"Joe" Walsh is a renowned American musician known for his exceptional guitar skills, singing, and songwriting. His illustrious career spans over five decades, during which he has left an indelible mark on the rock music scene. His musical journey has seen him collaborate with several iconic bands, including the Eagles, James Gang, and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. His versatility and musical prowess have earned him a place among rock music legends.
Joseph Fidler Walsh was born on November 20, 1947 in Wichita, Kansas.
Joe Walsh's father, Robert Newton Fidler, a pilot in the United States Air Force, died in a plane crash in Okinawa on July 22, 1949.
Joe Walsh owned a 1959 Gretsch 6120 guitar, which he later gifted to Pete Townshend.
Joe Walsh was the original owner of the famous 1959 Gibson Les Paul, later known as Jimmy Page's "Number 1."
Joe Walsh joined the James Gang in late 1967, replacing guitarist Glenn Schwartz who left to form Pacific Gas & Electric.
The James Gang became a trio in May 1968 after Ronnie Silverman backed out of a performance at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit where they were opening for Cream.
Guitarist Bill Jeric left the James Gang in the spring of 1968 and was replaced by Ronnie Silverman.
The James Gang signed with manager Mark Barger in 1968.
In January 1969, the James Gang signed with ABC Records' subsidiary Bluesway Records.
Bassist Dale Peters replaced Tom Kriss in November 1969, marking a successful period for the band.
Joe Walsh sold his 1959 Gibson Les Paul to Jimmy Page in 1969.
Joe Walsh gifted a 1959 Gretsch 6120 guitar to The Who's guitarist, Pete Townshend, in 1970.
Joe Walsh was present at Kent State University during the Kent State massacre of 1970, an event that deeply affected him.
The James Gang released their album "James Gang Rides Again" in 1970.
Joe Walsh's daughter, Emma Kristen, was born on April 29, 1971.
Joe Walsh married Stefany Rhodes in 1971.
The James Gang released their album "Thirds" in 1971. "James Gang Live at Carnegie Hall" was the last album Joe Walsh recorded with the band.
Barnstorm, credited as a Joe Walsh solo album, was released in October 1972, showcasing Walsh's experimentation with various instruments and musical styles.
After Joe Walsh's departure from the James Gang in 1972, the remaining members, Peters and Fox, continued with new members and released two albums, "Straight Shooter" and "Passin' Thru".
After leaving the James Gang, Joe Walsh formed the band Barnstorm in 1972 with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli.
The Eagles have incorporated songs originally written and performed by Joe Walsh in their live performances and compilation albums. This includes tracks from his solo career and time with the James Gang.
The Eagles released "Selected Works: 1972–1999," a comprehensive four-disc box set that included their greatest hits, unreleased material, and live recordings, in November 2000. The set went on to achieve platinum certification.
Marketed under Joe Walsh's name, "The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get" was released in June 1973 and achieved commercial success, driven by the hit single "Rocky Mountain Way".
Domenic Troiano, who joined the James Gang in 1972, left the band in 1973 due to musical differences.
Joe Walsh played the slide guitar solo on Michael Stanley's song "Rosewood Bitters" in 1973. He later repurposed a portion of this solo for the Eagles' hit "Life in the Fast Lane."
The song "A Life of Illusion" was initially recorded in 1973 during Joe Walsh's time with Barnstorm but was not finalized at the time. The track was later completed and included on Walsh's 1981 album, "There Goes the Neighborhood". Notably, the song was featured in the opening credits and soundtrack of the film "The 40-Year-Old Virgin".
Tragically, on April 1, 1974, Emma Kristen Walsh passed away at the age of 2 due to injuries sustained in a car accident on her way to nursery school.
Joe Walsh released his first solo album separate from Barnstorm, titled "So What", in December 1974. The album featured a more introspective side of Walsh and included contributions from Eagles members Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Randy Meisner on backing vocals.
Joe Walsh produced Dan Fogelberg's album "Souvenirs" in 1974, contributing guitar work and backing vocals. He also brought in Graham Nash for harmony vocals on "Part of the Plan."
In late 1974, Joe Walsh, who learned slide guitar from Duane Allman, contributed his slide guitar skills to Joe Vitale's debut solo album, "Roller Coaster Weekend".
In 1974, Barnstorm, with contributions from members of the Eagles, released their last album titled "So What".
Following Troiano's departure, Tommy Bolin, recommended by Joe Walsh, joined the James Gang in late 1974.
Despite the success of "The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get", Barnstorm disbanded in 1974, and Walsh continued his career as a solo artist.
Barnstorm embarked on their last tour in the spring of 1975, shortly before Joe Walsh joined the Eagles.
Dan Fogelberg's "Souvenirs" album, produced and featuring Joe Walsh, reached No. 17 on the Billboard album chart in 1975.
