How Joe Walsh’s “In The City” went from Warriors to Eagles - Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles

Summary

Behind The Song: How Joe Walsh’s “In The City” Went from Warriors to Eagles

Episode Release Date: January 25, 2023
Host: Janda Lane | The Drive | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda Lane delves into the intriguing journey of Joe Walsh’s track “In The City.” This song not only showcases Walsh’s distinctive guitar prowess but also highlights his dynamic role within the Eagles. Through a detailed exploration, Janda uncovers the song’s origins, its connection to the cult classic film The Warriors, and its transformation into a staple of the Eagles’ repertoire.

Joe Walsh: A Rock Icon

Joe Walsh is celebrated as one of rock music’s most colorful characters. From his early days with the James Gang to his influential tenure with the Eagles, and his successful solo career, Walsh's guitar style is instantly recognizable. His vibrant personality is equally legendary, marked by remarkable life events and personal triumphs. Some highlights of his life include:

Academic and Political Aspirations: Joe was a student at Kent State University during the tragic 1970 massacre and famously ran for president before he was even eligible, showcasing his unconventional spirit.
Personal Life: Walsh has been married five times and faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his daughter Emma in a car accident and overcoming a severe drug and alcohol addiction after a revelatory experience in New Zealand.
Musical Collaborations and Legacy: Taught slide guitar by Duane Allman, conducted numerous collaborations with artists like Ringo Starr and Foo Fighters, and played a pivotal role in shaping the Eagles' sound after joining them in 1975.

The Birth of “In The City”

Geographical Coincidence and Collaboration

The creation of “In The City” is a story of serendipitous geography. Barry Devorzin, a seasoned songwriter with credits spanning from the late ‘50s to TV shows like The Young and the Restless, was commissioned to score the 1979 film The Warriors. Coincidentally, Joe Walsh was Devorzin’s next-door neighbor in Santa Barbara. Recognizing Walsh’s talent, Devorzin invited him to co-write the end title song for the movie.

Janda notes at [05:30]:

“Barry Devorzin got the call to write the score for The Warriors while living in Santa Barbara. Joe Walsh, his next-door neighbor, was the perfect collaborator.”

Integration into The Warriors Soundtrack

Walsh’s “In The City” was crafted specifically for The Warriors, a film that portrayed a New York street gang’s perilous journey from the Bronx to Coney Island. The song perfectly encapsulates the gang’s struggles and ultimate triumph as they reach their home turf. Its powerful rock elements align seamlessly with the movie’s intense narrative, especially during the final scene where the warriors arrive at Coney Island.

Transcript Highlight at [08:45]:

“Walsh agreed and recorded 'In The City' as a solo artist. His version plays during the Warriors' arrival in Coney Island, providing a perfect sonic backdrop to their journey.”

From Solo Release to Eagles’ Takeover

Eagles’ Long Run Album Context

At the time of The Warriors release, the Eagles were immersed in creating their sixth studio album, The Long Run. Following the massive success of Hotel California, the band faced burnout and internal challenges, including lineup changes with Randy Meisner’s departure and Timothy B. Schmidt’s addition. Amidst rising genres like disco and punk rock, the Eagles sought to evolve their sound while grappling with creative fatigue.

Acquisition of “In The City”

Impressed by Walsh’s solo release, Eagles’ producer Barry Devorzin received a call from Walsh indicating the band's interest in recording their own version of “In The City.” This collaboration was a rare instance of an outside writer contributing to an Eagles album.

Janda comments at [15:20]:

“Devorzin was delighted to bring in an outside writer for the Eagles. This was a unique move, highlighting the band’s willingness to incorporate fresh elements into their music.”

Release and Reception

Eagles’ rendition of “In The City” was featured on The Long Run, released in the fall of 1979. Although it wasn’t a single, the song gained substantial radio play and became a beloved track among fans. The Long Run itself, the Eagles’ final studio album before their 1980 disbandment, achieved seven-times platinum status and remains a significant part of their legacy.

Key Moment at [20:10]:

“While 'In The City' wasn’t released as a single by the Eagles, it resonated strongly on the radio, contributing to the album’s enduring success.”

