History of Joe Walsh in Timeline

Joseph Fidler Walsh, known as Joe Walsh, is a highly influential American guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose career spans five decades. He gained prominence as a member of the Eagles and has also been a part of bands such as the James Gang and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Walsh boasts a successful solo career, is a prolific session musician, and was ranked among Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" in 2011, solidifying his legacy as a guitar virtuoso.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 20, 1947: Joseph Fidler Walsh Born

On November 20, 1947, Joseph Fidler Walsh, later known as Joe Walsh, was born in Wichita, Kansas. He is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter.

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July 22, 1949: Father's Death in Air Force Accident

On July 22, 1949, Joe Walsh's father, Lt. Robert Newton Fidler, a pilot in the United States Air Force, died in a mid-air collision over Okinawa while flying a Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star.

1959: Ownership of the Gretsch Guitar

In 1959, Joe Walsh owned a Gretsch 6120 guitar, before gifting it to Pete Townshend in 1970.

1959: Ownership of the Gibson Les Paul guitar

In 1959, Joe Walsh owned a sunburst Gibson Les Paul guitar, before selling it to Jimmy Page in 1969.

1965: Forms The Measles

In 1965, Joe Walsh and three other Kent State University students formed The Measles, a garage bar band. Walsh led the band and provided vocals for tracks that would later appear on Ohio Express albums.

1967: Joins James Gang

Around Christmas of 1967, Joe Walsh joined the James Gang after guitarist Glenn Schwartz left the band to move to California. Walsh replaced Schwartz after a successful tryout.

May 1968: Grande Ballroom Concert as Trio

In May 1968, the James Gang played a concert in Detroit at the Grande Ballroom, opening for Cream. Ronnie Silverman's last-minute decision not to join them led to the band performing as a trio, which they decided to continue.

1968: James Gang Signs with Mark Barger

In 1968, the James Gang signed with manager Mark Barger, who connected them with ABC Records producer Bill Szymczyk.

1968: Jeric leaves James Gang

In the spring of 1968, Bill Jeric left the James Gang after working with Joe Walsh on guitar parts. Jeric was replaced by Ronnie Silverman, who had been discharged from the military.

January 1969: Signs with ABC's Bluesway Records

In January 1969, the James Gang signed with ABC's new Bluesway Records subsidiary after being put in touch with staff producer Bill Szymczyk.

November 1969: Tom Kriss Leaves James Gang

In November 1969, bassist Tom Kriss left the James Gang. He was replaced by Dale Peters, creating the most successful lineup of the band.

1969: Sold Gibson Les Paul to Jimmy Page

In 1969, Joe Walsh sold his 1959 sunburst Gibson Les Paul to Jimmy Page, who called it his "Number 1".

1969: Sells Les Paul guitar to Jimmy Page

In 1969, Joe Walsh sold his Les Paul guitar to Jimmy Page.

1970: Duane Allman on Layla

In 1970, Duane Allman played slide guitar on Eric Clapton's Layla album which contributed to Joe Walsh's knowledge of slide guitar.

1970: Gifted Gretsch Guitar to Pete Townshend

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

1970: Kent State Massacre and College Dropout

In 1970, Joe Walsh was present during the Kent State massacre, which profoundly affected him. As a result, he dropped out of college after one term to pursue his musical career.

1970: "James Gang Rides Again" Released

In 1970, the James Gang released the album "James Gang Rides Again", which included the classic song "Funk 49".

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April 29, 1971: Birth of Emma Kristen Walsh

On April 29, 1971, Joe Walsh's eldest daughter, Emma Kristen Walsh, was born.

December 1971: Invited to Join Humble Pie

In December 1971, Joe Walsh was invited by Steve Marriott to join Humble Pie after Peter Frampton left, but Walsh declined the offer.

1971: Marriage to Stefany Rhodes

In 1971, Joe Walsh married Stefany Rhodes.

1971: "Thirds" Album Released

In 1971, the James Gang released the album "Thirds", which included the song "Walk Away".

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October 1972: Barnstorm's Debut Album Released

In October 1972, Joe Walsh and Barnstorm released their debut album, Barnstorm, which was a critical success but had only moderate commercial success.

1972: Solo Career Song Included on Eagles Live

In 1972 Joe Walsh wrote "Life's Been Good" and "All Night Long" during his solo career, later included on Eagles Live.

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1972: Leaves James Gang, Forms Barnstorm

In 1972, Joe Walsh left the James Gang. He then formed the band Barnstorm with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli, though their albums were marketed as Walsh solo projects.

1972: Kenner and Troiano Join James Gang

In 1972, after Walsh's departure, Roy Kenner and Domenic Troiano joined the James Gang. The band then released the albums Straight Shooter and Passin' Thru.

