“JD is someone you may know who played a pivotal role in the Eagles,” Don Henley tells the crowd. “He wasn’t a member of the band but he certainly co-wrote some of our biggest hits.”
The Eagles paid tribute to JD Souther during the band's opening show Friday at the Sphere in Las Vegas, dedicating the song “Heartache Tonight” — which Souther co-wrote — to the late singer-songwriter who died earlier this week.
“I would be remiss if I didn't mention two people by name,” Don Henley told the crowd before the final song of the evening.
“I would like to pay tribute to the co-writer of that song who we lost three days ago, Mr. JD Souther. JD is someone you may know who played a pivotal role in the Eagles. He wasn’t a member of the band but he certainly co-wrote some of our biggest hits.”
Henley also paid tribute to Jimmy Buffett before “Heartache Tonight,” according to Ultimate Classic Rock. “Sing the song so people can hear you,” he added.
Earlier this week, the Eagles wrote a tribute to Sather following his death earlier this week. “We have lost a great brother, friend and colleague, and the world has lost a great songwriter and pioneer of the Southern California sound that emerged in the 1970s,” the Eagles said in a statement.
“He was a key co-writer on many of our most popular songs, including “The Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight.” JD also collaborated on several of Don Henley’s solo works, including “The Heart of the Matter,” “Little Tin God,” “If Dirt Were Dollars,” and “Talking to the Moon.”
Joe Walsh added his own tribute on social media Friday hours before the Sphere show, “My friend, brother, and best room-destroying partner, JD co-wrote the songs that mapped out the Eagles' journey. Wishing you the best. It's time to go home.”
