In 2014, Joe Walsh played guitar with a modern band. He now considers himself an honorary member
Joe Walsh joined Foo Fighters in the studio in 2014, playing guitar on ‘Outside’ for the band’s *Sonic Highways* project. He later described himself as an honorary or “alumni” Foo Fighter, reflecting the rapport he built with the group and the creative freedom they gave him.
Walsh was asked to improvise during the song’s middle section, and the article highlights how his sparse, two-note solo added atmosphere. Taylor Hawkins welcomed the collaboration, and Walsh later performed with Foo Fighters at the Roxy in Los Angeles in 2014 and Fenway Park four years later.
In short
- Joe Walsh played guitar on Foo Fighters’ ‘Outside’ in 2014.
- He said the session made him an “alumni Foo Fighter”.
- Walsh later performed live with the band.
Explained simply
Joe Walsh is an American guitarist and singer best known as a member of the Eagles, as well as for his solo career. Foo Fighters are a rock band formed in the 1990s by singer and guitarist Dave Grohl, who was previously the drummer for Nirvana.
The groups come from different generations of American rock, but musicians often work together in studios and on stage. The *Sonic Highways* project paired Foo Fighters with artists connected to the musical history of different US cities, giving guests room to contribute their own ideas.
Taylor Hawkins was Foo Fighters’ drummer and a key member of the band until his death in 2022. Collaborations such as Walsh’s show how established musicians can contribute to a band’s recordings and performances without becoming permanent members.