The Eagles are a mega-band born of the 1970’s era. Their signature exquisite four-part harmonies and diverse instrumentation landed them at the top of the music charts several times over. They have a vast catalog that is brimming with beloved iconic sonic gems.  You could rightly say they are a hard act to follow and an even tougher act to replicate faithfully.  Eagles tribute band Desperado surpassed my expectations when I recently attended a couple of their shows.  My first opportunity to hear Desperado was in Laughlin, Nevada, at the Riverside Hotel.    I was invited by a good friend who had listened to the band and was impressed and thought I would enjoy them.  I more than enjoyed them; I was blown away by Desperado’s uncanny resemblance to the Eagles.   Aaron Broering and his fellow bandmates took me on a journey back to the days of flying down the freeway while “Life In The Fast Lane” played on track one of the eight-track tape stuffed into the car stereo.  I have seen The Eagles live before, and they were phenomenal. However, it was refreshing to hear Desperado’s live performances that soo closely echoed the studio-recorded renditions that were the soundtrack of my youth.

Aaron Broering (Guitarist / Vocalist)

The lights went down at Don’s Celebrity Theatre, and just like The Eagles did at their 1970’s concerts, Desperado began with an acapella verse from the old folk song “Silver Dagger” as an intro to “Take It Easy.”  Straight away, I was captivated by the spot-on harmonies that were pinpoint accurate. As the song progressed, I quickly realized this band was head and shoulders above other tribute bands I’ve heard in the past.  Aaron Broering showcased his vocal range by totally nailing all the high falsetto’s on “Witchy Women” and “New Kid in Town.”

Another spot-on rendition by guitarist/vocalist Chris Farmer who sang lead on the Timothy B. Schmit classic, “I Can’t Tell You Why.”  Before the song, the band mentioned that Farmer has played with Schmit in the past.  It obviously doesn’t hurt to perform with the artist you strive to emulate.

Guitarist/vocalist Ricky Lewis

Next up was the Eagles party anthem song “Heartache Tonight,” which featured lead guitarist Ricky Lewis whose voice had an Eddie Money tone with a little less grittiness. Musically, both Broering and Lewis gave further authenticity to the song by engaging in blistering guitar solos that were entirely on par with Eagles’ lead guitarists Don Felder and Joe Walsh.    They began the next song with a drum kick beat and a few cleverly syncopated guitar licks that morphed into the signature beginning riff of “Victim Of Love.”   Drummer Ricky Lewis Jr. (a.k.a. Ritchie) sang lead vocals and perfectly executed all the drum fills and breaks heard on the Don Henley classic.   Throughout t show, I was continuously amazed by the musical talent of the entire band.  Every band member contributed to the lead vocals. Bass player Joshua Jones did a great job taking on “Take it To The Limit,” matching Randy Meisner’s high-tenor vocal range and perfectly delivering the over-the-top high falsetto heard at the song’s end.  Aaron Broering delivered a poignant performance of “Desperado,” which began with a single spotlight on Broering as he delicately tapped out the begging intro.  Both his tone and emotive expression rivaled the Eagles 1973 title track ballad.

Desperado Coach House 2021

The band stepped away from The Eagles catalog to perform “Rocky Mountain Way,”one of Joe Walsh’s songs he recorded with his band Barnstorm in 1973.  Lead guitarist Lewis expertly handled the vocals and got funky with a talkbox in true Joe Walsh fashion.  Broering also showed off his guitar prowess finishing the song with some smooth phrasing on his Les Paul.

Of course, I have to mention the quintessential Eagles anthem.  Drummer Lewis (a.k.a. Ritchie) took us “on a dark desert highway” as guitarist Ricky Lewis handled his double-neck ax with the skill of a true veteran.  Broering added to the dynamics with his seriously smooth solo work.  Add to that impeccable backing vocals, and the result was as close as you can get to a perfect replica of “Hotel California.”   Desperado wrapped things up with “Get Over It,” The band let loose on this one and had the crowd dancing in the aisles. It was a rousing end to a sensational tribute show.