Joe Walsh joined the Eagles in 1975 as guitarist and keyboardist, replacing Bernie Leadon. His first album with them was "Hotel California".
Joe Walsh was invited to join the Eagles in 1975, replacing Bernie Leadon. However, his integration into the band was met with some reservations due to his perceived "wild" persona.
In March 1976, Joe Walsh released "You Can't Argue with a Sick Mind", a live album that featured guest appearances by members of the Eagles.
"Hotel California", the Eagles' fifth studio album and the first to feature Joe Walsh, was released on December 8, 1976, after a grueling year and a half of recording and touring.
"Life in the Fast Lane", a hard rock track with a riff by Joe Walsh, was released as a single on May 3, 1977, peaking at No. 11 on the charts and solidifying Walsh's place within the Eagles.
In May 1977, the title track from the "Hotel California" album, featuring Don Henley on lead vocals and a guitar duet by Felder and Walsh, reached the top of the charts, becoming one of the band's most iconic songs.
Following the 1977 tour for "Hotel California", founding member Randy Meisner left the Eagles and was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit, who had previously succeeded him in the band Poco.
The Eagles started working on their sixth studio album, "The Long Run", in 1977, marking the beginning of a two-year recording process.
The Eagles, except for Don Felder, contributed instrumental and backing vocal support to Randy Newman's album "Little Criminals" in 1977, including the hit song "Short People".
As the Eagles were working on their follow-up to "Hotel California", Joe Walsh reignited his solo career with the release of his album "But Seriously, Folks..." in May 1978.
Joe Walsh and Stefany Rhodes divorced in 1978.
During the recording sessions for "The Long Run", the Eagles recorded two Christmas songs, one of which, "Please Come Home for Christmas", was released as a single in 1978 and reached No. 18 on the charts.
"The Long Run" was released on September 24, 1979. Although commercially successful, the album received mixed reviews, with some critics feeling it did not live up to the success of its predecessor, "Hotel California".
In 2007, The Eagles, including Walsh, released "How Long." Later that year, they released "Long Road Out of Eden," their first album of all-new material since 1979. The album was a global success, reaching number one in multiple countries and achieving multi-platinum status.
Joe Walsh contributed the song "In the City" to the soundtrack of the 1979 film "The Warriors". This song was later re-recorded and included on the Eagles' album "The Long Run".
Following the Eagles' breakup in July 1980, Joe Walsh continued to release solo albums throughout the 1980s; however, his solo releases did not achieve the same level of commercial success as his work with the Eagles.
After a period of internal conflicts and creative differences, the Eagles disbanded in 1980.
Joe Walsh launched a mock presidential campaign in 1980, pledging to make "Life's Been Good" the national anthem if elected. His platform centered on "Free Gas For Everyone," and he aimed to raise awareness about the election.
Joe Walsh married Juanita Boyer in 1980.
"There Goes the Neighborhood", Joe Walsh's first solo album since the Eagles' disbandment, was released and peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard 200, featuring the hit single "A Life of Illusion".
Joe Walsh and Joe Vitale collaborated with John Entwistle on his fifth solo album, "Too Late the Hero," in 1981. The album became Entwistle's most successful solo release, featuring the hits "Talk Dirty" and "Too Late the Hero."
Joe Walsh played the first guitar solo on Don Henley's hit song "Dirty Laundry" in 1982, as credited in the liner notes of Henley's albums.
In May 1983, Joe Walsh released his sixth solo album, "You Bought It – You Name It," which received mixed reviews from critics and achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at No. 48 on the Billboard 200.
During a tour with Stevie Nicks in 1984, Joe Walsh took her to the memorial fountain dedicated to his late daughter, Emma.
In late 1984, Joe Walsh received an invitation from Australian musician Paul Christie to join The Party Boys, an all-star band. Walsh accepted the offer and toured with them in Australia, resulting in the live album "You Need Professional Help."
In late 1984, Joe Walsh received an invitation from Australian musician Paul Christie to join The Party Boys, an all-star band. Walsh accepted the offer and toured with them in Australia, resulting in the live album "You Need Professional Help."
Inspired by her visit to Emma's memorial with Joe Walsh, Stevie Nicks wrote and released the song "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?" in 1985.
Joe Walsh released his seventh solo album, "Got Any Gum?," in 1987. Despite featuring collaborations with J.D. Souther and Jimi Jamison, the album was a commercial disappointment.
Following the release of "Got Any Gum?," Joe Walsh returned to Australia in 1987 to work on new music and tour with a new lineup of The Party Boys.
Joe Walsh and Juanita Boyer divorced in 1988.
In 1989, while touring with the New Zealand band Herbs, Joe Walsh experienced a life-changing realization during a visit to Otatara Pa, a significant Māori historical site.
