Walsh Exits Fast Lane
Author: Jennifer Barrs
Publication: Tampa Tribune
Date: May 9, 2003
Abstract: Joe talks about his reformed ways and the Eagles' broad audience demographic.
Joe Walsh, whose voice shares a slurred similarity to fellow rocker Ozzy Osbourne, says the real reason the Eagles are on the road again is because, well, they all have children.
"Really, it was to get away from our kids," deadpans the 55-year-old father of two boys, ages 4 and 7. He also has a 20-year-old daughter from a "former life," he says.
"You understand, we just needed to get away for a little while. That and we were just [eager] to play again. You just can't do this your whole life and then stop. It doesn't work that way."
Ah, the Clown Prince of Rock. The title conferred so many years ago by the music fraternity still seems appropriate, perhaps even more so when one considers Walsh has been sober for nearly a decade. In his misspent youth - and a bunch of years beyond - Walsh was the John Belushi of rock, continually crazed, often tipsy and convinced he needed a buzz to play rock 'n' roll.
Until he realized all those great, guzzling artists were "all dead," he says without a hint of irony. "It just suddenly occurred to me one day. I had a good run. So many of my pals just didn't make it. These days I miss my old ways about a minute and half once a week."Nonetheless, he and his Eagle bandmates - Walsh joined the group in 1975 after leading the James Gang to stardom - created a wildly enduring legacy that challenges Jimmy Buffett's Parrotheads for unrivaled audience adoration.
And you bet the boys notice. When the group takes the Tampa stage Tuesday, Walsh says he'll look out with surprise and a twinge of anxiety.
"Oh, yeah, I'm surprised how we've really broken through to the next generation of listeners," he says. "Maybe their parents played our records. But it's like they're hearing us for the first time. With new groups ... I think what's going on now is they get too famous, too fast.
"But you know, I always thought it was neat to have young girls out in the front row and now they're grandmothers with kids who know all the words. I'm not sure I can quite handle that."
Of course he can. This talented guitarist with the reedy, recognizable voice has appeared on dozens of albums with other musicians. Meanwhile, his solo career has produced more than a dozen discs and memorable singles such "Rocky Mountain Way," "All Night Long" and the classic tale of debauchery, "Life's Been Good." Though he first appeared with the Eagles on the "Hotel California" album, he says he contributed more than guitar licks - he eased the creative tension between Don Henley and Glenn Frey.
"When I joined the Eagles, everybody was so serious. The whole way the band worked was so serious," Walsh says. "I just had to lighten things up. And I figured if I had a good time, there's a darn good chance the audience would too."
Tampa concertgoers will likely follow suit, as the Eagles introduce some new tunes during this tour. In fact, Walsh says the group has been in the studio for a while, happily taking their time on a new album. "We're not signed to a record company so we're doing it by ourselves. There is no corporate pressure, nobody breathing down our backs. We're really blessed."
Walsh also has been busy with other projects, including his mission to preserve islands off the coast of California and his nationwide program to get school-aged kids trained as ham radio operators. Walsh has been a "ham" since 1960.
He's also considering another run for the White House - Walsh ran for president in 1980 and vice president in 1992.
"Yeah, this president I think I can top - didn't think I could top Clinton. My slogan is going to be, "Sleep well, America. Joe Walsh is awake."'
