OnlineHost: Your host tonight is CSEmcee8 (JackDL).

OnlineHost: It was once said, "before you know where you're going, you have to know where you've been." It started with The James Gang, a power trio without peer. Rocking' and jamming', experimenting and learning the business. What a start! Opening for The Who opened the eyes of the music world to Joe Walsh and his high flying guitar and very distinct vocals. Four albums later, tired of the three piece restraints, Walsh moved to Colorado to begin the next chapter- Barnstorm.

OnlineHost: The studio became their playground, but the stage held it's own magic. Was there a better live band at this time? Yet, there was more to explore, and a solo career was born. The best musicians around joined the ranks as sideman to Walsh, and some of his finest music was the result. Then came a call to replace Peter Frampton in Humble Pie, but it wasn't the right move, and it wasn't made. Soon after came another call, this time it was The Eagles, and Joe replaced Bernie Leadon in the legendary band.

OnlineHost: On to the next level, selling millions and millions of albums. Imagine 70,000 people on their feet, singing "Life's Been Good"...and it was. But all things must end, at least temporarily. More solo work would follow, and the phone didn't stop ringing. "Play on my record," they would plead. And Joe did. Winwood, Seger, Henley, Marx, Wilson Philips, BB King, Ringo Starr, America, the list goes on.

OnlineHost: All featured the distinctive Joe Walsh guitar. In the studio and on the road, this became his life cycle. So we pause to check the score-James Gang -4, Barnstorm -2, Eagles -4, solo-9....albums that is! This is where Joe Walsh has been. Now the real fun begins as we see where he's going. Please welcome Joe Walsh to Center Stage.

CSEMCEE8: Welcome to AOL, Mr. Walsh!

JWalshLive: Hi, Jack. Hey, Everybody. How ya doin? How about them Indians? Glad to be here. Try to answer as many questions as I can. Here we go.

Question: Joe, it was great to see you in Knoxville, TN. FINALLY, with the Eagles, but are you going to be doing any SOLO touring soon in this area? I sure hope so.

JWalshLive: Eagles is first priority for now. We're going to Japan and Australia in Nov. I doubt any of us will solo for a while.

Question: Joe, I just got ELP's album "Works," Volume 1. Which track were you involved with, and what was it like working with them? J.L.

JWalshLive: I played some stuff on a Carl Palmer solo album. I guess I liked it, but there was no tempo or anything. Just real far out chords. He said, "Play anything you want." So I did. Also worked with Keith Emerson in a band called "The Best." I didn't name it. They are all incredible musicians.

Question: Any thoughts on putting together an acoustical guitar CD? I could listen to you play all day.

JWalshLive: Never thought of that, but you know it's time for some acoustic stuff like I used to do. Good idea.

Question: So how about that Emmy nomination? Think you guys will beat out Babs?

JWalshLive: Well, I don't know. She should get it, methinks, but my nose is bigger.

Question: Joe, what is your personal favorite of all the Eagles tunes?

JWalshLive: In terms of my involvement, "Pretty Maids," but I love to play "The Long Run" and "H.C. Live."

Question: Are the Eagles going to release another complete studio album?

JWalshLive: Well, all I can tell you is we plan to go abroad at the end of this year and then pursue. We were thinking of doing an album with each of us having a few songs we did individually and 5 or 6 Eagles songs done together. That way it wouldn't take so long to do. We hope that's a good idea.

Question: Did Gibson announce the winners to their contest yet? Have the winners been notified?

JWalshLive: Yeah, they've been notified. I know some chick in New Jersey won, plus two others. Hope they don't stink.

Question: How important is reading music for you these days? Do people just ask you to "do your thing?"

JWalshLive: I'm not sure I even can read anymore. It's been so long since I needed to. Kinda like a second language I guess. Pretty much people leave it up to me which is very humbling. Still don't know why they want me. Honest.

Question: How has the death of Jerry Garcia affected the music world in the eyes of other performers like yourself?

JWalshLive: Good question. Jerry will be sorely missed in our community. I think his death underlines what drugs and alcohol will eventually do. I'm very grateful I caught myself in time. Straight and sober last year and a half. I recommend it.

Question: Which city was Joe's favorite while on tour?

JWalshLive: Columbus, Ohio and the Rosebowl were standouts. Also Lafayette LA.

Question: Joe, I never realized your talent as a solo performer until I heard "The Confessor" and I was hooked. Did you find that you gained a new group of younger fans when your "Confessor" album was released?

JWalshLive: Yes, for some reason I have been able to pick up the new generations. This little kid who wanted my autograph said his grandfather turned him on to me. The little brat.

Question: Hi, Joe. I've been a huge fan for many years. I've seen you twice in the last year, and many times in the last twenty. It seems like you get better every time. Does the material ever seem old to you, or does the reception from the audience get you fired up?

JWalshLive: If I'd known I'd have to play "Funk #49" so many times I would have written something else. The Eagles make some of the stuff I'd usually tired of fun again. I think we all feel that way about each other's stuff. It's fun if it gets the audience off. Doesn't matter what it is.

Question: You've had a huge influence on many people, including me. Who were your biggest influences when you were just starting out?

JWalshLive: All the old 50's rock & roll. I grew up on that more than blues. Of course The Beatles and of course Peter Townsend.

