Joe Walsh

Long recognised as one of rock's greatest guitarists, Joe Walsh achieved his greatest fame after joining The Eagles as Bernie Leadon's replacement in 1975, playing a key role in the height of their success with the multi-million selling 'Hotel California' album. Walsh's hard rock riff on the hit single 'Life in the Fast Lane' has been quoted as one of rock's most defining moments, much imitated by other guitarists. Born in Wichita, Kansas, he grew up in Columbus, Ohio before his family moved to New York and then to Montclair, New Jersey. Studying at Kent State University in Ohio, he joined various local bands, before making his national breakthrough as singer and guitarist with the James Gang, who had a late 1960s hit with 'Funk #49'. When they split in 1972, he formed Barnstorm with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli, recording three albums with them. It was their producer Bill Szymczyk who suggested he join The Eagles and he remained with them for five years at the height of their fame until their split in 1980. By the time The Eagles split, he'd already started releasing solo albums, attracting much interest with 'Song for Emma', inspired by his daughter who had recently died in a car accident. In 1978 he had his biggest solo hit with 'Life's Been Good', a wry, comedic but catchy slant on pop stardom. He wrote the soundtrack music for the movie 'Urban Cowboy', had further solo success with the 'There Goes the Neighbourhood', including another hit single 'A Life of Illusion', and toured with Ringo Starr. He rejoined The Eagles in 1994 for their 'Hell Freezes Over' reunion tour, but didn't record any more solo work until 2012, teaming up with Jeff Lynne and Ringo Starr to make 'Analog Man', a reference to his problems adjusting to the digital age. The following year he released a live album 'All Night Long', recorded in Dallas. He also appeared on an episode of 'Live from Daryl's House' where Daryl Hall invites musicians to jam with him and his band. Walsh is also passionate about amateur radio and has his own show on Ham Radio in the U.S.

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