Eagles Tap Doobie Brothers To Replace Steely Dan As Farewell Tour Opener At November Concerts

Steely Dan canceled their remaining 2023 appearances on the Eagles‘ farewell tour. stepped up to fill the slot opening for the Eagles at upcoming concerts in Charlotte, Raleigh, Lexington (Kentucky) and St. Paul (Minnesota).

The announcement was made by the Doobie Brothers on social media. While a reason for the switch was not included in the announcement, it’s likely the change is to allow Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen additional time to recover from an undisclosed illness that led to his recent hospitalization.

Fagen’s continued recuperation was noted as the impetus for Tedeschi Trucks Band replacing Steely Dan as opener for Eagles’ Long Goodbye Tour stops in Atlanta tonight (Thursday, November 2) and on Saturday, November 4. Steely Dan has been off the road since October 5, when Sheryl Crow opened for the Eagles in Denver. Steve Miller Band and Vince Gill also served as support at shows last month.

The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan have deep roots together as both guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and keyboardist/vocalist Michael McDonald were members of both bands. Additionally, they hit the road for a tour together in 2018 and the Doobie Brothers started covering Steely Dan’s “Pretzel Logic” earlier this year.

The Doobie Brothers are slated to open for the Eagles starting next Tuesday, November 7 in Charlotte. They’ll also kick off the action in Raleigh on November 9, Lexington on November 14 and St. Paul on both November 17 and 18. Eagles tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com.

The Eagles recently added 2024 tour dates to their Long Goodbye Farewell Tour. Steely Dan are expected to resume opening duties beginning on January 5 in Los Angeles.