Career Timeline of Joe Walsh: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Joe Walsh, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Joe Walsh is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter renowned for his versatile career spanning five decades. He gained prominence as a member of the Eagles but also contributed to bands like the James Gang and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Beyond his band affiliations, Walsh has thrived as a solo artist, a prolific session musician collaborating with numerous artists, and a participant in the supergroup The Best. His guitar skills have earned him recognition, including a place on Rolling Stone's list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time."

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1959: Gretsch 6120 Made

The 1959 Gretsch 6120 was manufactured in 1959.

1965: Forms The Measles

In 1965, Joe Walsh formed The Measles, a garage bar band, with three other Kent State University students. The band recorded songs that were later credited to Ohio Express.

1967: Glenn Schwartz Leaves James Gang

Around Christmas of 1967, Glenn Schwartz left the James Gang to move to California, leading to Joe Walsh being offered a tryout as his replacement.

1968: James Gang Signs with Manager Mark Barger

In 1968, the James Gang signed with manager Mark Barger, who was also managing the Lemon Pipers.

1968: Bill Jeric Leaves James Gang

In the spring of 1968, Bill Jeric left James Gang.

January 1969: James Gang Signed to Bluesway Records

In January 1969, after manager Mark Barger connected them with Bill Szymczyk, the James Gang signed with ABC's Bluesway Records subsidiary.

November 1969: Tom Kriss Leaves James Gang

In November 1969, bassist Tom Kriss left the James Gang and was replaced by Dale Peters.

1970: Gives Guitar to Pete Townshend

In 1970, Joe Walsh gave a 1959 Gretsch 6120 guitar to Pete Townshend of The Who, who used it to record tracks on albums such as Who's Next and Quadrophenia.

December 1971: Steve Marriott Invites Walsh to Join Humble Pie

In December 1971, Steve Marriott invited Joe Walsh to join Humble Pie after Peter Frampton's departure, but Walsh declined.

1972: Eagles Live Release

In 1972, Eagles Live was released, featuring Joe Walsh's songs "Life's Been Good" and "All Night Long", which originated from his solo career.

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1972: Walsh Leaves James Gang and Forms Barnstorm

In 1972, Joe Walsh left the James Gang and formed the band Barnstorm with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli.

1973: Recording of "A Life of Illusion"

In 1973, "A Life of Illusion" was originally recorded with Walsh's first solo band Barnstorm, but was not completed until the 'There Goes the Neighborhood' sessions.

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1973: Domenic Troiano Leaves James Gang

In 1973, Domenic Troiano left The James Gang.

1973: Slide Guitar Solo on Michael Stanley's Song

In 1973, Joe Walsh supplied the slide guitar solo on Michael Stanley's song 'Rosewood Bitters'.

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1974: Barnstorm Disbands

In 1974, Barnstorm disbanded and Joe Walsh continued as a solo artist.

1974: Production of Dan Fogelberg's 'Souvenirs' Album

In 1974, Joe Walsh produced Dan Fogelberg's 'Souvenirs' album and played various instruments, providing backing vocals.

1974: Walsh Plays Slide Guitar on Vitale's Album

In late 1974, Joe Walsh played slide guitar on Joe Vitale's debut solo album, 'Roller Coaster Weekend'.

1974: Tommy Bolin Joins James Gang

In late 1974, Tommy Bolin joined The James Gang after being recommended by Joe Walsh.

1975: 'Souvenirs' Album Chart Success

In 1975, Dan Fogelberg's Souvenirs Album, which Joe Walsh produced, reached No. 17 on the Billboard album chart.

1975: Walsh Joins Eagles

In 1975, Joe Walsh joined the Eagles as a guitarist and keyboardist, replacing Bernie Leadon, at the suggestion of producer Bill Szymczyk. The first album with the Eagles was Hotel California.

March 1976: Release of 'You Can't Argue with a Sick Mind'

In March 1976, Joe Walsh released a live album, 'You Can't Argue with a Sick Mind', which also featured the Eagles.

1977: Randy Meisner Leaves Eagles

In 1977, Randy Meisner, a founding member, left the Eagles after the 1977 tour and was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit.

1977: Eagles Contribute to Randy Newman's Album

In 1977, the Eagles (minus Don Felder) performed instrumental work and backing vocals for Randy Newman's album 'Little Criminals', including the song "Short People".

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May 1978: Release of 'But Seriously, Folks...' Album

In May 1978, Joe Walsh released the critically acclaimed album, 'But Seriously, Folks...'. The album included the hit single "Life's Been Good", which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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1979: Contribution to 'The Warriors' Soundtrack

In 1979, Joe Walsh contributed the song "In the City", which he penned and sung, to 'The Warriors' soundtrack. The song was later rerecorded for the Eagles' album, 'The Long Run'.

