5 Joe Walsh Songs That Made Him a Guitar Hero Before the Eagles

Before Joe Walsh joined the Eagles in 1975, he had already built a strong reputation as a sharp guitarist and clever songwriter. Through his work with James Gang and his early solo records, Walsh stood out for his gritty tone, loose style, and sense of humor. These songs helped define his identity long before his time with one of rock’s biggest bands.

Below are five tracks that show how Joe Walsh earned his place as a guitar hero early on.

“Funk #49” (James Gang, 1970)

James Gang introduced Joe Walsh to a wide audience, and “Funk #49” became their calling card. The song opens with a driving riff that remains instantly familiar decades later.

Its tight structure and raw energy helped define Walsh’s early guitar style. The track showed how he could balance power and groove without overplaying, making it a staple of classic rock radio.

“Walk Away” (James Gang, 1971)

“Walk Away” followed soon after and proved Walsh was not a one-hit guitarist. The song combined a strong rhythm with sharp guitar accents that lifted the chorus.

It became one of James Gang’s most successful singles and helped push Walsh further into the spotlight. His playing here showed control and confidence rather than flash.

“Rocky Mountain Way” (Solo, 1973)

After leaving James Gang, Walsh quickly found success on his own. “Rocky Mountain Way” became his biggest solo hit and introduced many listeners to his talkbox guitar sound.

The relaxed feel and memorable chorus helped the song stick. It remains one of the clearest examples of Walsh’s blend of humor, groove, and guitar skill.

“Life’s Been Good” (Solo, 1978)

Though released after he joined the Eagles, “Life’s Been Good” reflected the persona Walsh had already built years earlier. The song poked fun at fame, excess, and rock-star habits.

Its laid-back delivery and catchy lines made it a long-running favorite. The track summed up the image fans already associated with Walsh from his earlier work.

“The Bomber (Medley)” (James Gang, 1970)

“The Bomber” showed a more experimental side of Walsh during his James Gang years. The track featured extended sections and shifting musical ideas.

It highlighted his range as a player and his willingness to take risks. Long before stadium tours, this song showed Walsh was already thinking beyond standard rock formulas.