My journey with Desperado did not end in Laughlin. I had an opportunity to take in another Desperado show in San Juan Capistrano at the famous Coach House.  This show featured an acoustic set, something the band seldom does, so I was excited to check it out.

guitarist/keyboards/vocals Aaron Broering

They began with “Seven Bridges Road,”  and was once again, I was in awe of their pitch-perfect four-part harmonies. The acoustic renderings were so precise that it was hard to believe I wasn’t listening to the original.  The entire set was replete with my favorite Eagle songs.  “Best of My Love,” more than any other, demonstrated the strength of their background vocals and harmonies.  While “Ol’ 55” showed off Broering’s vocal versatility matching his vocal tone with Glen Fry.  Desperado exquisitely strummed the crisp, clean acoustic guitar parts on “Train Leaves Here This Morning.”  Lead guitarist Lewis masterfully played the mandolin on the song “Saturday Night.”  This was yet another song where the band awed me with their harmonies.

drummer/vocalist Ritchie Lewis

When the guitars dually plunked out the begging riff of “Try and Love Again,” it was perfectly Eagles.  Listening, I closed my eyes and strolled past some precious memories that walk hand in hand with this beautiful Eagles song.    Desperado ended the set with “Sad Café,” Broering sang and played the keyboards with a soulful sentiment that remarkably echoed the Don Henley original.   Every song in the entire set was perfectly executed and mirrored the Eagles hits soo sonically close at times it was almost surreal. I am astounded by the attention to detail this band puts forth in their instrumentation and nuanced vocals.  I put them high on my must-see again list.

I had the opportunity to interview Desperado’s founder Aaron Broering.  I started by asking him how he ended up on the Eagles Tribute path.  “I had a love for the Eagles that I took with me all through college…as soon as I was done with college, I jumped into the band Hotel California.” Aaron went on to say he was with that band for about two and a half years and wasn’t satisfied with their stagnancy. In 2002 he ended up with an opportunity to form a new Eagles tribute band, and that was how Desperado was born. He spoke about the logistics of the band over the years.  Although the band has been through many changes, guitarists and vocalists Ricky Lewis and Chris Farmer have been with the band since 2010.  We talked a bit about the dedication and attention to detail that is the recipe for the band’s success.  Broering elaborated on this, saying, “Yeah, the devil is in the details, absolutely in the details…  Every guitar tone has to be sculpted to sound like it’s supposed to sound.  You know you can’t have an 80’s Van Halen medal tone playing “Witchy Woman.”  It’s gotta be that old 1970 muffled hazy old marshall sound that Glenn Fry and Bernie Leadon used at the time.” 

guitarist/vocalist Chris Farmer

I asked Aaron what song is his personal favorite to perform. “I think the true benchmark for any Eagles tribute band to perform would be the song “New Kid In Town” because it’s not only a beautiful delicate arrangement with all the subtleties but the harmonies. I mean, it went number one for a reason.   For me, that’s the classic handle with care Eagles song.  I think that is the one that raises the bar for Desperado.  New Kid and Hotel are the most difficult to perfect.  If your gonna take on Hotel California, you better damn well be getting it close, which is why I have specific parts being played by certain people.”  We talked for quite a while, and Aaron revealed that he had the opportunity to perform with Don Felder and J.D. Souther for a charity event.

bassist/vocals Joshua Jones

Aaron spoke more about his reverence and connection with The Eagles and summed things up, saying “It’s my labor of love, and it’s interesting that I came into this world in 1972 and that’s what’s been the lifespan of their music.  They had the right thing at the right time and they wrote amazing songs. Just to be able to put people sonically in the ballpark of where that is, is extremely flattering for us … to come that close to something that substantial and recognizable, I love that, that’s the best part about this.” 

Talking with Aaron, I got a true sense of the hard work, dedication, and reverence he and his bandmates brings to the band and that’s what makes Desperado a live music treasure for Eagle fans like myself.

BackStage360 extends our appreciation to Desperado for taking the time to connect with us. Also, thank you to the Coach House and the Riverside in Laughlin for welcoming us to your iconic venues.

Jen B / BackStage360

Laughlin, Nevada 2021