This song is all about him! He was known as the party monster. His alcohol and drug use got really bad. In 1994 The Eagles were going on tour and told him he could only go with them if he got sober. He did. He's been sober ever since!
Joe was a star from his James Gang days, the better part of a decade prior to joining the Eagles. That he’s in a band with other musicians at least on his level says so much about how truly great they are. If you see Eagles live, you’ll find that there’s generally a portion of the show in which his solo hits are played and he becomes the band’s front man. Brilliant guitarist, quirky and fine songwriter and excellent showman.
When The Eagles were inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame, everyone was wearing a nice tuxedo. Joe was wearing a suit made from fabric that looked like a brick wall. He stands out.
It’s autobiographical. Joining the Eagles literally saved his life. He was a massive drunk, and the Eagles said he could join once he got help…which he did. The rest is history.
There arent many musicians who can play with as much varierty as impressively as him. Its basically everyone in blue oyster cult, and then joe walsh lol
Yep. This was on the radio frequently back in the 80s here in Houston on the rock stations. I wasn’t paying much attention in the 70s but I know it charted high.
I haven't heard it in decades and I have never heard the wah wah at the end. There were multiple versions of this song including a much shorter radio version, a studio version (the one we just heard) and a live version from The Eagles. One version was "I have a limo, I ride in the trunk. I lock the doors in case I get drunk." and that was the radio edit I think (which you would think would have been the opposite and may have been). It almost certainly was the version on the Eagles Live album with the equipment case cover from the early 80's. That double album was the best LP ever made IMO and what sucks is that the Eagles music has been blocked for so long and now most of the stuff they have put on You-Tube has been re-mastered and did not improve it and without having that original double set, you can't hear the best versions of those songs. I think the original live recordings were perfect and the re-mastered versions don't have the same soul. I played those LPs so often when I was in HS that I wore the albums so thin, that I could hear both sides at the same time.
“It’s hard to leave when you can’t find the door”, “I can’t complain but sometimes I still do”, “Just leave a message, maybe I’ll call” This song is FILLED with gems! Next Joe Walsh: “Rocky Mountain Way”; such sexy swagger! 🔥
My friend spotted him in a record store signing albums on the way home from school. She had her yearbook with her and showed him her photo with her senior quote, "Life's been good to me so far." He looked at it and said, yeah, I'll sign that. He wrote "I said that, Joe Walsh" 😅
Joe Walsh on Keith "The Loon" Moon. "The best day of my life was when Keith Moon decided he liked me. The worst day of my life was when Keith decided he liked me." Yes, they were party animals. My favorite line in the song is "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do." Such an insight to all humans.
Joe Walsh wrote this song about himself. I love this song. I have always thought the instrumentals reflect what’s going on in his head. I was blessed enough to see him perform this live on The Eagles Hell Freezes Over Tour. The reason the tour had that name was because when they broke up in 1980 they said hell would freeze over before they’d play together again. I’m glad it didn’t have to because I’m still enjoying their music. Thanks for this one!!!❤
Fun fact about Joe Walsh...he is Ringo Starr's (from The Beatles) brother in law. Their wives are sisters. Joe is also a master of the talk box. So much good stuff of his to listen to....I highly recommend Walk Away and Funk 49 by the James Gang (one of his other bands) and Rocky Mountain Way...his masterpiece.
Joe Walsh did an interview where he said he hung out with Drummer Keith Moon and Comedian John Belushi where they were up all night partying drinking and trashing things and Belushi was doing a lot of coke and he bought he thought either he or one of them would die. Keith Moon DID die from alcohol overdose and Belushi of course OD'd. The Eagles told him if he didn't calm down they would throw him out of the band. He did an interview with Howard Stern a few years ago about how this WAS his real life and how he has now been sober for over 30 years
1978. The year I graduated High School. Went to see the movie FM. Great soundtrack. A nice reprieve from the disco that was everywhere. But when this hit........I had to own it. Fast forward to the Hell Freezes Over Tour of the Eagles in 1994. They played their hits, with the band members inserting their own hits. It was a magical night of music. When Joe started ANYTHING he had played, including this, the people went crazy! It was obvious who was the most loved on that stage. God bless them all for the memories they have given us.
