The James Gang

Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience opened doors for additional hard-rocking power trios toward the end of the 1960s. From the wave of American outfits that surfaced afterward, the James Gang emerged as perhaps the strongest contender. Even though they contributed several songs that still receive steady airplay on classic rock stations, frequent personnel changes prevented the band from sustaining its early momentum.

The story began in Cleveland, Ohio, during 1966, when drummer Jim Fox assembled the lineup alongside fellow Kent State University students Glenn Schwartz on guitar and bassist Tom Kriss. Schwartz soon departed for Pacific Gas & Electric, prompting Fox and Kriss to recruit singer and guitarist Joe Walsh. Their first release, Yer' Album, arrived in 1969 and, although it produced no chart singles, it laid groundwork for what followed. The record also marked one of the earliest projects for producer Bill Szymczyk. Before work began on the next album, Kriss stepped away and Dale Peters took over on bass, locking in the group’s most recognized configuration. That change clicked immediately, as heard on the 1970 classic Rides Again and its standout track “Funk #49.” The single never climbed high on the charts upon release yet became one of rock’s most recognizable cuts while showcasing Walsh’s knack for crafting memorable guitar riffs. Pete Townshend voiced strong admiration for Walsh’s playing, and the Who invited the James Gang to join them on a European tour.

Just as the band seemed poised for greater success, Walsh grew restless and eager to pursue solo work. He stayed long enough to deliver another strong studio effort, 1971’s Thirds, which included the enduring radio favorite “Walk Away.” A live album, Live in Concert, appeared later that year before Walsh exited, first launching his solo career and later joining the Eagles. Fox kept the name alive by expanding to a quartet with vocalist Roy Kenner and guitarist Domenic Troiano. Walsh’s absence proved difficult to overcome, and the pair of 1972 albums Straight Shooter and Passin’ Thru did little to broaden their audience.

Troiano left to join the Guess Who, opening the guitar position again. His successor, Tommy Bolin—recommended by Walsh—quickly revived the band’s energy. Bolin’s fiery and adaptable guitar work, along with his songwriting contributions alongside partner John Tesar, infused new life into the group, resulting in the underappreciated yet solid 1973 album Bang! and 1974’s Miami. Like earlier guitarists, Bolin soon grew dissatisfied and departed in 1974, later pursuing a solo path and a short stint with Deep Purple before his death from a drug overdose in 1976.

After Bolin’s exit the James Gang briefly disbanded, but Fox and Peters revived the project in 1975 with vocalist and guitarist Bubba Keith plus second guitarist Richard Shack. This iteration managed only two overlooked releases—Newborn in 1975 and Jesse Come Home in 1976—before folding permanently. Aside from later compilations such as the 2000 collection Greatest Hits, the group remained quiet until a late-’90s reunion that included Walsh. They performed at a 1996 campaign event for President Bill Clinton held at the Cleveland State University Convocation Center and appeared on The Drew Carey Show. In February 2001 they played the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and sold out two shows at the Allen Theater that same week.