Question: Do you like the acoustic version of "Hotel California" or the electric?

JWalshLive: I go back and forth. I think the acoustic version is very refreshing but nothing beats the old way for live performance.

Question: What kind of slide do you use? Metal or glass?

JWalshLive: Good question. Duane Allman turned me on to using Coricidin bottles (an old cold medicine). I use glass almost always to record with. They have a much warmer sound. I use a fairly massive brass slide live. Easier to stay in tune with.

Question: John Cain: Does your brother still play for Mike Bolton?

JWalshLive: 1) I didn't know he did. Ask Kenny G. No, that's not true.

Question: Hi, Joe. I recently picked up your "Anthology" CD. I really liked it. It was great to hear "The Bomber" uncut after so many years. Why was the "Ravel's Bolero" part cut out from the original version for so long?

JWalshLive: Ravel's estate in France had a copyright condition that the "Bolero" was to be played in its entirety and with the original orchestration. We never dreamed they'd catch us. Oh well, the movie "10" fixed their apples.

Question: What were you thinking when you wrote "Meadows?" It's my favorite of all.

JWalshLive: I lived in Ipswich, Mass. for 3 or 4 years. There was a field with horses I used to drive by. Very serene. One time I stopped and walked across it. There was the stone wall half gone. Bingo.

Question: Hey, Joe. "Hi there. How are 'ya? Loved you in the "Ringo Starr & Hell Freezes Over" video. How many guitars do you own and do you have to wear ear protection when performing?

JWalshLive: I don't know. Last count about 90 or so but they keep turning up under the bed and at friends' houses. I guess I was drunk and left them there. Anyway, we don't really play that loud on stage. I get drumsticks in the back of the head from Henley when I crank it. Most of the volume comes from the P.A. system.

Question: Hey, Joe. I was wondering. Are you going to be on "Howard" soon?

JWalshLive: Yeah, one of these days. He's the nicest guy off the air but he'll murder you on the show. I wanted all the Eagles talk to be old business so I can just go on and be me. Yeah-sure. Good luck Joe.

Question: OK, maybe it's obvious to everyone else, but I want to know what the theme is in "Hotel California?" Drugs?

JWalshLive: No, it's really about the decadence of the 70's.

Question: To Mr. JWalsh: I have the old "James Gang Rides Again" album (I'm a fan from the late 60's) with a picture of you riding a motorcycle in the snow. Did you really do wild and crazy stuff like that? Also, how did you get involved with The Eagles? Thanks!

JWalshLive: Yes, all those stories are true. I'm amazed I'm still alive. Met The Eagles on the road. Ended up having the same manager. We played a lot on the same bill. Just got friends. We all jammed and co-wrote. When Bernie left, I was the logical choice. A lot of people were puzzled at first but we had been playing for 6 months or so and were fairly certain it would work. They wanted to rock & roll a bit more and I wanted to be in a band.

Question: Do you still keep in touch with your old pal Dan Fogelberg? Will you be producing anything with him or playing with him any time soon?

JWalshLive: Danny is alive and well. He's turned into a hermit/recluse. Somehow, somebody has to get him out and doing things with other people. He's convinced he should do everything himself. Fooey to that.

Question: I once heard there was supposed to be another album after "The Long Run," a double studio album, and that Felder has the tapes. Is this true? Is there a "lost Eagles album"?

JWalshLive: There are several pieces of music. A few songs. Some tracks we didn't use. Nothing of importance. All unfinished. What you heard is mostly a rumor.

Question: Do you have plans to have Gibson or Fender come out with a "Joe Walsh Signature" model? Have you ever been approached?

JWalshLive: I'm on a pretty good basis with Gibson. I could never get the quality control I thought was necessary. Most companies just pay you a lot and ship 'em. Gibson's a great American company like Harley-Davidson. I've got some good ideas based on years of playing. That's a good idea. Thanks. I'll follow it up. Time for a few more gang.

Question: What are the other members of your first band The James Gang doing these days? Did any of them stay in the music business?

JWalshLive: Jim Fox is president of the American License Plate Collectors Association. Dale Peters is alive and well in Cleveland- not sure what he does- neither is he. Probably see them soon with rock & roll hall of fame inductions.

Question: How about a James Gang reunion?

JWalshLive: We've always thought about that. If we do get inducted in Cleveland, we'll have a play. Pretty busy with Eagles stuff right now.

Question: Joe, has life really been good?

JWalshLive: So far. Ho ho ho.

Question: How much formal guitar training have you had?

JWalshLive: Very little. I wore a tux once. Mostly I taught myself. I picked guitar because my parents hated it.

OnlineHost: All good things must come to an end. Our time is up for this event.

JWalshLive: OK, Everybody. Thanks so much for joining me. Sorry we didn't get to everyone. We'll do this again and hello from all the Eagles. Thanks, Jack.

CSEMCEE8: Thanks for joining us, Mr. Walsh! Please come back again. Soon!

CSEMCEE8: Thanks to all of you for joining us tonight. Good night, Everyone!

OnlineHost: Our thanks to Joe Walsh for joining us this evening. If you'd like a transcript of the preceding event, be sure to check back tomorrow evening at about this time. Thank you and good night!

JWalshLive: Bye for now. Thank you very much and all the best to ya.

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