At the 39th Kennedy Center Honors in December 2016, Bob Seger delivered a stirring performance of “Heartache Tonight” to pay tribute to The Eagles and his late friend Glenn Frey. The event, held at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., was attended by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, marking their final appearance at the Honors. Originally
Seger, who co-wrote “Heartache Tonight” with Frey, Don Henley, and J.D. Souther, brought raw emotion and energy to the stage, honoring his decades-long friendship with Frey. The performance was part of a larger homage that included Vince Gill’s rendition of “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” Kings of Leon’s “Take It Easy,” and Juanes performing “Hotel California” alongside guitarists Steve Vai and Steuart Smith. The evening concluded with an all-star ensemble performing “Life in the Fast Lane,” featuring Seger, Gill, Kings of Leon, and others, with host Stephen Colbert joining in. The tribute was introduced by Ringo Starr and broadcast on CBS on December 27, 2016.
Seger’s performance stood out as a heartfelt homage, reflecting the deep bond he shared with Frey and the enduring legacy of The Eagles.