Eagles tribute show is homecoming for home-grown artist

Photo courtesy of Steve Probst

DOWNEY - Steve Probst is a Downey native. He learned guitar at the Downey YMCA. He bought records at stores around town. He was even in the Way Outer Broadway Talent Show.

Now a professional musician, Probst will soon be getting the homecoming performance that he never expected.

Probst, 57, has been touring with Hotel California, a tribute band that salutes the music of The Eagles.

His involvement with the group began years ago when he came across an ad in a musician’s online referral service.

“It’s basically a guy just looking for a job like anyone else, except I happen to play music,” said Probst. “Being a youngster in the 70’s listening to Eagles music, and I still have the albums back at home that I used to listen to…”

Having grown up and lived in Downey through his mid 20’s (including buying his Eagles “One of These Nights” albums at Two Guys Department Store formerly on Firestone Boulevard), it was an unexpected treat for Probst when he discovered the band would be bringing the show back to his home roots.

“I was surprised to find out we’re playing the Downey Theatre,” said Probst. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is where I grew up!’…We’ve played at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center a couple of times, and I thought that was cool in itself because I was so close to home. Then Downey came along and you can’t get any closer than this to a hometown kind of gig.”

“It’s like a dream come true, it’s super nostalgic. I took guitar lessons down the street on 3rd Avenue; that’s where I learned my first Rock and Roll licks, right down the street from the theatre.”

Probst and Hotel California will be making stops in Louisiana before coming back to Downey. They will then move on to shows in Arizona.

Tickets are currently available for the Downey Theatre show, which is scheduled for Jan. 25. More information can be found at downeytheatre.org.

For more information on Hotel California, visit hotelcal.com. Info on Probst himself can be found at his website steveprobst.net.