The Philadelphia Eagles pep band plays at the opening of Wawa's 1,000th store in Oaklyn, N.J. on April 27, 2023
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Breen reported Wednesday that "the Eagles are parting ways with their pep band, the group of musicians who serenade the stadium on Sundays and helped make 'Fly, Eagles Fly' the unofficial anthem of Philadelphia."
Breen doesn't use the word "fired," but does state that band members were "stunned" when they received the news Wednesday morning.
The Eagles website still celebrates the band as of Wednesday evening:
Photo via philadelphiaeagles.com"Now in their 28th season with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Eagles Pep Band leads over 70,000 fans in singing the Eagles fight song, 'Fly Eagles Fly', at every Eagles home game! Played prior to kickoff and after each Eagles touchdown, the song has become a tradition with the fan base, and a rallying cry with the word.
. . .
"The ensemble is comprised of all four original members: Bobby Mansure (Frontman/Tenor Sax), Brian Saunders (Lead Saxophone), Anthony "Skull" DiMeo (Guitar/Banjo), Bruce Mulford (Upright Bass).
"Bobby Mansure, who is credited with forming the Eagles Pep Band, introduced to the NFL this innovative entertainment concept consisting of four talented strolling musicians that could captivate and charm fans with a grassroots musical performing style. In 1995, working hand in hand with fellow Eagles Pep Band member Brian Saunders in Brian's studio, Saxtrax Production Studios, they created the now-famous Eagles fight song. With their lyrics, arrangement, and vocals, 'Fly Eagles Fly' became immensely popular amongst the Eagles fan base as well as a coined phrase."
Of course we were going to sing the @Eagles song on @SouthwestAir en route to NOLA!!!! I’ll NEVER forget this moment 🥹 GO BIRDS!!! 🦅🦅🦅🦅 pic.twitter.com/7LDBYODEKo
"Fly, Eagles, Fly" was predated by a similar song, written in 1957 by Charles Borrelli and Roger Courtland and performed by a 200-member marching band. That version included the "fight, Eagles, fight" lyric, but not the iconic "fly, Eagles, fly" line. The latter was added by the pep band as they changed the tempo of the song and a significant portion of the words in the 1990s. Their changes revived the long-abandoned tune and made it the sing-along anthem that Eagles fans are familiar with today, complete with the E-A-G-L-E-S chant.
Breen reports that the song will still be played at Lincoln Financial Field next season, without the band.
The reason for the change is unclear. An Eagles team source told CBS News Philadelphia that "on-field entertainment is 'evolving.'" CBS further reported that the "Eagles didn't provide any specifics in their plans for on-field entertainment heading into the 2025 season."
The band doesn't seem to be upset about the end of its time with the team. "We’re not bitter," Mansure told Breen. "It’s been glorious. Super Bowls and being on the field and meeting families and players and friends. We walk away with a smile on our face."
