Vince Gill joined the iconic rock band, the Eagles, in 2017.  For a man who has already achieved almost everything there is to achieve in music, including Grammy Awards, a career that has spanned more than four decades, and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, he still goes from superstar to a diehard fan every time he performs with the legendary group.

“It’s pretty surreal, to be honest with you,” Gill tells Guitarist. “Some nights, I look over to the side and see Joe Walsh while we’re playing Rocky Mountain Way, and I’m transported back to being a kid in my bedroom trying to learn that song.

“I played it at every school dance and there’s even tapes of me singing Eagles songs when I was a kid,” he adds with a laugh. “It’s been pretty amazing to be a part of keeping the legacy of those songs going … it’s a blast.”

What may have seemed to some, at least at first, as an odd pairing, was to Gill a seal of approval in a genre that isn’t always so welcoming to country music artists, especially since — perhaps ironically — his biggest role isn’t playing massive guitar solos.

“I enjoy spontaneity,” Gill says. “I love trying different things, and with this gig I knew it wouldn’t be much of a guitar gig.”

“I’m fine with it,” he continues. “My favorite compliment came from Don Henley, who got a country rock guy in his band because I know how to be in a band. That’s high praise. I know what’s needed and don’t waste time playing stuff that no one wants to hear.”

Last year, the Eagles announced their The Long Goodbye farewell tour, marking the end of an era that began more than 50 years ago. It’s a final chapter for Gill, but not necessarily a sad one.

“There’s a sense of mortality in music,” the 67-year-old reflects. “Great playing has a beginning, a middle and an end. I try to have my playing tell that story, just like any song. I think about all the elements; I intend always to serve the song, not myself. My favorite music is never distracting; the things you don’t notice mean the most.”

Gill spent the vast majority of his career as a solo artist, and a really, really good one. Perhaps best known as a guitar virtuoso, Gill is also an extremely talented singer, songwriter, producer and more, which is all what he wants to be known for as much as his unmatched guitar skills.

“People always ask me, ‘Who is the greatest guitarist ever?’ I always say, ‘There’s no such thing,'” Gill shares. “Why does anyone have to be the best? There’s a bunch of good players; it’s funny how guitar playing turns into a matter of outplaying each other. I don’t want to show anyone up. I like things simple. That’s how I live my life; that makes sense to me.”

Find the remaining dates for the Eagles’ The Long Goodbye Tour at Eagles.com. All of Gill’s music and upcoming shows are available at VinceGill.com.