The generational divide in music taste often creates friction between age groups, leading to age-old complaints like “music isn’t as good as it used to be.” While classic guitar solos and rock anthems are often dismissed as dated or “dad rock,” some artists are working to bridge the gap — unexpectedly, one of them is Joe Walsh.
As the iconic guitarist of the Eagles, a band synonymous with classic rock, Walsh helped define an entire era of music. Behind the Eagles’ timeless harmonies were his gritty guitar riffs and expansive solos — the kind that found homes on “Best Air-Guitar” playlists and even Top Gear’s legendary driving soundtracks.
But beyond the stereotypes lies an artist with genuine talent and curiosity. Walsh, known for his adventurous approach to music, has always played a part in pushing rock forward. And unlike many of his peers, he hasn’t written off modern music.
In a 2012 interview with The Quietus, Walsh opened up about the current music landscape and revealed that a few contemporary bands had genuinely impressed him. More than that, he showed an awareness of the overwhelming scale of music available online.
“There’s so much stuff out on the internet that you could spend all day listening to it and still only hear 0.5% of what’s out there,” Walsh said. “Every once in a while you get lucky and someone blows you away.”
When asked to name names, Walsh didn’t hesitate: “The Black Keys I think are brilliant. Wow! They’re right on it! And Kings of Leon make great records, really great records. And there’s a band called Gorillaz and I happened across them and I think they’re great.”
While the Gorillaz represented an experimental departure from the guitar-driven style Walsh is known for, his admiration for The Black Keys and Kings of Leon signaled a more direct musical connection. These bands maintain the raw energy and authenticity of classic rock while updating it for modern audiences — a combination Walsh clearly respects.
His appreciation went beyond just words. After praising The Black Keys publicly, Walsh began collaborating with them, particularly with frontman Dan Auerbach. Their first major collaboration came in 2019 when Walsh joined The Black Keys on stage for a performance in Los Angeles. This live partnership continued with appearances at Walsh’s charity concert, VetsAid, in 2022.
But their most substantial collaboration happened in 2023. Walsh and Auerbach teamed up in the studio for Tell Everybody!: 21st Century Juke Joint Blues from Easy Eye Sound, a compilation album curated by Auerbach. The track “Daughter of Zion” featured Walsh, Auerbach, and the late Glenn Schwartz, supported by Auerbach’s second band, The Arcs.
The result was a sweeping blues jam that showcased layered guitar riffs, classic Americana soul, and a modern twist — proof that Walsh still has plenty to say in today’s music scene. The track not only honored the roots of blues and rock but also affirmed that Walsh remains a powerful musical force, even decades after his heyday.
Through these collaborations, Walsh hasn’t just acknowledged modern talent — he’s embraced it, proving that great music transcends generations. His support for contemporary acts like The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, and Gorillaz reinforces the idea that while tastes may evolve, the power of sincere musicianship is timeless.
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