![]() ![]() Bolin left the James Gang in 1974, but like the guitarists who came before him, he rapidly lost interest. Bolin’s fiery and diverse guitar playing (as well as compositional abilities he and songwriting partner John Tesar penned the majority of the songs) helped the group regain its mojo. Two excellent but underappreciated albums followed: 1973’s Bang! and 1974’s Miami. Troiano’s resignation turned out to be a blessing in disguise, though, as Tommy Bolin, the guitarist who took over for him (reportedly on Walsh’s advice), immediately gave the band new energy. In order to join the Guess Who, Troiano left the group, leaving the James Gang’s guitar position open once more. Although Straight Shooter and Passin’ Thru, two subpar albums released back-to-back in 1972, proved unsuccessful in growing the group’s fan base, Walsh’s shoes remained difficult to replace. Fox decided to continue the band’s existence once again and added Roy Kenner (vocals) and Domenic Troiano as new band members (guitar). Walsh left the group at the same time as the release of a live album later that year (Live in Concert), first concentrating on solo work before joining one of the biggest bands of the ’70s, the Eagles. He was able to persevere for another excellent studio album, Thirds from 1971, which gave rise to “Walk Away,” another great rock radio staple. Walsh was growing less interested in the James Gang even though it seemed like they were just finding their footing he was eager to start a solo career. Pete Townshend began to speak out in favor of Walsh’s guitar prowess, while the Who simultaneously embarked on a European tour with the James Gang. Peters quickly proved to be the missing link, as proven by the band’s follow-up album, the legendary Rides Again from the 1970s, which gave birth to the rock classic “Funk #49.” Although the song didn’t quite reach the top of the singles charts when it was first released, it went on to become one of rock’s most instantly recognizable songs and demonstrated Walsh’s skill at writing outstanding guitar riffs. Prior to the group’s second album’s recording sessions, Dale Peters took Kriss’ position, giving the James Gang its final line-up. Bill Szymczyk, a renowned producer, contributed to the album for the first time. The James Gang’s first album, Yer’ Album, was released in 1969, and although it wasn’t a commercial success, it laid the groundwork for their subsequent albums. Fox and Kriss decided to continue with new singer/guitarist Joe Walsh after Schwartz left to join Pacific Gas & Electric. The Gang’s beginnings date back to 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio, when drummer Jim Fox, guitarist Glenn Schwartz, and bassist Tom Kriss joined together to form the band. ![]() The James Gang ultimately fell short of their initial promise because of repeated band changes, while writing some of classic rock radio’s most enduring tunes. The James Gang was arguably the best of the subsequent American crop to appear. The door was opened up for other hard-rocking “trios” in the late 1960s with the rise of Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
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