On a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the talk show welcomed one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock and roll, Joe Walsh. Walsh, who has five Grammys to his name and a Kennedy Center Honor, is also the co-founder and co-headliner of the seventh annual VetsAid charity show that honors and raises funds for veterans and their families. The concert is set to take place on Sunday, November 12th, in Chula Vista, California.
Walsh’s motivation for organizing the concert comes from a personal place. His father was in the Army Air Force and flew the first operational Jet, but unfortunately, he didn’t return from a mission. This event, known as an MH, deeply impacted Walsh and made him passionate about supporting veterans and their families. He recognized the challenges that returning vets face when transitioning to civilian life and wanted to lend a helping hand.
To make the VetsAid concert a success, Walsh enlisted the support of his friends and fellow musicians. And it’s an impressive lineup of talent that will be joining him on stage. The concert will feature performances by Steven Stills, The War on Drugs, ELO, The Flaming Lips, and of course, Joe Walsh himself. When asked if everyone readily agrees to participate, Walsh jokes that the worst thing that can happen is when everyone says yes because then the concert would span three days. However, he expresses his gratitude that these talented individuals are willing to donate their time and talent for this important cause.
Interestingly, Joe Walsh shares an intriguing anecdote about his early days in the music industry. When he was just starting out, his band, the James Gang, had the opportunity to open for The Who in Europe. The band’s manager, who also happened to be the concert promoter, facilitated this opportunity. The members of The Who caught a glimpse of the James Gang’s performance and liked what they heard. This chance encounter led to a lifelong friendship and the James Gang’s breakthrough.
During the interview, Walsh also reveals that he learned to play guitar in a three-piece band, thanks to the guidance of Pete Townshend of The Who. Walsh humorously describes how Townshend taught him to play with an attitude, something that can still be heard in Walsh’s music today. He fondly recalls how Keith Moon, The Who’s drummer, not only influenced his musical style but also taught him how to trash hotel rooms.
Surprisingly, Walsh shares an unexpected detail about his musical past. In school, he played the clarinet and even switched to the oboe for a brief period. When asked why he gave up playing woodwind instruments, Walsh admits that he realized it wasn’t helping him attract girls. He jokes that one cannot accompany themselves while playing the clarinet, and it didn’t exactly make him popular with the ladies. However, Walsh astounds the audience by displaying his unique talent for singing while playing the clarinet, something no one else can do.
To prove his point, Jimmy Kimmel surprises Walsh with a clarinet. The two engage in a playful duet, showcasing Walsh’s exceptional skills on the instrument. The encounter adds an entertaining and unexpected twist to the talk show episode, leaving the audience captivated.
In conclusion, Joe Walsh‘s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live not only highlighted his impressive musical career but also shed light on his commitment to supporting veterans and their families. The VetsAid charity show promises to be a night filled with incredible performances by some of the industry’s top talent. Whether it’s rocking out on the guitar or enchanting the audience with the clarinet, Joe Walsh continues to captivate fans with his undeniable musical prowess.
