From Opening Act to Controversy: Tim Pierce's Wild Night Opening for the Eagles!
0 reactions
6 months ago
Beatbounty
Highlights of 2025: This holiday season, GW is revisiting some of the most captivating stories from the past year.
tim Pierce stands out as one of the most accomplished session guitarists in the industry. His impressive resume includes collaborations with pop icons like Michael Jackson, miley Cyrus, and Demi Lovato, as well as rock legends such as Stevie Nicks, Shinedown, and Adam Lambert. The list of artists he has worked with is extensive and impressive.
In a recent YouTube video,Pierce shared a surprising incident where he found himself banned from backstage just moments after opening for The Eagles during what he describes as “the most notable night for musicians at that time.”
The unforgettable night took place on New Year’s Eve at the dawn of the Millennium, where Pierce was part of Linda Ronstadt’s backing band.Following their performance, Jackson browne and The Eagles were set to take the stage at the newly inaugurated Staples Center (now known as the Crypto.com arena) in Los Angeles. Ticket prices for this monumental event ranged from $50 to a staggering $1,000, indicating the high stakes of the evening.
“This is the nature of high-stakes show business,” Pierce reflects in his video, recounting the events that unfolded after Ronstadt’s performance. “Every musician I knew had a major gig that night, regardless of their status. It was a night filled with opportunities.”
The band, which included fellow session guitarist Waddy Wachtel, had performed several warm-up shows leading up to the big event, where security was understandably tight.
“I even heard that Don Henley had a run-in with security,” Pierce recalls. “he had a moment where he thought, ‘Don’t you know who I am?’ There was a bit of a scuffle, and some heated words were exchanged.”
Pierce’s performance flew by as the venue, worth millions, gradually filled with New Year’s Eve partygoers. He planned to enjoy the rest of the historic night from the side of the stage, fully utilizing his Access All Areas pass-until things took an unexpected turn.
“About halfway through Jackson’s set, my wife and I went backstage, only to be informed that my backstage access was about to be revoked,” he explains. “We were told that once Jackson Browne finished, we were no longer welcome in the venue.”
“My mind raced as I tried to figure out what was happening. I noticed that all the Eagles crew members had a small yellow sticker on their laminated IDs.We didn’t have that sticker. I started brainstorming ways to stay at the concert.”
“Just when I was about to give up, I remembered my friend Dave Covelli, an audio engineer who had toured with us for years. He was the manager of the Staples Center,overseeing every event. I asked him, ‘Dave, is there any way we can get credentials to stay? They want us out!’”
Covelli came through, and Pierce found himself back at the side of the stage with a new “unimpeachable” pass issued by the Staples Center. However,the atmosphere was tense as Eagles staff passed by with glaring looks.
“There was one more awkward moment,” he continues. “We decided to leave before the encore to avoid traffic. As I headed back to my dressing room, an LAPD officer stopped me.”
“Despite my credentials, the backstage area was off-limits during the Eagles concert. I had to explain my situation to the officer, mentioning that my guitar was still backstage. He kindly granted me permission to walk through the legendary halls of Eagledom.”
Pierce has shared other intriguing stories, including a spontaneous guitar solo that became part of Bon Jovi lore, how Kurt Cobain transformed the guitar scene in the ’90s, and the time PRS abruptly ended a call with John Mayer regarding his now-iconic Silver Sky guitar.
Meanwhile, the eagles have faced their own challenges in 2025. longtime guitarist Steuart Smith had to retire in January due to health issues, and his replacement, Chris Holt, recently spoke with Guitar World about his unconventional audition process and how he is adapting to his new role.
From Opening Act to Controversy: Tim Pierce’s Wild Night Opening for the Eagles!
From Opening Act to Controversy: Tim Pierce’s Wild night Opening for the Eagles!
Tim Pierce, a renowned session guitarist, has played alongside some of the biggest names in music. However,his experience opening for the Eagles on New Year’s Eve 1999 stands out as one of the most memorable-and controversial-nights of his career. This article delves into the events of that night, exploring the highs and lows of being an opening act in the world of rock and roll.
