What’s Behind Joe Walsh’s Decision to Sell His Old Belongings?

Joe Walsh took the stage at the Troubadour recently, captivating an audience of approximately 50 with his song “Lucky That Way.” At 78 years old, the legendary rock star delivered a bluesy guitar performance, highlighted by his distinctive, endearing voice. However, this appearance was not a typical concert. Instead, Walsh showcased one of the 400 guitars he intends to auction off through Julien’s Auctions.

The auction, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Troubadour, will feature nearly 800 items, ranging from cars and recording equipment to clothing, including a striking red-brick-pattern Moschino suit that Walsh wore during his time with the Eagles, James Gang, Barnstorm, and Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band.

Despite initial impressions, Walsh clarified, “No, no — I’m not in debt,” as he spoke with reporters at the Troubadour’s upstairs bar. “I just want all of these things to have a good home instead of lying in a dusty storage room because I don’t use them anymore.” A portion of the auction proceeds will support Walsh’s VetsAid organization, which assists veterans and their families.

“Veterans don’t get enough care, and that really bothers me,” Walsh said, reflecting on the loss of his father, a flight instructor who was killed in service when Walsh was just 20 months old. He expressed concern over the visibility of homeless veterans, stating, “To see a whole street of homeless vets — it’s like, why?”

Addressing the persistent issue of veteran care, Walsh lamented, “After any war, we forget about the people who fought it. ‘Hey, thanks for your service’ — those are just words.” He added that returning veterans often feel discarded despite their sacrifices, emphasizing that their contributions to American freedom deserve recognition.

Walsh reminisced about his father’s history, sharing that while he never met any of his father’s service colleagues, he has encountered pilots who flew the same aircraft, the Lockheed Shooting Star. “They brought me literature and books about it,” he noted. “But it was the first operational jet — you didn’t know till you flew it.”

Walsh also shared the story behind a lime green zoot suit included in the auction, inspired by the performers he admired, such as Cab Calloway. “I always loved it when people wore them,” he explained, noting that the ensemble, complete with a hat and pocket watch, was a fun challenge to wear on stage. He acknowledged the influence of iconic appearances in old films, including Jim Carrey’s character in “The Mask.”

The auction will also feature a painting by Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo, although Walsh humorously remarked, “Probably not [Mark’s] business.” He maintained a playful tone, mentioning, “There are Devo people out there who would love to have that.” Meanwhile, the collection includes a set of bedazzled sombreros, a nod to his fondness for mariachi bands acquired during trips to Mexico. “I adore mariachi bands — they’re fantastic,” he said.

In a discussion about the musical elements of his songs, Walsh recounted how drummer Kenny Passarelli contributed to the sound of “A Life of Illusion,” incorporating trumpet parts while under the influence. “It needed drunk trumpets,” he remarked, relishing the spontaneity that enriched the recording. Walsh reflected on his own high school attempts at playing the saxophone, recalling his foray into woodwinds and the practicality of pursuing an instrument that would help in attracting interest.

The collection contains statement pieces, including a particular brick suit he purposely wore to provoke his Eagles bandmate Don Henley during their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Walsh recounted the playful rivalry, exclaiming, “That was a good chance to get Henley upset.”

When asked about the guitars in the auction, Walsh expressed hope that buyers would appreciate them in different ways, stating, “Both.” Among his favorites is a guitar crafted from 200-year-old wood, which he described as possessing unique “mojo” and the ability to connect with its player.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Walsh selected “Funk #49” as his best riff, while heralding “Rocky Mountain Way” for its iconic talk box solo, a creation born from his experiences in Nashville. He fondly recalled how he stumbled upon the talk box while visiting Dottie West’s home, highlighting the collaborative spirit among artists.

When talking about the reggae-inspired part of “Life’s Been Good,” he acknowledged the influence of reggae pioneers like Bob Marley and Johnny Nash. As he reflected on his 50-year milestone with the Eagles, Walsh admitted, “Feels like it was a couple years.”

Looking ahead, the Eagles are set to return to the Sphere in Las Vegas in January. Reflecting on downtime in Vegas, Walsh remarked, “Not a lot. Go to dinner.” He emphasized the importance of staying active, sharing, “At 8:30, I gotta be 25 years old for two hours.”

Walsh concluded with a thoughtful observation about fame and legacy, reflecting on the billboards of Las Vegas and the journey that led him there. “Now I guess people look up at my name and say, ‘How’d he get up there?’” he mused, pondering the whims of perception in the entertainment industry.