Eagles, Salazar, Fans Flock Together
Politics and music strike a chord as the rock band rolls out its support for the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate.
Author: Erin Cox
Publication: The Denver Post
Date: September 29, 2004

About 2,000 people mixed politics and music at the Fillmore Auditorium on Tuesday night.

Eagles members Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Timothy B. Schmit helped provide the music. U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Ken Salazar served up the politics.

"We're here tonight to celebrate the energy that has been sweeping Colorado and will keep sweeping until the Nov. 2 election," Salazar said before he introduced Henley, who volunteered to do the fundraiser concert. "You have humbled me," Salazar told the crowd.

Privately backstage, he sang a different tune.

"I think they came out for Henley," he said.

Tickets cost $1,000 for a VIP seat and $100 for general admission. Scalpers fetched nearly face value under the Fillmore marquee, which ironically highlighted the name of Salazar's opponent, Republican Pete Coors. The sign read, "Coors Light Welcomes ... Benefit Ken Salazar."

"That's the reality of every entertainment venue in Denver," Salazar said.

Inside the theater, one bartender taped over the Coors logo on his shirt. All concert proceeds went to the Salazar campaign.

Supporters lined up around the building before the concert; many planned to contribute and saw the benefit as a way to get more from a check to the campaign.

The draw of the Eagles and local band Big Head Todd and the Monsters was enough to lure fans. "I mean, I'd pay a hundred dollars anyway," said Craig Ellison. "I'm here for the music, but I'll listen to what they have to say."

Aside from Salazar signs across most flat surfaces and his brief prelude to the Eagles' performance, the Salazar campaign did not have much to say.

Yet, Eagles fan Mike Breenan, 44, said the political crowd had a different feel than a typical Eagles concert. "There's less tattoos in this crowd."

The political presence was enough to get a vote from Breenan:

"I'm kind of undecided because I drink Coors Light," he shouted between riffs. "But now I'm voting for Salazar."