The Setting: A Night to Remember
On December 31, 1999, the Staples Center in Los Angeles was buzzing with excitement as it hosted a star-studded New Year’s Eve concert. Tim Pierce was part of Linda Ronstadt’s backing band, performing before legendary acts like Jackson Browne and the Eagles. the venue was packed, with ticket prices ranging from $50 to $1,000, making it a high-stakes event for all involved.
Key Highlights of the Event
date: December 31, 1999
Location: staples Center, Los Angeles
Performers: Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, The Eagles
Ticket Prices: $50 – $1,000
Tim pierce’s Performance
Pierce’s set was a whirlwind, filled with energy and anticipation.As the crowd began to fill the arena, he felt the electric atmosphere that only a New Year’s Eve concert could provide. However, the excitement was short-lived as he faced an unexpected twist after his performance.
Backstage Access: A Sudden Change
After finishing his set, Pierce and his wife attempted to enjoy the rest of the evening from the side of the stage.however, they were soon informed that their backstage access was being revoked. This shocking news came just as Jackson Browne was about to take the stage,leaving pierce scrambling to understand what had gone wrong.
The Controversy Unfolds
As Pierce navigated the backstage area, he noticed that all Eagles crew members had a small yellow sticker on their laminated IDs, which he and his wife lacked.This detail became crucial as they were informed they could no longer remain in the venue.
Creative Problem-Solving
Faced with the prospect of leaving the concert, Pierce began to brainstorm ways to stay. He recalled his friend Dave Covelli,an audio engineer who had worked with him on the road. Covelli was now the manager of the Staples Center, and Pierce reached out to him for help.
“I asked Dave if there was any chance we could get new credentials to stay because they wanted us out,” Pierce recounted. Covelli’s assistance allowed Pierce to secure a new pass, enabling him to remain at the concert.
Backstage Drama: A Ghost Town
With his new credentials in hand,pierce returned to the side of the stage,but the atmosphere was tense. Eagles staff members passed by with disapproving looks, creating an uncomfortable environment. Despite the awkwardness, pierce was steadfast to enjoy the rest of the night.
Interactions with Security
As the concert progressed, Pierce faced another hurdle. An LAPD officer stopped him while he was trying to access his dressing room. Despite his credentials, the officer informed him that the backstage area was off-limits during the Eagles’ performance.
Pierce explained his situation,and the officer kindly granted him permission to retrieve his guitar,allowing him to navigate the legendary halls of the Eagles’ backstage area.
Lessons Learned from the Experience
Pierce’s wild night opening for the Eagles serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Here are some key takeaways from his experience:
Stay Adaptable: The ability to think on your feet is crucial in high-pressure situations.
Network Effectively: Building relationships in the industry can provide unexpected support when needed.
Understand Venue Protocols: Familiarizing yourself with venue rules can help avoid unnecessary complications.
Case Studies: Other Artists’ Backstage Experiences
Artist
Event
Backstage Incident
Bon Jovi
Live Aid 1985
Unexpected power outage during performance
Kurt Cobain
MTV Unplugged 1993
Last-minute setlist changes
John Mayer
PRS Guitar Launch
Miscommunication about guitar specs
First-Hand Experience: Tim Pierce’s Reflections
Pierce’s experience that night has left a lasting impression on him. He frequently enough reflects on the unpredictability of live performances and the importance of being prepared for anything. “Every gig is a new adventure,” he says, emphasizing the need for musicians to remain flexible and resourceful.
Join the Beatbounty Community
If you’re a musician or music enthusiast, consider joining the Beatbounty platform. Create an account today to connect with other artists, share your experiences, and submit ads for gigs or collaborations. The music community thrives on collaboration, and beatbounty is the perfect place to start!
For more stories like Tim Pierce’s unforgettable night, stay tuned to our blog for the latest news, interviews, and insights from the world of music.
