Eagles' Pep Band Silenced After 28 Seasons: Members Shocked but Not Bitter

PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles have decided to disband their cheerleading pep band, which has entertained fans at games every Sunday by playing music from their seats high up in the stands. Over time, this ensemble contributed significantly to making "Fly, Eagles Fly" an iconic rallying cry within the city limits. Formed back in 1996, these dedicated performers even accompanied the team during their trip to New Orleans for the recent Super Bowl festivities. However, much to everyone’s surprise, members received word early Wednesday morning that their services would no longer be required.

We're not at all bitter," stated Bobby Mansure, one of the founders of the Eagles Pep Band. "It has truly been magnificent. From Super Bowl victories to standing on the field and getting the chance to meet families, players, and friends. It leaves us grinning from ear to ear.

As reported by CBS 3, the Eagles have chosen to update their in-stadium entertainment approach. They will feature a DJ at each of their upcoming home games. Consequently, the Eagles Pep Band will be released from future commitments starting in early April; however, they will fulfill one last scheduled performance for the team during a Thursday morning event in Montgomery County.

The group frequently appears across the area, performing their rendition of "Fly, Eagles Fly" at weddings, parades, and various events. They play this tune during tailgate sessions prior to game starts and sing it on the field before home matches. Every time a touchdown happens at Lincoln Financial Field, the song echoes through the stadium. Notably, it was heard just moments following the Eagles' victory in their second Super Bowl when bird enthusiasts filled the stands of the Superdome and joined in singing. This anthem owes much of its origin to the efforts of the Eagles Pep Band.

In 1996, the Eagles brought aboard the band to perform music in the parking area of Veterans Stadium. Mansure, Brian Saunders, and Anthony "Skull" DiMeo sported Ricky Watters jerseys and dubbed themselves "The Fly Guys." The organization provided them with an outdated recording of "The Eagles Victory Song," composed in 1957 by Charles Borelli and Roger Courtland, who were both Philadelphia-based advertising professionals.

The lyrics starting with "Fight, Eagles, fight on your way to victory," appeared in the team’s programs at Connie Mack Stadium. The song was played by the Sound of Brass, a marching band the Eagles brought in during the 1960s. However, the initial "Victory Song" did not gain traction and gradually disappeared over time.

The Fly Guys increased the song's pace and penned the famous line "Fly, Eagles Fly," absent from the initial version. They revised roughly 20 percent of the lyrics, replacing “on your way to victory” with “on the road to victory.” This transformation turned the classic melody into an anthem meant for group singing.

When I included those words in 'Fly, Eagles Fly,' it felt just right," Saunders stated. "It was exactly what we needed. My aim was for everyone to be able to join in singing it.

The Fly Guys quickly transformed into the Eagles Pep Band, abandoned the Watters jerseys, and carried their music back to the parking lots.

We distributed flyers at each tailgate we attended," Mansure explained. "We marketed them throughout the parking areas. Rather than marching along, we halted at tailgates and engaged with individuals. We collected contact information. We simply established connections with people, and before long, they started asking, 'Will you make an appearance at our tailgate?'”

As the Eagles regained their status under Andy Reid, the song began to catch on with fans. This straightforward 33-second tune—simple enough even for a young child to memorize quickly—transformed into an anthem for Philadelphia supporters. It seems almost unimaginable now that every time the Eagles crossed the touchdown line without hearing this fight song become part of their ritual. It seamlessly integrated itself into the fabric of Sunday viewing experiences.

In the upcoming season, the song will continue to play following Eagles touchdowns; however, the band that originated it won't be performing live for those moments anymore.

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