# In 1973, Joe Walsh feared his solo career was a mistake. One song saved his life

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1973-joe-walsh-feared-his-solo-career-was-a-mistake-one-song-saved-his-life/
- Published: 2026-10-28T21:00:11+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T21:50:44+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1973-joe-walsh-feared-his-solo-career-was-a-mistake-one-song-saved-his-life/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ helped revive Joe Walsh’s solo career.
- His debut album *Barnstorm* had failed to produce a hit.
- Slide guitar and talk box shaped the track’s sound.

## Summary

After leaving the James Gang in 1971, Joe Walsh’s attempt to establish a solo career looked uncertain: his 1972 album *Barnstorm* failed to produce a hit, and he feared the decision to leave the band had been a mistake. Writing ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ changed that trajectory, giving his next album a song he believed could connect with listeners and helping secure his future in music.

Walsh formed Barnstorm with drummer Joe Vitale and bassist Kenny Passarelli, who helped develop the song’s rhythm around his guitar riff. ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ appeared on 1973’s *The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get*; Walsh later said the album “saved my life”. The track also showcased his slide guitar playing and distinctive talk box sound.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.