Don Henley's mission statement told Anfield exactly what was coming as The Eagles landed on their summer tour celebrating 50 years in music.
"We are glad to be here. At this stage of the game, we're glad to be just about anywhere. There's not gonna be much talking. No fireworks. No wind machines. No butt-wagging choreography. Just a bunch of guys with guitars."
He is a man of his word. For the next two hours, Liverpool was transported to Los Angeles for a display of breathtaking musicianship, stunning vocals and a setlist that would make almost any group in the world envious.
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Seven Bridges Road was a bold and bright opener, with pitch-perfect harmonies giving way to shimmering, scampering fretwork as the band surged into top gear immediately.
While driving country rock is clearly The Eagles' sweet spot, they can serve up regular reminders of their ability to push the boundaries. One of These Nights came soon to prove the point, as its wandering bassline and flashing guitars locked into a satisfying disco-tinged strut.
Vince Gill's voice soared around the ground with several standout tunes featuring him behind the microphone; New Kid in Town first, Take It to the Limit next and Lyin' Eyes straight after to spark the first major singalong.
In the City was another early highlight, with Joe Walsh hitting the high notes then jumping on his wah-wah pedal to tear into an extended superhero solo - all while wearing a Spider-Man top under his long cardigan. Steuart Smith's lead licks were the perfect foil throughout the night, offering economy and precision to compliment the iconic riffs from Walsh.
Henley revealed a welcome surprise mid-set, when Deacon Frey - son of late, legendary Eagles founding member Glenn - took to the stage. He had been part of the band for several years after his father passed away, now returning again as a special guest to sing Peaceful Easy Feeling and Take It Easy. Both were delivered brilliantly.
Half a century of experience means The Eagles are well-versed in managing their squad. Duties are shared in a dynamic that plays to the strengths of everyone, preserving Henley and Walsh for some of the biggest moments.
Those were in plentiful supply as the evening wore on, Henley delivering The Boys of Summer in strident, stirring style ahead of Walsh rocking and rolling in trademark fashion during Life's Been Good. Heartache Tonight and Life in the Fast Lane brought the main set to a thrilling close.
The Eagles then managed to distil all the elements that make them great into a fitting four-song encore. Hotel California kicked it off, the crowd matching Henley word-for-word with Walsh and Smith mesmerising as they effortlessly synced the hypnotic sound of their guitars.
Rocky Mountain Way was all crunch and grit before the spotlight shone on Henley for a tender take on Desperado. Deacon Frey then made one last cameo - wearing a Liverpool shirt under his jacket - in a rousing final hit of Already Gone.
Anfield has seen many special occasions under the lights in its long and glorious history. The Reds may lose and they may win, but not many results can compare to the incredible victory Eagles fans just witnessed.
Earlier on, support act Little Big Town stomped through half an hour of songs ranging from heartfelt ballads to the more anthemic end of the country spectrum, with duelling guitars and four vocalists providing a lively start to a magical, memorable evening.
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