Timothy B. Schmit, Don Henley and Joe Walsh (l. to r.) at the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors
Following the death last year of Eagles founding member Glenn Frey, the surviving band members said that The Eagles would no longer perform together. But now comes word from Billboard that the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac are planning a pair of music festivals called Classic East and Classic West. The two bands would headline the shows, which would take place in July at Citi Field in New York and Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles.
According to the Billboard article, “Each festival will take place over two days with additional artists to be announced in the coming months. A number of big-time music companies are involved in the blockbuster concert concept including Azoff MSG Entertainment, Live Nation, the Oak View Group and CAA.”
The article continues, “Classic East and Classic West will be the first concert performance by the Eagles since the death of band founder Glenn Frey in Jan. 2016. The coast shows are the only dates Fleetwood Mac has scheduled for 2017, says a source.”
Related: Glenn Frey dies
The article does not quote any band members or their associates, and the surprise announcement negates Henley’s statement following the January 2016 death of Frey. At that time, Henley was quoted as saying, “I think that was the final farewell. I don’t think you’ll see us performing again. I think that was probably it.”
Fleetwood Mac in 2014 (l. to r.): Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie and Christine McVie (Photo from their Facebook page)
The big question, of course, is who will take Frey’s place in the band if they do indeed regroup. There was some talk about Deacon Frey, Glenn’s son and a singer-songwriter in his own right, replacing his late dad. The junior Frey had worked with Glenn Frey and is familiar with the Eagles’ catalog. Rumors were also floated at the time that Jackson Browne might agree to become a stand-in Eagle but again, those rumors were quashed.
As for Fleetwood Mac, the band last toured with the full five-piece classic lineup—Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie—but it is not known whether all would participate.
Related: Buckingham and McVie are recording an album for spring release
Exact festival dates, supporting acts and other details also remain under wraps as of now. Billboard said it had reached out to representatives of both bands but had not been contacted by either. The trade publication said that the two bands hope to create an annual franchise out of the bicoastal festival.
Watch Fleetwood Mac perform “Go Your own Way” in 2015
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