This “gangster” broke into the AOR playlists while part of a trio. Actually, the original four-person band was opening for Cream in Detroit when a member quit, so they played as a threesome, and giving them a new distinctive sound they liked. They cut a couple of moderately successful albums, and opened for The Who during their 1970 UK tour. He walked away from the band a couple of albums later and barnstormed into a solo careers before joining – and transforming – a well-known super-group and taking them into life in the fast lane. He checked out of the aforementioned supergroup to cut a few more solo LPs, as well as touring with Ringo Starr. As a producer, he produced albums for Dan Fogelberg and Ringo Starr, and backed up songs by Don Henley, Steve Winwood, and Richard Marx, and performed with Kenney Chesney during that country artist's 2007 tour. He presented his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst to Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page; drew an assignment as a bit part actor on a sitcom; and has been known to put coded messages in his music. He is a college dropout, but his would-be alma mater gave him an honorary degree. His wife is the sister of a “Bond Girl” movie star who is married to a Rock Star. His next gig is March 15, 2009, in the Fargodome.
Answer:
Joe Walsh was the lead guitarist for the power trio, The James Gang. Actually, they were a gang of four until one guy quit just before they went on as the opening act for Cream in Detroit. If Cream could make a great sound with three guys, so could they. The show was a success, and they liked their new sound. The James Gang had several moderately successful hits, including “Funk #49,” and “Walk Away.” That's what Joe did, leaving the band to start a new crew called barnstorm, although the albums were released as Joe Walsh solo LPs. He moved beyond barnstorm and released a few more solo records, with hits such as “Rocky Mountain Way” and “Life's Been Good”.
In 1976 Joe replaced Bernie Leadon as guitarist for the superband, The Eagles, and was a major contributor to the “Hotel California” album. Along with Glenn Frey and Don Henley, we co-wrote “Life in the Fastlane.”
The Eagles broke up and Walsh went on as a solo artist, scoring with the soundtrack hit from Urban Cowboy, “All Night Long.”
In 1994, Walsh got back together with the Eagles for a highly successful “Hell Freezes Over” reunion tour and subsequent live album, and continues to tour with the Eagles today (the most recent show was Saturday night in Fargo, N.D.).
Walsh is a successful producer, with projects for Dan Fogelberg and Ringo Starr. Walsh toured with Ringfo Starr's All Starr Band; plays guitar for artists such as Lionel Richie and Bob Seger; and performs on hits such as Don Henley's “Dirty Laundry” and Richard Marx'” Don't Mean Nothing.”
Joe's had some bit acting roles, such as the bar band guitarist on the Drew Carey show.
He is a licensed amateur radio operator, and sneaks Morse Code messages into his songs. He presented his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst to Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. He dropped out of Kent State University, but has an honorary degree in music from KSU.
His wife (#5), Marjorie Bach, is the sister of Bond Girl Barbara Bach, wife of Ringo Starr.
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