Joe Walsh | Artist

Joseph Fidler Walsh is an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter born 1947 in Wichita, Kansas. In a career spanning more than 50 years, he has been a member of three big name rock bands: James Gang, Eagles, and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, plus has a successful solo career. His father, Lt. Robert Newton Fidler, was a jet aircraft flight instructor who died in a plane crash in Okinawa in 1949, leaving Walsh to be raised by his mother, a classically trained pianist, and stepfather. He played oboe in the school band but once he got his first guitar at the age of 10 and learnt The Ventures' "Walk Don't Run", he decided to be a rock guitarist. His first band was the Nomads, then he moved on the the Measles, with whom he cut his first single "I Find I Think of You" b/w "And It's True." His big break came in 1967 when James Gang guitarist Glenn Schwartz left to form the band Pacific Gas & Electric. Walsh, a friend of Schwartz's, was given a tryout as Schwartz's replacement and was accepted. In May 1968, the James Gang played a concert in Detroit opening for Cream but at the last minute, second guitarist Ron Silverman pulled out. The band took to the stage as a trio and liked their sound so much decided to remain that way. In December 1971, Walsh left the James Gang and immediately got an offer from Steve Marriott to join Humble Pie to replace Peter Frampton. Walsh declined and instead moved to Colorado and formed a band called Barnstorm with drummer and multi-instrumentalist Joe Vitale and bassist Kenny Passarelli. The album Barnstorm came out in October 1972, credited as a Joe Walsh solo album. He has gone on to release 10 more solo albums, along with his various band works for the Eagles etc. The first four albums Barnstorm (1972), The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get (1973), So What (1974) and But Seriously Folks (1978) are the clear standouts. The 2012 comeback release Analog Man is also recommended. As well as the aforementioned big name bands, Walsh was also part of the New Zealand band Herbs, and the Australian all-star band The Party Boys.

Artist Website: joewalsh.com

Featured Albums: Joe Walsh

Related Artists: Eagles, James Gang

Video Clips: All Night Long, Rocky Mountain Way, One Day at a Time