The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Flying like an Eagle
Vince Gill loving playing with iconic band, trying to help fill void left by death of Glenn Frey
The future of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame act the Eagles was, naturally, uncertain when co-founder Glenn Frey died in 2016.
After a year passed, members Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit decided to soldier on, adding Frey’s son Deacon and Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill to the mix.
So far the results have been overwhelmingly positive, with audiences not ready to give up on the classic-rock band’s iconic catalog. The new iteration of the group makes its Rock Hall City debut with a show Oct. 20 at Quicken Loans Arena.
The News-Herald talked to a smiling Gill, who is married to contemporary Christian artist Amy Grant, during a recent phone call to his New York City hotel room about his friend Frey, the bittersweet offer of a lifetime and the future. Q Before we talk about joining The Eagles on the road, let’s start with the group’s influence on your career. When did you first see the band live? A That was in 1980 on the “The Long Run Tour.” I got to meet everybody. That was a pretty big deal. I had their records. It was a band that had a huge influence not only on me but our generation of musicians, artists, songwriters. They were kind of the gold standard of what you used and what to shoot for — just the way they made records, did harmonies, orchestrated guitar solos. Everybody had a chance to shine in that band. Most bands have one great singer; this band had five. It’s crazy. Let me add, their influence on country music has been remarkable, as equal as any of the greats – Haggard, Jones. They’ve had a big impact all the way around. Q So what is it like to be asked to join the band that played a pivotal role in shaping you as a singer, guitarist and songwriter? A Well, you have to understand, there’s a bitter sweetness to it because of Glenn. I had a friendship with him of over 35 years, so it’s very paramount that everybody understands it’s somewhat tough the reason I’m getting to do it. So I don’t go out and pump my fist in the air and say, “Look what I’ve done.” All I’m trying to do is fill a void and do a job for those guys who need somebody to sing those songs. So I think my take on it is healthy and respectful. Q Aside from the honor of being asked, there’s also an obligation or responsibility to the music. How nerve-racking was that aspect of joining the band? A I was fearful, and it would be wise to be a little bit afraid not knowing what the response or reaction was going to be. It was a little bit scary. Not from them, but from their fans who may not have a long history of all of the different kinds of music I play and can play and have played. They’ll perceive me as a country singer — “So here comes a country singer to be in my favorite rock ‘n’ roll band. I’m not sure I’m down with that.” So little by little, I think, it ended up OK. I’m loving this, and I’m trying to be a good hand and do as they need and make it easy. I have no drama, no expectations. I’m pretty easygoing. I think it’s working. Q Considering your friendship with the band, as well as your role in contributing “I Can’t Tell You Why” to the 1993 tribute album “Common Thread” leading to the group’s reunion, it seems logical to suggest Frey would appreciate your efforts to keep the music of The Eagles alive. A Well, I would hope so. It’s impossible to answer that question because we have no idea. But the fact we were friendly, he liked the way I played, sang and wrote songs, I don’t think it was a big stretch. But who knows. All I’m trying to do is help, and it’s been an unbelievable gift more than anything to be the guy they asked. That’s my favorite band I grew up with. To have them think enough of me that I could come and keep some of these songs going and do what I do, it’s been an unbelievable experience and something I’m very proud of. Q In terms of the future, has anything been discussed? A That’s not up to me. I’m the new dude. I don’t weigh in on much of anything. And I shouldn’t. But if they choose to press on and say go, I’m going. Q As far as your solo career, is there any new music on the horizon? A I’ve got a new record finished that will probably come out the first of the year. It’s a much different record, and I like that. I think I might get a little angsty trying to do the same things twice. It’s kind of a song record. It’s not about big production and backgrounds and solos. It’s just a real easygoing record full of pretty neat songs. It’s good stuff. Most of these songs were around before I started (The Eagles).
It’s been fun getting to do both, which are obviously different but equally as important to me to get to do. So, not much has changed.
I’m going to continue to be a hillbilly singer. Q It sounds like smiling Vince Gill never changes. A Yeah, I got a lot to smile about.