The Eagles are one of the most iconic and enduring rock bands of all time. Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, the band rose to fame in the 1970s with hit songs like “Take It Easy,” “Hotel California,” and “Desperado.” Though the Eagles broke up in 1980, they reunited in 1994 and have been actively touring ever since. Their concerts routinely sell out arenas and stadiums across North America and around the world. Fans flock to Eagles concerts to hear the band perform their classic hits as well as deeper album cuts. But exactly how long is a typical Eagles concert? Let’s take a look at the details.
Average Setlist Length
Over the past decade or so of touring, the Eagles have generally performed setlists that are around two hours long. Their recent tours like the History of the Eagles Tour (2013-2015) and the Hotel California 2022 Tour have consisted of about 24-28 songs played over a span of approximately two hours, including a brief intermission. Of course, as with any rock band, the exact setlist length can vary from night to night depending on the city and venue, unplanned encores, and other factors. But on average, you can expect a full Eagles concert to clock in right around the two hour mark.
Key Factors Impacting Setlist Length
Several factors account for the typical two hour duration of Eagles concerts:
- Extensive Song Catalog – With 6 studio albums and over 120 different songs to choose from, the Eagles have a very deep well of material to draw on for live shows.
- Album Cuts and Hits – The band aims to satisfy longtime fans by performing not just big radio hits but also deeper album tracks.
- Instrumental Solos – Songs like “Hotel California” feature extended guitar and drum solos that lengthen them beyond their recorded versions.
- Intermission – The 15-20 minute intermission mid-show provides a nice break but also eats into the total show time.
Balancing all these factors results in a two hour show fans have come to expect from the Eagles.
Setlist Variation
While the overall concert length remains fairly consistent, the Eagles do mix up the setlists from night to night. Even on a single tour, they rarely play the exact same set of songs each show. This allows fans attending multiple concerts to hear fresh material. It also keeps the band from getting bored doing the same show over and over again.
Some notable variables impacting the setlist rotation:
- Tour Phase – Earlier shows in a tour often feature different songs than later shows on the same tour.
- Geographic Location – The setlists sometimes nod to the Eagle’s geography and performing locale.
- Album Promotion – Tours supporting a new album release naturally feature more songs from that album.
So the overall concert length remains steady, but the individual songs performed fluctuate show to show.
How Setlists Have Evolved Over Time
Let’s take a quick look back at how the duration of Eagles concerts has evolved over their different touring phases:
1970s
During their initial run in the 1970s, the Eagles played sets that were generally 90 minutes to two hours in length. This reflected the shorter song catalog they had to work with at the time before their breakup in 1980.
1994-2000 Reunion
When the Eagles first reunited in 1994, they stuck to relatively short sets focused just on their biggest hits. These shows ran for about 90 minutes. By the late 1990s, the sets expanded to two hours incorporating more album tracks.
2000s Tours
In the 2000s, the Eagles settled into the two hour plus show duration they still maintain today. Major tours during this era like the Farewell Tour (2003-2005) began to mix up setlists more while keeping the length consistent.
2010s and Beyond
Recent Eagles tours play right around the two hour mark per show, with the History Tour and Hotel California 2022 Tour following this template. More obscure songs get rotated in and out, but the overall concert time frame holds steady.
Breakdown by Song
To give a more detailed look, let’s break down the typical length of each Eagles song performed live:
Song | Average Length (minutes) |
---|---|
Hotel California | 8 |
Take It Easy | 4 |
One of These Nights | 5 |
Life in the Fast Lane | 5 |
Witchy Woman | 5 |
Desperado | 5 |
Heartache Tonight | 4 |
Lyin’ Eyes | 6 |
Take It to the Limit | 5 |
Peaceful Easy Feeling | 4 |
You can see that mega-hits like “Hotel California” clock in at 8 minutes or longer, while other signature tunes like “Take It Easy” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” wrap up in just 4 minutes. Blend together 24-28 of these songs and you end up with a total concert running time right around two hours.
Concert Features that Impact Length
In addition to the setlist of songs, Eagles concerts often contain a few other recurring elements that lengthen the show:
- Don Henley Drum Solo – The percussion solo during “Boys of Summer” lets Don Henley display his drumming chops for 5-10 minutes.
- Joe Walsh Guitar Solo – Walsh rips an extended guitar solo during one of his signature songs like “Rocky Mountain Way.”
- Don Felder Guitar Duel – Former member Felder sometimes appears to trade licks with Walsh on “Hotel California.”
- Encores – Most Eagles shows have 2-3 encore songs, adding 10+ minutes to the back end.
These concert trademarks give the individual members time in the spotlight and also let the band exceed the two hour mark on nights when they are really locked in.
How Long Do Eagles Concerts Feel?
The two hour Eagles concert length probably feels longer than that to many fans. When you factor in pre and post show festivities, transport to and from the venue, lines and crowds, and the overall anticipation and excitement of seeing the Eagles live, the whole experience can feel like a marathon 4-6 hour classic rock immersion! So the concert itself may zip by in a seemingly brief 120 minutes, even if the entire night lasts twice that long.
Conclusion
Over their decades of live performing, the Eagles have perfected the art of the two hour rock show. Their sets consistently deliver a career spanning collection of hits and favorites in around 120 minutes. While the individual songs rotate in and out, the total concert length remains relatively stable at 2 hours or slightly more. This gives fans a comprehensive live journey through the Eagles’ rich musical history in a single evening. The band balances their desire to be unpredictable and adventurous with the fan expectation to hear their biggest anthems. Ultimately, the two hour Eagle concert has become a classic rock institution reflecting both the breadth of the band’s catalog and their trademark smooth, Southern California sound.