of These Nights”
“Take It to the Limit”
“Best of My Love”
“Witchy Woman”
“Peaceful Easy Feeling”
“Tequila Sunrise”
“In the City” (Joe Walsh solo song)
“I Can’t Tell You Why”
“New Kid in Town”
“Lyin’ Eyes”
“Life’s Been Good”
“Already Gone”
“Come Monday” (Jimmy Buffett cover)
“Fins” (Jimmy Buffett cover)
“Boys of Summer”
“All Night Long” (Joe Walsh solo song)
“Heartache Tonight”
“Life in the Fast Lane”
“Rocky Mountain Way” (Joe Walsh solo song)
“Desperado”
“Hotel California”

Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney + More Pay Tribute to Jimmy Buffett

  • Paul McCartney

    McCartney noted that he played on one of Jimmy’s final recordings and pointed out that he thought that some of his last songs were among his best. He said, “I was very happy to have played on one of his latest songs called ‘My Gummy Just Kicked In’. We had a real fun session and he played me some of his new songs. One, in particular, I loved was the song, ‘Bubbles Up’. And I told him that not only was the song great but the vocal was probably the best I’ve heard him sing ever. He turned a diving phrase that is used to train people underwater into a metaphor for life when you’re confused and don’t know where you are just follow the bubbles – they’ll take you up to the surface and straighten you out right away.”

  • Kenny Chesney

    Kenny Chesney, who was hugely influenced by Buffett’s music and lifestyle brand, paid tribute via a video of him covering Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks At Forty.” He also shared a video of him on stage with Buffett singing his signature song, “Margaritaville.” He wrote, “So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor.” 

  • Sheryl Crow

    Crow shared a pretty epic photo and wrote, “Just saw @jimmybuffett recently while recording with @EmmylouSongbird and @DollyParton. He was as he always was… a bright light! With a wonderful sense of humor and always so warm. I will miss knowing he is on the planet. He is up there sailing the bright blue Caribbean!”

  • Bob Seger

    Next to a photo of Buffett, Seger wrote, “Sunshine personified. I never met a human being that didn’t like him. He’ll be greatly missed.”

  • Mike Love of The Beach Boys

    Other than Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band, the only rock and roll group as associated with the beach is, of course, The Beach Boys. Love wrote, “Although we’ll miss you, we’ll continue to enjoy the beautiful music that you’ve blessed upon us. No more shoes, just your toes in heaven’s sand. ”

  • Clint Black

    Black wrote a lengthy post about his love for the music and the man himself. “I toured with Jimmy for half the summer of 1998 & came away with a new lease on touring. He ran a fine ship & it was a most fun & relaxing voyage. I imagine only the circus could compare with a Jimmy Buffett tour. Beyond the controlled chaos of his show, there was a depth to his lyrics that defied the carnival nature of his concert experience. As I watched the crowds, I wondered if they knew. ‘Margaritaville’ defined him to many, but to me, you could’ve set that aside & still have too many masterpieces to name; ‘West Nashville Grand Ballroom Gown,’ ‘Pencil Thin Mustache,’ ‘I’m Growing Older But Not Up,’ ‘Miss You So Badly,’ ‘Wonder Why We Ever Go Home’…the list goes on and on.”

  • Pitbull

    The rapper Pitbull, like Buffett, is strongly associated with beaches and good times and he shared a video of the two performing “Margaritaville” together. “Jimmy, you lived life and didn’t let life live you. A true pioneer and trailblazer. Thank God for @jimmybuffett and when life gives you limes, make margaritas. Rest in paradise.”

  • Joe Walsh

    Walsh reminisced about when the two were label mates, decades ago. “Jimmy Buffett was an immediate friend that day we met back in 1970. He got signed to the same record label as the James Gang, Three Dog Night and Steppenwolf. We all had a good laugh wondering what the hell he was doing there with such a motley crew… even Jimmy himself! But he showed us all that he was built to last. A great sailor, a good friend and a man who did a lot of good for this world while nobody was looking. I’m still honored to have played at his and Janie’s wedding. Here’s a pic from a fan video of us doing what we did best… playing rock and roll for a charity gig back in Chicago in ‘99. I love you, Jimmy. I miss you already.”

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter
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