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July 1980: Eagles Breakup and Solo Career Continuation

Following the breakup of the Eagles in July 1980, Joe Walsh continued to release solo albums throughout the 1980s, but sales did not match his earlier success.

1980: Mock Presidential Campaign

In 1980, Joe Walsh announced a mock presidential campaign promising to make "Life's Been Good" the new national anthem, and ran on a platform of "Free Gas For Everyone".

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1980: The Eagles Break Up

In 1980, The Eagles broke up.

1981: Work on John Entwistle's 'Too Late the Hero' Album

In 1981, Joe Walsh and Joe Vitale worked on John Entwistle's fifth solo album 'Too Late the Hero', contributing to the album's success.

1981: 'A Life of Illusion' Tops Charts

In 1981, Joe Walsh's album 'There Goes the Neighborhood' peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard 200. The album's single, "A Life of Illusion", topped the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and became one of Walsh's most popular songs.

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1982: Background Musician on Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry"

In 1982, Joe Walsh played background guitar on Don Henley's hit song "Dirty Laundry".

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May 1983: Release of 'You Bought It – You Name It'

In May 1983, Joe Walsh released the album 'You Bought It – You Name It', which received mixed reviews and peaked at No. 48 on the Billboard 200. The album included the single "Space Age Whiz Kids".

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1984: Performance with The Party Boys

In late 1984, Joe Walsh was invited by Paul Christie to perform in Australia with The Party Boys, appearing on their late-1984-early-1985 tour.

1984: Touring with Stevie Nicks

While touring with Stevie Nicks in 1984, Joe Walsh took Nicks to the North Boulder Park fountain dedicated to his late daughter, inspiring her song "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?".

1985: Creatures From America Tour

In early 1985, Joe Walsh put together the short-lived touring band 'Creatures From America' with Waddy Wachtel, Rick Rosas, and Richard Harvey in Australia.

1987: Release of 'Got Any Gum?'

In 1987, Joe Walsh released his final solo album of the 1980s, 'Got Any Gum?', produced by Terry Manning, with vocal contributions from JD Souther and Jimi Jamison. The album was a commercial disappointment.

1987: Work on 'Got Any Gum?' Album

In 1987, Joe Walsh returned to the United States to work on his album 'Got Any Gum?', which was produced by Terry Manning and features vocal contributions from JD Souther and Jimi Jamison.

1989: Collaborations and Performances

In 1989, Joe Walsh recorded an MTV Unplugged with Dr. John and filmed a live concert called Jazzvisions: Jump the Blues Away with Etta James and Albert Collins.

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1989: Touring with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

In 1989, Joe Walsh toured with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, alternating a handful of his best-known songs with Starr's and tunes by other members of the All-Starr Band.

1989: Return to Australia and Tour with The Party Boys

In 1989, after the commercial disappointment of the album 'Got Any Gum?', Joe Walsh decided to return to Australia to tour with another incarnation of The Party Boys.

1990: Collaboration with Herbs

In 1990, after briefly joining New Zealand reggae band Herbs while producing their 'Homegrown' album in 1989, he appeared as lead singer on two tracks: 'Up All Night' and 'It's Alright'.

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1990: Performances with The Best

In late 1990, Joe Walsh was part of a band called The Best, along with Keith Emerson, John Entwistle, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and Simon Phillips. The band performed several shows in Hawaii and Japan.

1991: Release of 'Ordinary Average Guy'

In 1991, Joe Walsh released his ninth solo studio album, 'Ordinary Average Guy', and its title track single, on the Epic label. The album featured Ringo Starr, Jimi Jamison, and Joe Vitale.

1992: Mock Vice Presidential Campaign

In 1992, Joe Walsh ran for vice president with Rev. Goat Carson under the slogan "We Want Our Money Back!".

1992: Release of 'Songs for a Dying Planet'

In 1992, Joe Walsh released 'Songs for a Dying Planet', his ninth solo studio album. The song "Vote for Me" achieved minor success, peaking at No. 10 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

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1992: Touring with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

In 1992, Joe Walsh toured with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, alternating a handful of his best-known songs with Starr's and tunes by other members of the All-Starr Band.

1993: "Party of Two" Tour and Flew Performance

In 1993, Joe Walsh teamed up with Glenn Frey for the 'Party of Two' tour in the United States. Also in 1993, Walsh put together an informal group called the Flew with Terry Reid, Nicky Hopkins, Rick Rosas, and Phil Jones and they played one show.

