LAS VEGAS – As the fourth band to take over the Sphere,Esthen the Eagles had the challenge of elevating their visuals to best suit the distinctive Vegas venue.

At the opening show of their residency Sept. 20 – they’ll offer 20 performances over select weekends through Jan. 25 – the band unveiled typically airtight vocals coupled with captivating video.

“Hotel California” is an unlikely opener, but the Eagles wisely deployed it early because of the sensory-overload graphics created for the song: A slow traverse through hotel hallways and a Greek chorus chiming in the chorus overhead.

The lineup of Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey, Vince Gill and Joe Walsh (also joined by stalwart touring guitarist Steuart Smith) tweaked their setlist from the usual on The Long Goodbye Tour, which launched in September 2023, saving “Seven Bridges Road” until the middle of the two-hour set and pulling out “Those Shoes,” an album cut from 1979’s “The Long Run.”

Other highlights included Gill’s heavenly high range on “Take It to the Limit,” the ethereal “Witchy Woman,” complemented by moss-covered trees enveloping fans in the sold-out crowd and a caffeinated “Life in the Fast Lane,” complete with a moving ride down the Las Vegas Strip.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

More:The Eagles deploy pristine sound, dazzling visuals at Vegas Sphere kickoff concert: Review

Eagles Las Vegas Sphere set list

1. “Hotel California”
2. “One of These Nights”
3. “Lyin' Eyes”
4. “Take It to the Limit”
5. “Witchy Woman”
6. “Peaceful Easy Feeling”
7. “Tequila Sunrise”
8. “In the City”
9. “I Can't Tell You Why”
10. “New Kid in Town”
11. “Seven Bridges Road”
12. “Those Shoes”
13. “Life's Been Good”
14. “The Boys of Summer”
15. “Life in the Fast Lane”
16. “Take It Easy”
17. “Rocky Mountain Way”
18. “Desperado”
19. “Heartache Tonight”