Joe Walsh was originally born in Kansas but moved around a lot as a kid. Walsh and his family lived in Columbus, Ohio for a number of years before they moved to New York City in 1959.Joe Walsh's oldest daughter, Emma Kristen, died at the age of 3 from injuries suffered in a car accident on the way to day care. Walsh wrote a song for her called "Song for Emma," released on his album So What in 1974. Stevie Nicks explained I saw this man and I walked straight to him. He held out his hands to me, and I walked straight into them. I remember thinking, I can never be far from this person again... he is my soul. He seemed to be in a lot of pain, though hid it well. But finally, a few days later, (we were in Denver), he rented a jeep and drove me up into the snow covered hills of Colorado... for about two hours. He wouldn't tell me where we were going, but he did tell me a story of a little daughter that he had lost. To Joe, she was much more than a child. She was three and a half, and she could relate to him. So he told me that he had taken his little girl to this magic park whenever he could, and the only thing she EVER complained about was that she was too little to reach up to the drinking fountain. As we drove up to this beautiful park, (it was snowing a little bit), he came around to open my door and help me down, and when I looked up, I saw the park... his baby's park, and I burst into tears saying, 'You built a drinking fountain here for her, didn't you?' I was right, under a huge beautiful hanging tree, was a tiny silver drinking fountain. I left Joe to get to it, and on it, it said, dedicated to HER and all the others who were too small to get a drink. So he wrote a song for her, and I wrote a song for him... 'This is your song, ' I said to the people, but it was Joe's song. Thank you, Joe, Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You? by Stevie Nicks In the song, Walsh satirically reflects on the antics and excesses of the era's rock stars, with nods to drummer Keith Moon of the Who and others: "I live in hotels, tear out the walls/I have accountants pay for it all", and "My Maserati does one-eighty-five/I lost my license, now I don't drive". he didn't loose his licence he lost his wallet that his licence was in. Peace out.
Huge hit. Like stairway to heaven and freebird this was the radio DJ's smoke break song. This song was in heavy rotation and still is on the classic rock stations
BP, Joe Walsh supports and does a lot of charity events for US veterans. His father was in the military and was kill in a plane crash when JW was about 2 years old. Also, JW is married to Ringo Star’s sister in-law.
IMHO, there's just something so much more bad ass, sexy etc about those classic rock era guitar riffs. So much more heart of rock n roll, so vibrant....
My brain struggles and can sometimes hear lyrics as another instrument but, this song I know all the words to as well😂😂😂 My intro to it was mid 90's. Local classic rock station has it on rotation
This song was basically autobiographical. He loved being a rock star and was known to be one of rock and roll's great partiers. He would go on the Howard Stern Show in the morning sounding like he was already drunk off his ass, and Howard would make him perform something, and he would be great! He was so talented that the music just flowed out of him. This album was really good. He had some hits in other groups too before he joined The Eagles, and he wrote and sang some good Eagles songs too. He's super talented!
I love Joe Walsh. I've been listening to him for over 50 years. This song will be in your head for weeks. Oh, the memories. He was that party man. This was s massive hit. Even my Momma knew this song (she dies in December at age 90).
When I first heard Joe with James Gang, it was his way of attacking the guitar and his touch that made him so unique. Still my fav band with Joe on guitar and vocals.
When you said this was an obscure song I cracked up! This was on the radio ALL the time when it came out and Joe was famous way before his short stint with the Eagles! This song was a hit!
Eagles had four original members; Don Henley, Glen Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. Don Felder joined around '74 to bring a more harder rock sound. Bernie didn't like this new direction so he left and Joe joined right before Hotel Ca came out. Randy left after that album and Timothy joined before the next album called The Long Run. I hope this helps 😊
A long time ago I used to say they should make a supergroup consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Don Henley and Glenn Frey and call it The Beagles.
