Joe Walsh (The Eagles)

Name: Joseph Fidler Walsh
Born: 20th November, 1947 (Wichita, Kansas, United States)

Profile: He is an American musician, songwriter, and actor. He has been a member of three commercially successful bands, "The James Gang", "Barnstorm" and "The Eagles", and has experienced notable success as a solo artist and prolific session musician.

History: Joe started to play guitar in his teens and always spent time in various bands playing around the Cleveland area, including "The Measles", while attending Kent State University.

In 1968, he replaced Glen Schwartz as lead guitarist for "The James Gang". Joe proved to be the band's star attraction, noted for his innovative rhythm playing and creative guitar riffs. In 1971, Walsh left the group and formed the group "Barnstorm", although their albums credited Joe as a solo artist, the album was a critical success, but had only moderate sales. The follow-up The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get in 1973 was titled under his own name as a solo artist, and was Joe's commercial breakthrough. In 1974, Barnstorm disbanded and Joe continued as a solo artist.

In 1976, he joined "The Eagles" as Bernie Leadon's replacement. His addition steered the band toward a harder-edged sound and away from their early country-style work, and he featured prominently on their multi-million-selling album Hotel California.

In 1989, Joe toured with Ringo Starr (drummer of The Beatles), alternating a handful of his best-known songs with Ringo's tunes and also recorded an MTV Unplugged with R&B musician Dr. John. In the same year, Joe briefly joined New Zealand's reggae band "Herbs".

In early 90's, Joe was part of a band called "The Best" that played shows in Japan and in 1994, Joe reunited with "The Eagles" for a highly successful reunion tour and live album, Hell Freezes Over. Joe 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.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Les Paul guitars

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYAitpi6Dhg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1-dglZs0-8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjgbFWdQiPk