By Joey Kottke, Staff Writer
GUS RUELAS / ASSOCIATED PRESS Joe Walsh of the Eagles performs at the new Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles in October 2007.
March 22, 1990
Joe Walsh — guitarist for the James Gang, the Eagles and Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band — performed at F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre.
Walsh served as lead guitarist and vocalist for the touring group, which also included drummer Chad Cromwell and bassist Rick Rosas. Tickets cost $17.50 to $22.50.
Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Walsh got his start in a three-man rock group called the James Gang. While still in that band, Walsh performed at the Scranton Catholic Youth Center on April 23, 1971. Keystone College sponsored the show.
After performing with the James Gang, Walsh began solo work until he became lead guitarist for the Eagles.
At the Kirby Center, Walsh performed for the enthusiastic capacity crowd, bringing his usual witty short stories and one-liners. The group performed not only Walsh’s solo work but also renditions of Eagles and James Gang songs, including a version of the Eagles song “Life in the Fast Lane.”
From Walsh’s solo work, the group performed songs including “In the City,” “Rocky Mountain Way” and “Life’s Been Good.”
The group’s tour concluded in April 1990 in the Allentown area.
Walsh continues to play for the Eagles, who still tour.
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