This was such a huge radio hit across the country. I was doing a lot of cross-country driving that year, and there was not a state where we didn't hear this at least 5-10 times or more. Joe had a pretty big success with the James Gang. I grew up in Ohio, and they were performing live everywhere in 69, 70. After that, I moved to Colorado, where he had been living, so I met a few people who were close to him. I heard all the stories about him and his wild partying ways, including the story about his manager giving him a chainsaw as a gift, so that he had his own chainsaw for 'renovating' hotel rooms. I was a little apprehensive when I had the chance to meet him for the first time backstage at Red Rocks. Turns out he was gentle, shy, and kind. He waited on our whole group, insisting we needed food, and drinks, which he promptly got for all of us. Total gentleman. Spent time with him a few times after that and each time, total gentleman, but variations of quiet and shy, and boisterous and entertaining. He had many sides to his personality, but because we were friends with a friend of his, he insisted on our being treated wonderfully. A wonderful memory. As others have mentioned, please listen to the James Gang's 2 biggest hits, Funk #49 and Walk Away. And the very beautiful 'Song for Emma' shows the soft, gentle side of him. Very sad, very beautiful.
I just watched an interview with Joe and he explained this whole song. It is so funny he put two guitar demos together. He blew a toilet out of the wall of someone’s bathroom on a lower floor in a hotel lol. That’s why his accountants pay for it all. This is his life’s story. He literally “lost” his license not from drinking. He owns a mazzaratti and you are correct it is island vibes he listened to a lot of Bob Marley
Welcome to Joe Walsh’s world. I think he’s marveling at his good fortune and the ironies of life. Plus, he’s one of the best guitarists out there. From the James Gang to his solo work to his work with the Eagles he’s shone through with his unique sound. ✌️❤️🎶
The more you learn about Joe Walsh, the more you will be blown away about how complex he truly is. Crazy gifted musician wild child. His mother was a classically trained pianist. He was present at the infamous Kent State University massacre and said it led to him dropping out of college to pursue a musical career. He was in a relationship with Stevie Nicks. Does lots of charity work and is involved in conservation--he's helped save/preserve Santa Cruz Island.
Not only is he a great guitarist but he is hysterically funny. He did a guest spot on Drew Carey's Improv AllStars (2001) and Joe was so funny he had my crying in laughter.
Bernie Leadon was a founding member of the Eagles. He's a multi-instrumentalist coming from a bluegrass background, and showcased his versatility as a musician on the Eagles’ self-titled debut album, playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, and providing backing vocals. Leadon’s banjo skills were showcased in his work with the Eagles, adding a unique flavor to their sound and influencing other musicians in the genre. He co-wrote “Take It Easy” with Jackson Browne. This song became a huge success for the Eagles, establishing their signature sound. Leadon and Don Henley had a fruitful creative partnership, writing and recording songs together that would become Eagles classics. After four albums with the Eagles, Leadon decided to leave the band due to creative differences and a desire to pursue a different musical direction. Following his departure from the Eagles, he joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for a short period, embarked on a solo career (releasing three albums), and has also collaborated with numerous artists, making guest appearances on albums by Linda Ronstadt, Gram Parsons, and the Flying Burrito Brothers, among others. In 1998, Bernie Leadon, along with his fellow bandmates in the Eagles, was honored with induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In recent years, he's reunited with the Eagles for special performances. Beyond his musical career, Bernie Leadon has been an advocate for environmental causes, supporting organizations dedicated to conservation and sustainability. Don Felder also a founding member of the Eagles, and was the lead guitarist from 1974 to 2001. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 with the Eagles. Felder co-wrote the iconic hit, “Hotel California.” His songwriting talents have earned him accolades, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In addition to “Hotel California,” he contributed to other notabe Eagles songs including “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Victim of Love,” and “Take It Easy.” In 2019, Don Felder's iconic double-necked guitar, known for its role in the Eagles’ performances of “Hotel California,” was sold for a staggering $2.2 million at an auction. Throughout his time with the Eagles, Don Felder had a complicated relationship with other band members. This tension eventually led to him being fired from the Eagles in 2001. He responded by filing two lawsuits alleging wrongful termination, breach of implied-in-fact contract, and breach of fiduciary duty, reportedly seeking $50 million in damages. The case was settled out of court in 2007 for an undisclosed amount. Despite the settlement, Felder has since filed subsequent lawsuits against the Eagles. After leaving the band, Don Felder continued to work solo and with other musicians, collaborating on projects with artists such as Styx, Slash, and Michael Jackson. Don Felder has also used his success and platform to support various charitable causes. He has been actively involved in organizations focused on environmental conservation and music education.
