Joe Walsh has always been a musician focused on the joy of making music with friends rather than trying to outshine his competition.
For Walsh, the essence of his artistry lies in creating great tunes, a sentiment that resonates deeply with his fun-loving persona.
Achieving stardom requires more than just catchy songs; it necessitates a certain swagger, and for Walsh, Les Paul exemplified that charisma.
Early Success with the James Gang
Walsh’s journey began with the James Gang, a band that introduced a heavier sound to audiences accustomed to The Beatles in the late 1960s.
When he later joined the Eagles, he brought an unparalleled coolness to the band, elevating their image and sound. However, raw talent alone doesn’t guarantee superstardom.
Les Paul: The Innovator
While Walsh was passionate about practicing his guitar, Les Paul sought to explore the instrument’s possibilities beyond the realm of rock and roll.
Before rock had a formal identity, Paul was already experimenting with various tones, often collaborating with Mary Ford to showcase his groundbreaking techniques.
Mastery and Melody
In reviewing Paul’s footage, one can see the early influences on guitar heroes that would follow. His intricate solos featured innovative techniques, such as hammer-ons and playful gestures that garnered applause.
Yet, regardless of how many notes he played, every piece was grounded in a strong sense of melody. Paul understood that playing an abundance of notes was meaningless without substance; sometimes, just a few notes could convey powerful emotions.
Resilience and Inspiration
Above all, Walsh admired Paul’s resilience.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, he reminisced, “He was one of the coolest people on the planet. I got a chance to hang out with him, and he was like this mad scientist that played guitar.
He was in a car accident, and they said, ‘You’ll never play guitar again’ because he broke his arm in about four different places.
He sat down, started playing and said, ‘Alright, set my arm like this. Put the cast on now.’ And he played great.”
A Legacy of Strength
That kind of tenacity has also guided Walsh through the challenges in his own life, including the tragic loss of his daughter, Emma, and his battle with substance abuse.
His ability to continue performing at a high level today stems from the resilience he learned from Paul.
Making a Difference
In a music industry often viewed as sleazy, Les Paul stood out as someone genuinely committed to using his talents to improve the world.
Through his iconic Gibson models, he created a foundational guide that countless guitarists have turned to over the years, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
