In a poignant moment, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Glenn Frey Tuesday night (Jan. 19) in Chicago.
Springsteen took the stage with just a guitar at the beginning of the encores at the United Center for an acoustic version of the Eagles’ “Take It Easy.” He was joined mid-song by violinist Soozie Tyrell, giving the song a somber feel as the audience illuminated the stadium with their cellphones.
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The moment was shared on the musician’s Twitter account during the show.
The @UnitedCenter all lit up for “Take It Easy” in memory of Glenn Frey. #TheRiverTourChicago pic.twitter.com/R3D5AVsYYG
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) January 20, 2016
Springsteen didn’t say a word until the end, when he called out Frey’s name. Frey passed away Jan. 18 at the age of 67.
The Eagles’ manager Irving Azoff shared a message of gratitude for Springsteen after the show. “Thanks Bruce. You’re a class act,” he tweeted.
Thanks Bruce. You’re a class act. https://t.co/DKmZYRHFJi
— Irving Azoff (@irvingazoff) January 20, 2016
This isn’t the first time the 66-year old musician performed the song. Last September, Springsteen joined Jackson Browne (who co-wrote “Take it Easy” with Frey) on his birthday at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank for a duet of the 1972 classic.
Earlier this week in Pittsburgh, Springsteen paid his respects to the late David Bowie with a cover of “Rebel, Rebel.”
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Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s The River Tour rolls into Madison Square Garden on Jan. 24.
Watch Springsteen’s cover below :
Bruce salutes The Eagles! #TakeItEasy @springsteen pic.twitter.com/h0XoSixHU4
— Dan Cohen (@DanCohenWREX) January 20, 2016