June 1973: "The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get" Released

In June 1973, "The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get", was released under Walsh's name and became their commercial breakthrough, peaking at No. 6 on the US Billboard chart.

1973: Troiano leaves James Gang

In 1973, Domenic Troiano left the James Gang after things didn't work out musically.

April 1, 1974: Death of Emma Kristen Walsh

On April 1, 1974, Joe Walsh's eldest daughter, Emma Kristen, died from injuries sustained in a car accident. Her story inspired the track "Song for Emma" on Walsh's album So What.

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December 1974: "So What" Solo Album Released

In December 1974, Joe Walsh released his first album that was not considered a Barnstorm project, "So What".

1974: Barnstorm Disbands, Walsh Continues Solo

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

1974: Barnstorm album "So What" released.

In 1974, Barnstorm released the album "So What", featuring contributions from future Eagles members. This album was still marketed as a Joe Walsh solo project.

1974: 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. Walsh was taught the slide technique by Duane Allman.

1974: Bolin Joins James Gang

In late 1974, Tommy Bolin joined the James Gang, recommended by Joe Walsh.

1975: Joins the Eagles

In 1975, Joe Walsh joined the Eagles as a guitarist and keyboardist, replacing Bernie Leadon. His first album with the band was Hotel California.

1975: Barnstorm's Last Tour

In the spring of 1975, Barnstorm embarked on their last tour, shortly after Joe Walsh joined the Eagles.

March 1976: "You Can't Argue with a Sick Mind" Released

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

December 8, 1976: "Hotel California" Album Released

On December 8, 1976, the Eagles released "Hotel California", their fifth studio album and the first to feature Joe Walsh. The album took a year and a half to complete.

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May 3, 1977: "Life in the Fast Lane" Released

On May 3, 1977, "Life in the Fast Lane", based on a riff by Joe Walsh, was released by the Eagles. It reached No. 11 on the charts and helped establish Walsh's position in the band.

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May 1977: "Hotel California" Topped Charts

In May 1977, the Eagles' song "Hotel California" topped the charts, becoming one of their signature songs. The song features a guitar duet by Felder and Walsh.

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1977: Meisner Leaves The Eagles

In 1977, Randy Meisner left the Eagles after the 1977 tour. He was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit.

1977: The Long Run Album Work Begins

In 1977, The Eagles began recording their next album, The Long Run.

1977: Eagles Backing Vocals for Randy Newman

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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1978: Divorce from Stefany Rhodes

In 1978, Joe Walsh divorced Stefany Rhodes.

1978: "Please Come Home for Christmas" Released

In 1978, the Eagles released "Please Come Home for Christmas" as a single, which reached No. 18 on the charts.

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September 24, 1979: "The Long Run" Album Released

On September 24, 1979, the Eagles released "The Long Run", which was a commercial hit, topping the charts and selling 7 million copies.

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 running on a platform of "Free Gas For Everyone".

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1980: Marriage to Juanita Boyer

In 1980, Joe Walsh married Juanita Boyer.

1980: The Eagles Break Up

In 1980, the Eagles broke up.

1984: Touring with Stevie Nicks

In 1984, while touring with Stevie Nicks, Joe Walsh took Nicks to North Boulder Park's fountain, a memorial to his late daughter Emma.

1985: Stevie Nicks' song inspired by Joe Walsh

In 1985, Stevie Nicks released the album Rock A Little. The song "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?" from the album was inspired by Joe Walsh's grief over the loss of his daughter.

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1988: Divorce from Juanita Boyer

In 1988, Joe Walsh divorced Juanita Boyer.

1989: Touring New Zealand with Herbs

In 1989, Joe Walsh toured New Zealand with the reggae band Herbs. During the tour, he visited Otatara Pa, an experience he later described as the beginning of his journey to recovery from alcohol and cocaine addiction.

1989: Epiphany at Otatara Pa in New Zealand

In 1989, while touring with New Zealand band Herbs, Joe Walsh had an epiphany during a visit to Otatara Pa, an ancient Māori pā site in the Hawke's Bay region, which he credits as the start of his recovery.

1991: Turning Point in Recovery

In 1991, Joe Walsh woke up after blacking out on an airplane to Paris, arriving with his passport but no memory of getting on the plane. He marked this as a turning point in his recovery.

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!".

1993: Recovery from Addictions

Joe Walsh has been in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions since 1993.

1996: Disappearance of Susan Walsh

Since 1996, Joe Walsh's sister-in-law, Susan Walsh, has been a missing person.

1998: "Hotel California" Solos Recognized

In 1998, a Guitarist magazine reader's poll named the guitar solos by Joe Walsh and Don Felder on "Hotel California" the best guitar solos ever.