Joe Walsh engaged in various musical collaborations and performances in 1989, including touring with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, recording an "MTV Unplugged" session with Dr. John, and filming a live concert with Etta James and Albert Collins.
While touring New Zealand with the reggae band Herbs in 1989, Joe Walsh had a profound experience at Otatara Pa that he credits with sparking his journey to overcome alcohol and drug addiction.
In 1990, Joe Walsh briefly collaborated with the New Zealand reggae band Herbs, contributing vocals to their album "Homegrown." He also joined a supergroup called The Best, featuring prominent musicians like Keith Emerson, John Entwistle, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and Simon Phillips.
In 1991, Joe Walsh released "Ordinary Average Guy," his ninth solo studio album, on the Epic label. The album featured notable guest appearances, including Ringo Starr, Jimi Jamison, and Joe Vitale, who was also Walsh's former bandmate in Barnstorm.
In 1992, Joe Walsh ran a mock campaign for vice president alongside Rev. Goat Carson with the slogan "We Want Our Money Back!"
Joe Walsh joined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band again in 1992, showcasing his musical versatility and continuing his collaborations with other renowned artists.
Joe Walsh released his tenth solo studio album, "Songs for a Dying Planet," in 1992. Seeking to regain critical acclaim, Walsh collaborated with his former producer, Bill Szymczyk.
In 1993, Joe Walsh embarked on the "Party of Two" tour with Glenn Frey in the United States. That same year, he formed a group called The Flew with Terry Reid, Nicky Hopkins, Rick Rosas, and Phil Jones. They performed one show at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, marking Nicky Hopkins' last public performance.
Joe Walsh has been in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction since 1993.
The release of "Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles," a country music tribute album, in 1993 reignited interest in the Eagles, ultimately leading to their reunion the following year.
The Eagles reunited in April 1994 for their first live performance since their split, marking a significant moment in music history.
The Eagles' highly anticipated reunion tour faced a setback in September 1994 when it had to be paused due to Glenn Frey's health issues, specifically a recurrence of diverticulitis.
Joe Walsh reached a turning point in his struggle with addiction in 1994. After blacking out and waking up on a plane to Paris with no recollection of boarding, he decided to get sober. He has remained so ever since.
After a hiatus due to Glenn Frey's health issues, The Eagles resumed their reunion tour in 1995, much to the delight of their fans.
On November 4, 1996, the James Gang reunited in their classic lineup (Walsh, Peters, Fox) to perform at the Cleveland State University Convocation Center for President Bill Clinton.
In 1996, Joe Walsh's sister-in-law, Susan Walsh, was reported missing.
The Eagles continued their highly successful reunion tour into 1996, solidifying their status as one of the most iconic rock bands.
In 1998, the Eagles received one of the highest honors in the music industry, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony featured a memorable performance by all seven members of the band.
The Eagles, including Joe Walsh, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
In 1998, Joe Walsh rewrote his hit song "Rocky Mountain Way" for quarterback John Elway of the Denver Broncos at the request of ABC for their Monday Night Football program. The new version, titled "Rocky Mountain Elway," was featured in a video on the show.
A Guitarist magazine reader's poll in 1998 ranked the guitar solos on "Hotel California" by Joe Walsh and Don Felder as the best guitar solos of all time. Guitar World magazine ranked it eighth on their Top 100 Guitar Solos list.
Joe Walsh married Denise Driscoll in 1999.
The Eagles released "Selected Works: 1972–1999," a comprehensive four-disc box set that included their greatest hits, unreleased material, and live recordings, in November 2000. The set went on to achieve platinum certification.
The Eagles released their box set "Selected Works: 1972-1999," which included Joe Walsh's song "Funk #49" from his time with the James Gang.
The Eagles released "Selected Works: 1972–1999," a comprehensive four-disc box set that included their greatest hits, unreleased material, and live recordings, in November 2000. The set went on to achieve platinum certification.
The songs "Laguna Salada" and "Country Fever", featuring vocalist Kenny Weiss, were included as bonus tracks on the 2000 re-release of "The James Gang Greatest Hits".
Joe Walsh was awarded an honorary degree in music by Kent State University in December 2001.
In 2001, the Eagles were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
The Eagles, featuring Joe Walsh, embarked on a new tour in 2001, demonstrating their enduring appeal and ability to draw massive crowds.
The Eagles' "Selected Works: 1972–1999" box set was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2002, further solidifying its commercial success.
In 2003, the Eagles released "The Very Best Of.," a comprehensive greatest hits album encompassing their entire career up to that point.
Joe Walsh performed at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas in June 2004.
In September 2004, Joe Walsh was featured in the Strat Pack concert in London, England, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster guitar.
