Joe Walsh News

You might think that after a layoff of about 3-1/2 decades a band might get, well, a little rusty. But despite Joe Walsh's self-deprecating introduction that "We're the James Gang from last century," this legendary power trio proved that they have lost none of their chops.

In the midst of their first full-blown tour since 1971, the classic lineup of the band delivered a concise 90-minute set Friday night at New York's Beacon Theater that thrilled an audience sporting no small amount of paunches and thinning pates. For the younger concertgoers in attendance, the ever droll Walsh advised, "Just pretend we're some really cool friends of your parents."

Beginning with the classic "Walk Away," the group -- consisting of Walsh, Dale Peters (bass) and Jimmy Fox (drums) -- delivered a good portion of their (let's face it) fairly limited oeuvre. Walsh's solo hits were ignored, except for a terrific encore of "Rocky Mountain Way."

The trio, augmented by a keyboardist and three female backup singers, seemed eager to showcase their instrumental prowess. Walsh, clearly thrilled to be unleashed after having to restrain himself on the Eagles' reunion tours, let loose one blistering guitar lead after another. Peters and Fox provided galvanic rhythmic support, and the jamming never became indulgent.

While the hugely appreciative crowd applauded even the most obscure album cuts, their biggest ardor was naturally reserved for such relatively little-heard gems as "The Bomber" (featuring a fun Walsh diversion into Ravel's "Bolero"), "Take a Look Around," "Midnight Man" and, of course, the propulsive "Funk #49."

An acoustic segment included Walsh, in strong voice, delivering a lovely solo acoustic version of "Garden Gate," followed by a mellow group rendition of "Ashes the Rain and

I."

Opening act J.D. and the Straight Shot proved themselves to be a highly capable blues-style bar band delivering solid covers of songs by the likes of Little Feat. The frequent heckling from the audience no doubt had less to do with their performance than with frontman (and Cablevision CEO) James Dolan's recent stewardship of the New York Knicks.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter