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By Staff Writer, Already Gone | July 20, 2025
In the cozy confines of Stafford Centre’s 1,100-seat hall, where every note bounces off the walls like a well-aimed echo, Houston’s own Already Gone took flight last Saturday night (July 12), channeling the timeless spirit of the Eagles with a show that blended flawless covers, heartfelt originals, and enough onstage banter to keep the crowd chuckling through the hits. Billed as a celebration of the Eagles’ greatest anthems, the band—veterans of the local rock scene since 2006—proved why they’re hailed as the South’s premier tribute act, mastering those signature harmonies and intricate instrumentation while infusing the evening with their trademark wit and energy.
The night got off to a slightly rocky start, with technical glitches delaying the open by about 20 minutes. But this is Texas, folks, and the crowd was nothing if not patient and understanding, chatting amiably and building anticipation like a slow-burn intro to “Hotel California.” Once the lights dimmed and the band hit the stage, any hiccups were forgotten in a rush of classic rock glory.
Set One kicked things off with the band’s namesake track, “Already Gone,” delivered with Glenn Frey-esque grit and a blistering guitar solo that had the audience on their feet from the jump. The Eagles’ catalog unfolded seamlessly: the mystical groove of “Witchy Woman,” the soaring balladry of “Take It to the Limit,” and the laid-back charm of “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” Interspersed were Already Gone’s originals, like the enchanting “Spellbound” and the sultry “I’m Your Man,” where dueling guitars wove a sensual, slow-burning spell that left the crowd spellbound—one fan was overheard saying she “needed a cigarette” after its steamy crescendo. Frontman and crew kept the vibe light with hilarious asides—ribbing each other and the crowd, including a classic bit where they asked how many folks had never seen them before, quipping, “We’ve been together for 19 years—where the hell have y’all been?”—drawing roars of laughter that bridged the gaps between songs. Covers like Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” and “New Kid in Town” highlighted their instrumental prowess, with spot-on multi-part vocals that could’ve fooled even the most die-hard Eagles purist. The set closed strong with “James Dean,” the reflective “Days of My Youth” (another original that tugged at heartstrings), and the harmonious a cappella gem “Seven Bridges Road.”
After a brief intermission, Set Two ramped up the energy with “Take It Easy,” cruising into the funky “The Long Run” and “Those Shoes.” Here, the originals truly shone: the poignant ballad “Rain for Days” hushed the room before erupting into thunderous applause, bringing down the house with its emotional depth and lyrical resonance—a clear crowd favorite that had folks wiping away tears and cheering in equal measure. Staples like “Best of My Love,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and the epic “Hotel California” (complete with that iconic dual-guitar duel) kept the momentum high, while “Neverlost,” another band-penned tune, was met with enthusiastic whoops, proving their fresh material holds its own against the legends. The set wrapped with “Walk Away,” the tender “Desperado,” and the rocker “Heartache Tonight.”
The encore? A single, high-octane blast of “Life in the Fast Lane,” sending everyone home buzzing.
What sets Already Gone apart isn’t just their technical fidelity to the Eagles’ sound—though the layered harmonies and tight musicianship were impeccable—it’s their infectious humor and genuine connection with the audience. Jabs at Jay’s sparkly boots and quips about the “plague of disco settling across the land in ’76” turned the concert into a feel-good party, not just a recital. In an intimate venue like Stafford Centre, where you can practically high-five the performers, this personal touch made the night unforgettable. If you’re craving that classic California rock vibe with a Texas twist, catch these guys next time—they’re already gone, but they’ll be back to rock your world.
