If you are a fan of classic rock, you probably know that Ringo Starr and Joe Walsh are two of the most influential and successful musicians of their generation. Starr was the drummer of the Beatles, the most popular and influential band in history, while Walsh was the guitarist of the Eagles, one of the best-selling and most acclaimed American rock bands of all time. But did you know that these two rock icons are also related by marriage?
How They Met
According to Vulture, Starr and Walsh met in the mid-1970s, but their friendship goes back even further. Walsh was a huge fan of the Beatles since he was a teenager, and he even attended their legendary concert at Shea Stadium in 1965. He was so impressed by George Harrison’s guitar solo on “And Your Bird Can Sing” that he spent hours trying to learn it, only to find out later that Harrison had recorded two separate parts and overdubbed them in the studio.
Starr and Walsh became good friends and musical collaborators over the years, playing together in Starr’s All-Starr Band and on each other’s solo albums. Walsh even produced Starr’s 1983 album Old Wave, which he jokingly said did well in Switzerland and Lithuania.
How They Became Family
In 2008, Starr and Walsh became more than friends when Walsh married Marjorie Bach, who is the sister of Starr’s wife Barbara Bach. The two couples are very close and often spend holidays and vacations together. They also support each other’s charitable causes, such as Starr’s Peace and Love initiative and Walsh’s VetsAid foundation.
According to Cheat Sheet, Walsh once joked about how Starr smells in a speech at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2015. He said that he loves his brother-in-law, but he wished he would take a shower once in a while. He then added that he was kidding and that Starr smells like lavender.
Why Their Friendship Matters
Starr and Walsh have a friendship that spans decades, genres, and continents. They have shared many highs and lows in their personal and professional lives, such as fame, addiction, recovery, loss, and love. They have also inspired millions of fans with their music, their humor, and their positive outlook on life.
Their friendship shows that rock stars are not just celebrities, but also human beings who need companionship, support, and family. It also shows that music can transcend boundaries and create bonds that last a lifetime. As Walsh said in an interview with Rolling Stone, “Ringo is my best friend. I love him dearly.”
