INTERVIEW
By Vince Gill’s admission, most know him as the ‘country-rock guy’. And in all fairness, that checks out given his resume, including Pure Prairie League and a decidedly country leaning solo career spanning over 20 records. When Gill joined the Eagles in 2017 in the wake of Glenn Frey’s death, some were surprised that the SoCal classic rockers would choose such a Nashville-leaning player to take his place. But the move made sense if you think about it – especially considering the Eagles’ own early 70s country roots. “I enjoy spontaneity,” Gill tells Guitarist. “I love trying different things, and with this gig I knew it wouldn’t be much of a guitar gig.”
That’s an odd take for a player known for plenty of guitar exploits, but there’s a method to Gill’s madness. “I’m fine with it,” he says. “My favourite compliment came from Don Henley, who got a country rock guy in his band because I know how to be in a band. That’s high praise. I know what’s needed and don’t waste time playing stuff that no-one wants to hear.”
If the Eagles had gone with a younger gun, the inclination to overplay might have influenced the nuances within the band’s iconic songs. But Gill, through years of experience, doesn’t have that issue. “Man, I got a great lesson when I was a young whippersnapper when I played a solo on a record, and when I was done, the producer said, ‘That was impressive. Now do it again.’” He explains: “I learned then and there only to do half of what I
