JOE WALSH AT HUNTINGTON, NEW YORK’S PARAMOUNT THEATER – REVIEW

That video was a report featuring Joe Walsh performing “Life Of Illusion” as he took over The Paramount theater in Huntington New York on December 4, the second of two dates at the venue on the very brief solo tour. The shows were the first since April of 2013, since he’s been touring with The Eagles for the better part of two years. Joe came out to huge applause as he opened with “Look At Us Now.” He then mentioned something about the New York winters before playing “Life Of Illusion,” off of 1981’s There Goes The Neighborhood. Joe was in great form as he hit the crowd with  “Analog Man” from his latest album. After spirited renditions of “County Fair” and “The Bomber,” Joe decided to make a subtle political point in light of recent unrest in the US. He launched into “Everyday People” popularized by Sly And The Family Stone, and let one of his background singers take the lead vocals. “Turn To Stone” was a fan favorite, but he was about to kick it into high gear. Joe saved the best for last “In The City” and “Funk 49” The Eagles “Life In The Fast Lane” and the popular “Life’s Been Good,” which he managed to make an interactive experience with the crowd strategically letting out a bug “ugh” between verses. Joe did one song for an encore, “Rocky Mountain Way” — another one of the James Gang favorites — but he didn’t perform “All Night Long,” which was to be the closing song according to the night’s set list.

One of the things perhaps forgotten with Walsh spending so much time in The Eagles is just what a spectacular musician he is. He brought lots of guitars to the venue with him and seemingly used every one – like a craftsman who knows what tool will get the job done for each song. It might be a while until fans can see Joe untethered from The Eagles again. Word has it he’s working on his next solo album, and will likely not tour again until that album and Eagles obligations is complete.