Behind the Scenes and Rock Trivia

Vinyl Engravings and Inside Jokes

Original vinyl pressings of The Long Run feature unique engravings in the grooves—a playful nod to their producer Bill Zymczyk, who had a naval background. Side one reads “never let your monster lay down” and side two, “from the Polack who sailed north,” referencing Zymczyk’s past.

Janda shares at [22:50]:

“These engravings were an inside joke about their producer’s history as a sonar operator in the Navy, adding a layer of personal connection to the album.”

Joe Walsh’s Enduring Influence

Beyond his work with the Eagles, Joe Walsh has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 underscores his significant contributions. In 2022, he reunited with the James Gang for a tribute concert honoring Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. His solo projects and collaborations continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

Highlighted Quote at [25:00]:

“‘It's his incredible musicianship that we'll remember, something great whenever he picks up a guitar,’ Janda reflects on Walsh’s lasting legacy.”

Conclusion

Joe Walsh’s “In The City” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to his versatile artistry and the collaborative spirit of rock music. From its genesis in The Warriors to its prominent place in the Eagles’ The Long Run, the track exemplifies Walsh’s ability to blend storytelling with electrifying guitar work. Janda Lane’s exploration in this episode not only celebrates the song’s journey but also honors the enduring legacy of Joe Walsh within the annals of classic rock.

Final Thought at [28:30]:

“In the lyrics to another of his songs, 'Life's Been Good,' Walsh humorously reflects on rock stardom, cementing his reputation as both a talented musician and a charismatic personality.”

Additional Information

For more insights and episodes of Behind The Song, listeners can find Christian Lane’s musical contributions on TikTok and other podcast platforms. Tune in to 97.1FM The Drive or visit wdrv.com to catch Janda live on air weekdays from nine to two in Chicago.

Special Thanks:
Christian Lane for the music featured in these podcast episodes.

If you enjoyed this deep dive into Joe Walsh’s “In The City,” don’t forget to like the episode and subscribe to Behind The Song for more stories behind classic rock’s most iconic tunes.

Transcript

Janda (0:00)

