Although a native of Wichita, Kansas, Joe Walsh has strong ties to Ohio, making him a perfect candidate for WNCX’s top 20 guitarists. Walsh spent most of his childhood in Columbus, Ohio before moving to NYC and again moved back to attend Kent State University. He spent time in various bands playing around the Cleveland area, and although he didn’t graduate from Kent State University, Kent State awarded him an honorary degree in music in 2001.

Before the Eagles, Walsh was part of the bands James Gang and Barnstorm. He Joined the Eagles in 1975 as Bernie Leadon’s replacement and was first featured on the band’s highest selling studio album Hotel California, which has sold over 16 million albums in the U.S. alone. His addition steered the band toward a harder-edged sound and away from their early country-style work. Walsh co-wrote the Eagles Top 20 hit “Life In The Fast Lane” (with Don Henley and Glenn Frey) and “Pretty Maids All in a Row”. Eagles have become the highest-selling American band in U.S. history. No other American band sold more records than the Eagles during the 1970s.

Following the breakup of the Eagles in 1980, Walsh re-ignited his solo career with the well-received album But Seriously Folks (1978) which featured his hit comic depiction of rock stardom, “Life’s Been Good” Walsh continued to release albums throughout the 1980s but saw less success as musical trends evolved towards hard rock and metal.

Walsh toured with Ringo Starr in 1989, alternating a handful of his best-known songs with Ringo’s tunes, as did all the members of Ringo’s “All Starr” band. Walsh produced albums for Starr and other artists during this time period such as Dan Foglberg. He was a background musician on Eagles bandmate Don Henley’s 1982 hit “Dirty Laundry” In 1989, Walsh recorded a MTV Unplugged with the R&B musician Dr. John. In 1994, Walsh reunited with the Eagles for a highly successful reunion tour and live album, Hell Freezes Over. Walsh has toured regularly with the Eagles since then and the group released their first new studio album in 28 years, Long Road Out of Eden, in 2007.

Walsh will be releasing his new album, Analog Man on June 5. He will be doing a solo tour in support of this album and touring with Eagles.

Joe Walsh is currently on a solo tour and will be making two stops in Ohio
Joe Walsh – May 31, 2012 Toledo Zoo Amphitheater Toledo, OH
Joe Walsh – July 4, 2012 Dublin Coffman High School Dublin, OH

Joe Walsh’s previous Cleveland/Akron tour dates
Joe Walsh, Michael Stanley Band March 3, 1975 – Kent State University
Eagles July 22, 1975 – Richfield Coliseum
Eagles October 20, 1979 – Richfield Coliseum
Eagles October 21, 1979 – Richfield Coliseum
Joe Walsh, David Lindley June 19, 1981 – Blossom Music Center
Eagles March 24, 2009 – Quicken Loans Arena
Joe Walsh October 26, 2011 State Theatre – Cleveland

- Ryan Bergh / 98.5 WNCX