1993: Release of Eagles Tribute Album and Reunion

In 1993, an Eagles country tribute album titled 'Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles' was released. Subsequently, after years of speculation, the band formally reunited, comprising Frey, Henley, Walsh, Felder, and Schmit.

April 1994: Eagles Reunion and Tour Announcement

In April 1994, the Eagles announced their reunion with their first live performance, stating they had taken a '14-year vacation'.

1995: Resumption of Eagles Tour

The Eagles' interrupted tour resumed in 1995 and continued into 1996.

November 4, 1996: James Gang Reunion for President Bill Clinton

On November 4, 1996, The James Gang did a reunion with the classic lineup (Walsh, Peters, Fox) for President Bill Clinton at the Cleveland State University Convocation Center.

1996: Continuation of Eagles Tour

The Eagles reunion tour which had been interrupted in September 1994 due to Glenn Frey's diverticulitis, continued into 1996.

1998: Rocky Mountain Elway Performance

In 1998, Joe Walsh rewrote the lyrics to 'Rocky Mountain Way' for quarterback John Elway of the Denver Broncos, renaming it 'Rocky Mountain Elway', and appeared in a video shown on Monday Night Football.

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1998: Eagles Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1998, the Eagles, including Joe Walsh, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. All seven members played together for two songs.

1999: Release of Selected Works: 1972-1999

In 1999, the Eagles box set Selected Works: 1972-1999 was released, which included "Funk 49" from Walsh's time in the James Gang.

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November 2000: Release of 'Selected Works: 1972–1999' Box Set

In November 2000, the Eagles' concert recordings were released on CD as part of the four-disc 'Selected Works: 1972–1999' box set.

2001: Eagles Tour Begins

The Eagles' lineup consisting of Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit, started touring in 2001.

2002: 'Selected Works: 1972-1999' Receives Platinum Certification

In 2002, the album 'Selected Works: 1972-1999' received platinum certification from the RIAA.

2003: Release of 'The Very Best Of.'

In 2003, The Eagles released a greatest hits album including the entire Eagles career, 'The Very Best Of.'

June 2004: Performance at Crossroads Guitar Festival

In June 2004, Joe Walsh performed at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas.

September 2004: Featured at Strat Pack Concert

In September 2004, Joe Walsh was featured at the Strat Pack, a concert held in London, England, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster guitar.

2005: Release of 'Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne' DVD

In 2005, The Eagles released a live two-disc DVD, 'Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne', featuring two new songs: Frey's "No More Cloudy Days" and Walsh's "One Day at a Time".

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2006: Donates Guitar to ARRL Charity Auction

In 2006, Joe Walsh donated an autographed guitar to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for its charity auction.

2006: James Gang Reunion

In 2006, Joe Walsh reunited with Jim Fox and Dale Peters of the James Gang for new recordings and a 15-date summer reunion tour, which lasted into the fall.

2007: Lucy Walsh Releases Debut Album

In 2007, Joe Walsh's daughter Lucy Walsh, released her debut solo album, Lost in the Lights.

2007: Eagles Release 'How Long' and 'Long Road Out of Eden'

In 2007, The Eagles, including Joe Walsh, released the single "How Long", written by JD Souther. Later that year, the Walsh-era Eagles released 'Long Road Out of Eden', their first album of all-new material since 1979.

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2008: Appearance on Carvin 60th Anniversary Celebration DVD

In 2008, Joe Walsh appeared on the Carvin 60th Anniversary Celebration DVD as a celebrity endorser, praising Carvin Guitars.

2008: Funds Kent State University Scholarship

In 2008, Joe Walsh funded the first talent-based scholarship at Kent State University.

2008: Eagles Launch World Tour for 'Long Road Out of Eden'

In 2008, the Eagles, including Joe Walsh, began a world tour in support of 'Long Road Out of Eden'.

2011: Theme Song for Ham Nation Podcast

In 2011, Joe Walsh provided the theme song for the TWiT podcast Ham Nation and appeared as a guest in the first podcast.

2012: Considering a Serious Political Bid

In 2012, Joe Walsh revealed he was considering a serious bid for political office, specifically for Congress.

2012: Release of 'Analog Man'

In June 2012, Joe Walsh released his latest solo album, 'Analog Man', co-produced by Jeff Lynne. The album features the song "One Day at a Time" which details Walsh's struggles with alcohol and drug abuse earlier in his career.

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2014: Guest Appearance on Sonic Highways

In 2014, Joe Walsh made a guest appearance on Foo Fighters' eighth studio album Sonic Highways.

2017: Organizing VetsAid Concert Series

In 2017, Joe Walsh contacted others in the music industry to organize and perform VetsAid, a concert series for veterans similar to Willie Nelson's Farm Aid.