In October 2004, Joe Walsh traveled to New Zealand to speak about the dangers of substance abuse. He attributed his visit to a previous trip to Otatara Pa with the reggae band Herbs in 1989, during which he had a transformative experience that marked the beginning of his recovery.
During a return visit to New Zealand in 2004, Joe Walsh recounted his 1989 epiphany at Otatara Pa, crediting it as the starting point of his recovery from addiction.
The Eagles released "Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne," a two-disc DVD capturing their live performance in Australia, in 2005. The DVD featured two new songs, including Walsh's "One Day at a Time."
An avid amateur radio enthusiast, Joe Walsh donated an autographed guitar to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for a charity auction in 2006.
Joe Walsh and Denise Driscoll divorced in 2006.
Joe Walsh reunited with Jim Fox and Dale Peters of the James Gang in 2006 to record new music and embark on a 15-date summer reunion tour, which extended into the fall.
In 2007, Stevie Nicks opened up about her past relationship with Joe Walsh, calling him the "great love of [her] life." She attributed their breakup to their struggles with cocaine addiction.
In 2007, The Eagles, including Walsh, released "How Long." Later that year, they released "Long Road Out of Eden," their first album of all-new material since 1979. The album was a global success, reaching number one in multiple countries and achieving multi-platinum status.
Joe Walsh's daughter, Lucy Walsh, released her debut solo album, "Lost in the Lights," in 2007. She had previously worked with artists like Ashlee Simpson.
On December 13, 2008, Joe Walsh married Marjorie Bach, sister of Barbara Bach and sister-in-law of Ringo Starr, in Los Angeles.
Joe Walsh appeared as a celebrity endorser on the Carvin 60th Anniversary Celebration DVD in 2008, expressing his admiration for Carvin Guitars.
Joe Walsh established the first talent-based scholarship at Kent State University in 2008, demonstrating his commitment to supporting young musicians.
The Eagles, with Joe Walsh, embarked on a world tour in 2008 to support their album "Long Road Out of Eden." The tour was met with enthusiastic responses from audiences worldwide.
In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Joe Walsh at number 54 on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
Joe Walsh, a licensed amateur radio operator, provided the theme song, including Morse code, for the TWiT podcast "Ham Nation," which debuted in 2011. He also appeared as a guest on the show.
Joe Walsh joined Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, and McCartney's band on stage at the Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012, for the closing performance.
In May 2012, Joe Walsh, along with the other members of the Eagles, received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music, recognizing his accomplishments in music.
In 2012, Joe Walsh released a new single, "One Day at a Time," which candidly addressed his past struggles with substance abuse. The song was included on his album "Analog Man," released on June 5, 2012, and co-produced by Jeff Lynne.
On November 15, 2012, Joe Walsh appeared on the 60th episode of "Live from Daryl's House" with Daryl Hall.
In 2012, Joe Walsh expressed his interest in running for Congress. He criticized the dysfunction in Congress and believed new legislation was necessary for change.
In 2012, Joe Walsh released a new single, "One Day at a Time," which candidly addressed his past struggles with substance abuse. The song was included on his album "Analog Man," released on June 5, 2012, and co-produced by Jeff Lynne.
In 2012, Walsh commented on the impact of the Kent State massacre saying, "Being at the shootings really affected me profoundly. I decided that maybe I don't need a degree that bad." He dropped out of college to pursue his music career.
Joe Walsh was featured in several performances during the CBS special "The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles" on February 9, 2014.
Joe Walsh made a guest appearance on Foo Fighters' eighth studio album, "Sonic Highways," in 2014.
Joe Walsh appeared on NBC's "The Voice" on May 24, 2016, playing slide guitar and talk box, and performing "Rocky Mountain Way" with contestant Laith Al-Sall.
In 2017, Joe Walsh spearheaded VetsAid, a concert series aimed at supporting veterans. Inspired by Willie Nelson's Farm Aid, Walsh collaborated with artists like Zac Brown Band, Gary Clark Jr., and Keith Urban.
Joe Walsh performed with the reunited James Gang at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium in London on September 3, 2022. The concert was broadcast globally. Dave Grohl joined them as a second drummer for their final song, "Funk #49."
On September 27, 2022, Joe Walsh and the James Gang performed at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Their set included "Walk Away," "The Bomber: Closet Queen / Boléro / Cast Your Fate to the Wind," and "Funk #49," with Dave Grohl joining on drums for the last song.
Joe Walsh performed two sets at the 2022 VetsAid benefit concert. He first played with the James Gang, then returned for a finale backed by Nathan East, Joe Vitale, and Tom Bukovac. Dave Grohl joined him on guitar for "Life's Been Good" and drums for "Rocky Mountain Way," which also featured backing vocals from the Breeders and guitar work from Roy Orbison III.