Eagles dedicate ‘Heartache Tonight’ to late collaborator JD Souther at first Sphere show

nme.com:

Eagles paid tribute to their late collaborator JD Souther with a dedication of ‘Heartache Tonight’ during the first night of their Las Vegas Sphere residency.JD Souther, an American singer-songwriter and actor, died earlier this week at the age of 78.

His death was first confirmed by a representative for the Eagles, who told the Los Angeles Times that he died “peacefully” in his home in New Mexico.The band shared a tribute to Souther on Thursday (September 19) via their website, writing: “We have lost a brother, a friend and a brilliant collaborator, and the world has lost a great songwriter, a pioneer of the Southern California sound that emerged in the 1970s.”Now, they’ve dedicated an emotional rendition of ‘Heartache Tonight’ to Souther, who co-wrote the 1979 track.

They played the song during the first performance of their residency at the Nevada megavenue on Friday (September 20).“I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge a couple of people,” Don Henley told the audience before playing the song, which was the final one of the evening. “I want to acknowledge the co-writer of that song who we lost three days ago, Mr.

J.D. Souther. J.D. is someone you may know played a pivotal role in the Eagles. He wasn’t in the band but he certainly co-wrote some of our biggest hits.”Henley also paid tribute to songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who died last year aged 76. “Sing it so they can hear you,” he said.Watch the fan-recorded footage below:Guitarist Joe Walsh shared his own tribute to Souther on Friday, shortly before they took to the stage in Las Vegas. “My friend, my brother and favorite partner in room-trashing, JD co-wrote the songs that mapped the Eagles’ flights.