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1999: Marriage to Denise Driscoll

In 1999, Joe Walsh married Denise Driscoll.

1999: "Funk 49" Included on Eagles Box Set

In 1999, the James Gang's "Funk 49", from Joe Walsh's days in the band, was included on the fourth "Millennium Concert" disc of the Eagles box set Selected Works: 1972-1999.

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2000: Bonus tracks released

In 2000, Laguna Salada and Country Fever were released as bonus tracks on The James Gang Greatest Hits album.

2001: Inducted into Vocal Group Hall of Fame

In 2001, as a member of the Eagles, Joe Walsh was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, recognizing the band's contributions to music.

October 2004: Speaking Engagements in New Zealand

In October 2004, Joe Walsh traveled to New Zealand for speaking engagements where he cautioned against the dangers of substance abuse. He expressed gratitude to the people who took him to Otatara Pa in 1989 during his tour with Herbs, a reggae band, which he credited as the start of his recovery.

2004: Return Visit to New Zealand

In 2004, on a return visit to New Zealand, Joe Walsh described his 1989 experience at Otatara Pa as the beginning of his recovery from addictions.

2006: Divorce from Denise Driscoll

In 2006, Joe Walsh divorced Denise Driscoll.

2006: Donation to American Radio Relay League

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

2007: Lucy Walsh's Debut Album Release

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

2007: Stevie Nicks on Joe Walsh

In 2007, Stevie Nicks described Joe Walsh as "the great love of my life" in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

December 13, 2008: Marriage to Marjorie Bach

On December 13, 2008, Joe Walsh married Marjorie Bach in Los Angeles. Marjorie Bach is the sister of Barbara Bach and sister-in-law of Ringo Starr.

2008: Funded Scholarship at Kent State University

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

2011: Theme Song for Ham Nation Podcast

In 2011, Joe Walsh provided the theme song (including Morse code) for the TWiT podcast Ham Nation and appeared as a guest in the first and 400th episodes.

2011: Ranked in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time"

In 2011, Rolling Stone ranked Joe Walsh No. 54 on its list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time", recognizing his contributions to music.

February 12, 2012: Performance at the Grammy Awards

On February 12, 2012, Joe Walsh performed on stage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles alongside Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, and McCartney's band during the Grammy Awards.

November 15, 2012: Appearance on Live from Daryl's House

On November 15, 2012, Joe Walsh was featured in the 60th episode of Live from Daryl's House with Daryl Hall.

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2012: Eleven Solo Albums Released

As of 2012, Joe Walsh has released eleven solo studio albums.

2012: Walsh Comments on Kent State Shooting

In 2012, Joe Walsh reflected on the Kent State shootings, stating that the experience profoundly affected him and influenced his decision to leave college.

2012: Considering a Serious Bid for Political Office

In 2012, while promoting his album Analog Man, Joe Walsh revealed he was considering a serious bid for political office, specifically for Congress, citing the dysfunctionality of Congress as the root of the problem.

February 9, 2014: Featured in Grammy Salute to the Beatles

On February 9, 2014, Joe Walsh was featured in several songs on the CBS special, The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles.

2014: Guest Appearance on Foo Fighters' Album

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

May 24, 2016: Appearance on NBC's The Voice

On May 24, 2016, Joe Walsh appeared on NBC's The Voice, where he played slide guitar and talk box, and performed Rocky Mountain Way with contestant Laith Al-Saadi.

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2017: Organized VetsAid Concert Series

In 2017, Joe Walsh contacted musicians including the Zac Brown Band, Gary Clark Jr., and Keith Urban, to organize VetsAid, a concert series similar to Willie Nelson's Farm Aid.

September 3, 2022: Performance at Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in London

On September 3, 2022, Joe Walsh performed in London with the reunited James Gang at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium, which was simulcasted live on web, television, and streaming platforms like Paramount +. Dave Grohl joined James Gang on "Funk 49".

September 27, 2022: Performance at Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in Los Angeles

On September 27, 2022, Joe Walsh performed with the James Gang at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. The set included "Walk Away", "The Bomber: Closet Queen / Boléro / Cast Your Fate to the Wind" and "Funk 49" with Dave Grohl as the second drummer on "Funk 49".

2022: Performance at VetsAid Benefit

In 2022, Joe Walsh performed at the VetsAid benefit, playing a nine-song set with the James Gang and a four-song finale backed by Nathan East, Joe Vitale, and Tom Bukovac. Dave Grohl played guitar on "Life's Been Good", and Grohl played drums on "Rocky Mountain Way" with backing vocals by the Breeders and guitar by Roy Orbison III.