Actually, Take It Easy was mostly written by Jackson Brown with Glen Frey finishing it up. Leadon wasn't involved with the actual composition itself (Words and Music), as far as copyright standards go.
Are you kidding me? this was our rebel song, back in the day. This song just hit you in your teenage heart, driving down the backroads of Arkansas on a Friday or Saturday night - trying to stay out of trouble... it brings back so many great memories!
Met Joe and members of the Eagles while renting a condo in Palm Springs Calif. Most fun we had in years. We were in the hot tub that belonged to our condo and he just wandered in and got in with us.. the most bizarre story ever.
Great reaction, BP. Joe Walsh was already an established rock star before joining the Eagles. He was a member of The James Gang, and had a good solo career. So, at the time we were all shocked when we heard that he had joined the Eagles. We were like "I wonder what that will sound like?"... yep, sounded pretty good.
Joe Walsh is an amazing guitarist and a great personality on stage. He did some MAJOR drug use in his life. When the Eagles reunited far the hell freezes over tour they said they wanted him to join them, but only if he got sober. He did. He dated Stevie Nicks during his heavy drug period. She said she had to break up with him because one or both of them would end up dead.
Spent many a summer weekend dancing to this on our boats tied together at the Flora-Bama bar on Perdido Beach! Songs on the radio were much longer in the 70's and 80's.
Saw Joe Walsh when he opened for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, during Tom’s last tour. The whole show was great, and everyone in the audience sang along with this song word for word.
FINALLY!!! I've been watching you admire the Eagles, and I sit here screaming, " Check out Joe! Check out Joe!" 😅 He's one of my favorites. So much great stuff....😊❤
This song is about Joe Walsh’s rock star life! In the 70’s and on, he was well known for being drunk and high and trashing hotel rooms and throwing tv’s out the window into a pool….and hanging out with Keith Moon from The Who, and who is even more nuts than Joe!! This song was written before he went to rehab. Joe is rehabilitated now. Joe Walsh is one of the best rock guitarists and an awesome songwriter, too! He was a member of The James Gang and OMG, you must listen to Rocky Mountain Way….it was one of the biggest rock anthems in the 70’s! Every rock concert, while waiting for the band to come out….the music they played always included Rocky Mountain Way by Joe Walsh. The Eagles always allow him to play it in concert and they back him. There is a video of Life’s Been Good, by the way.
This song also became a regular on the Eagles tour. They played it on the “Hell Freezes Over” tour that I went to. Joe really is a funny dude! I am not surprised that you liked it! They played it on the radio all the time but a shorter version about half as long. I had a major crush on Joe and Peter Frampton! Thanks for this one, it is on my forever playlist. Next check out “Rocky Mountain Way” you will like it too!❤️🔥✌🏻🫶🏻
You need to hear "Ordinary Average Guy". Joe Walsh put a lot of his life into his music. He's affectionately known as "the clown prince of rock" for the way his adds his humour to his lyrics. He's been clean and sober for many years now, and he's enjoying playing music as much as, if not more than he did when he was younger. ❤
Don Felder and Joe Walsh played the guitar duet at the end of Hotel California. In the video, Don Felder played the double neck guitar (12 string and six string) and Joe wash wore the bandana.
Awesome Reaction to an Amazing Song. Joe is quite the character and it IS about himself. This was “Our Song” for a Group of Friends our Senior Year of high school in 1979.
I was so happy to see you react to this song! I knew you would love both the lyrics and the musicianship that this one delivers. Dude's humor definitely shines in this one!
I still remember Joe Walsh on a vhs tape my parents made. It was a tape of mtv, and late night talk show performances. Joe was on the Arsenio Hall show on Halloween, drunk as a skunk, and still nailed it.
Joe Walsh used to carry a chain saw with him when he checked into the hotels. Keith Moon taught him how to explode hotel toilets. Joe IS the rock star in this song.
