Peaceful Eagles feeling

By Jane Norris

Published: May 15, 2008

Next week, the long road out of Eden merges into Emmet Street to bring the Eagles to the John Paul Jones Arena.

Fans who can’t wait for Wednesday’s concert, part of the Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden Tour 2008, can tune in to CBS this weekend to see if the legendary rock band will add to its recent country successes with an Academy of Country Music Award.

Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit became famous for decades of rock hits, including “Hotel California,’’ “The Long Run,’’ “Desperado,’’ “Tequila Sunrise,’’ “Lyin’ Eyes,’’ “Best of My Love,’’ “Take It Easy’’ and “Witchy Woman.’’

Now they’re busy being fabulous — in a whole other country. The musicians have been embraced by country fans for “Long Road Out of Eden,’’ their first full-length studio album together in almost three decades.

The CD’s first single, “How Long,’’ was a hit that won the group a Grammy Award earlier this year for best country performance by a duo or group. When the Eagles performed it live at the Country Music Association Awards in November, it was another milestone for the respectedgroup — its first live performance on an awards show. “Busy Being Fabulous’’ is the second single.

On Sunday, the Academy of Country Music will be handing out its awards starting at 8 p.m., and the Eagles have been nominated for vocal group of the year. The band has received only one other nomination, for top vocal group back in 1975. The competition is top-notch — Diamond Rio, Emerson Drive, Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts — so fans will want to tune in and see who comes out on top in the long run.

Of course, the band’s country vibe is nothing new. Many of its hits have a country rock sensibility, especially ones that were co-written by friends with country and country-rock credentials. Jackson Browne co-wrote “Take It Easy,’’ for instance, and J.D. Souther not only wrote the recent hit “How Long’’ but co-wrote some of the Eagles’ chart smashes from back in the day, including “Heartache Tonight,’’ “New Kid in Town’’ and “Best of My Love.’’

Wednesday’s show at the Jack promises a blend of old and new hits, so wherever you land on the Eagles’ continuum between rock and country, you can take it easy.

If you’re a diehard fan and want to make it a night to remember, check out VIP packages on http://www.iloveall access.com.