The jewel in Joe Walsh's pre-Eagles resume was the James Gang, a late-'60s/early-'70s unit that has been called the first American power trio (come to think of it, I'd have to give Hendrix the nod, but that's neither here nor there). The knotty guitar intro to "Funk #49" is just part of a hard-hitting legacy that Walsh and his two original mates — bassist Dale Peters and drummer Jimmy Fox — are resurrecting for the first time in a quarter-century. The tour is appropriately called "The James Gang Rides Again." Walsh has always been overlooked in the pantheon of rock guitar gods, but know this: He's a monster, as well as a distinctive singer and talented songwriter. Along with "Walk Away," "Take a Look Around" and other James Gang material, the band will hopefully sprinkle in some Walsh solo stuff, like "Rocky Mountain Way" and "Life's Been Good," one of the greatest satires of rock-star excess ever penned. ("My Maserati does 185/ I lost my license, now I don't drive.") Walsh wrote from what he knew — he was one of those hotel-room-trashing, chainsaw-wielding (his trademark) maniacs in the '70s. Sober now for 14 years, he'll focus his energies on the music. What can I say? I'm pumped.
The James Gang Rides Again, 7 p.m. Sun., Aug. 27, @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater; $102, $77, $57. www.rutheckerdhall.com.
This article appears in Aug 23-29, 2006.