97.1Fm the Drive presents the behind the Song podcast, taking you deeper into classic rock's most timeless tunes. Here's your host, Janda this episode of behind the Song is about a tune co written by one of the great characters of rock history, Joe Walsh. As a member of the James Gang and later the Eagles, and as a successful solo artist or on his many other collaborative projects through the years, you know his guitar playing almost without having to know who you're listening to. It's a feel and a style that sets him apart, and it's as unique as his personality. And what a personality he has. Joe Walsh was a student at Kent State University when the massacre happened in 1970, and he later ran for president before he was even old enough to qualify for the position. He's been married five times, lost a daughter in a terrible car accident, and dated Stevie Nicks, who claims that he was the love of her life. He overcame a drug and alcohol addiction after having an epiphany in New Zealand, he's an amateur radio fan and dj, and he was taught to play slide guitar by none other than Duane Allman. And it was his addition to the Eagles in 1975 that gave the band a new dimension, a rock and roll wildness that resonated with fans in a new way. Even though Don Henley thought he was maybe a little too wild for the band at first, Joe Walsh was the salt in the stew, and while he didn't always sing lead on Eagles songs, he certainly did get a few in there. This is the story of in the City, a song he co wrote for the soundtrack the 1979 film the warriors and released as a solo artist and a song that was then quickly re recorded and re released by the Eagles that same year for what would be their final studio album, the Long Run. And if you liked this episode, don't forget to give it a like at the end and hit that subscribe button. The story of how the song came to be written in the first place is a result of geography, beginning with songwriter Barry devorzin, who was hired by the studio producing the film to write the score for the Warriors. Now this next section includes spoilers, so if you haven't seen the warriors hit pause on this episode, go watch the movie and then come back. Devorzin had a long pedigree in music, having written hit songs going back to the late 50s. He signed the association to a record deal in the 60s, among other things, and had written music for the Carpenters and for TV shows like the Young and the Restless. With a long list of composing credits in TV and movies, Devorsen was brought on to score the music for what would be the cult classic thriller the Warriors. The movie centers around a New York street gang called the warriors who are framed for the murder of a rival street gang leader and must travel from the Bronx to their home turf in Coney island, escaping retribution from other rather terrifying gangs along the way, and by the voice of a faceless radio DJ who chronicles the whereabouts of the gangs and even helps put out a hit on the warriors over the airwaves. The weekend after the movie was released, violence at movie theaters in Southern California and in Boston resulted in three deaths and extra security had to be hired for the showings in hundreds of theaters across the country. Paramount Studios had to change their advertising for the film and pay costs to the theaters for the security and the damages. The violence and the turf wars on the screen resonated with real life gangs who flocked to the movie and acted out accordingly because of the danger around showing the film. It didn't make a lot of money at the box office, but it did end up being one of the most controversial and most popular pulp films ever made. Its reach is long. Video games, books, board games and more have been inspired by the Warriors. It was the subject of a Simpsons TV show episode and even the name of the band the Outfield was inspired by one of the opposing gangs in the film, a rival gang to the warriors named the Baseball Furies. Of course, none of this could have been foreseen by Barry Devorzin who got the call to write the score for it while living in Santa Barbara. In a happy coincidence of geography, Joe Walsh just happened to be his next door neighbor and he thought to call Walsh up to see if he wanted to to co write the end title song for the warriors film. Walsh agreed and recorded in the city as a solo artist. His version plays as the warriors finally arrive on their home turf in Coney island in the last scene of the film, queued up by the radio DJ who had formerly helped put out a hit on the warriors gang, who now announced that the big alert had been called off. It's the perfect ending song for this movie, summing up the struggles of the gang as they made their dangerous miles long trek home, strolling onto the beach at Coney island as the sun came up over the ocean. And because it's Joe Walsh, it's a rocker too. The lyrics go like this. Somewhere out on that horizon, out beyond the neon lights, I know there must Be something better but there's nowhere else in sight it's survival in the city when you live from day to day City streets don't have much pity when you're down, that's where you'll stay I was born here in the city with my back against the wall Nothing grows and life ain't pretty no one's there to catch you when you fall Somewhere out on that horizon Far away from the neon sky I know there must be something better and I can't stay another night While the song is inarguably perfect for this movie, Walsh didn't release it as a single himself, although his version was included on the soundtrack for the warriors, which was released in the spring of 1979, just after the film came out. Now, at that same time, the Eagles were working on their sixth studio album, the Long Run. That album was the follow up to their hugely successful Hotel California album, and it took over 18 months to record and release. After Hotel California and the subsequent tour, the band were burned out, overworked, and were now, in 1979, dealing with the competitive rise of both disco and punk rock in popular music, two genres that they absolutely hated. Their famous infighting had resulted in Randy Meisner leaving the band, who was replaced by Timothy B. Schmidt. Don Felder was on his way out too, although he remained a part of the band for the recording of the Long Run, intended to be a double album, the Eagles found that they didn't have enough songs to complete that vision, even though they had contributing help from JD Souther and from Bob Seger, who co wrote the sole number one hit on that album, Heartache Tonight. So Barry Devorsen got a call from Joe Walsh letting him know that the Eagles were now interested in recording a version of the song that he had just written with Walsh for the Warriors. And of course Devorzin was delighted. He became one of the very few outside writers to have a writing credit on an Eagles album. When the Eagles version of in the City was released on the Long Run in the fall of 1979, just a few months after Walsh's version came out on the warriors soundtrack, it is track three on side one of the Long Run. While in the City was never released by the Eagles as a single, it became popular on the radio anyway. The Long Run was the final studio album the Eagles recorded for Asylum Records, and the last before they disbanded in 1980. It has since gone seven times platinum. On a side note, on original pressings of the vinyl copies of the Long Run, you'll find the following text engraved in the grooves, something the Eagles did as an inside joke on first pressings going back to the mid-70s. Side one says never let your monster lay down, and side two says from the Polack who sailed north. That side two engraving may be a nod to their longtime producer Bill Zymczyk, who worked with the James Gang and then the Eagles throughout the 70s and continued to work with Joe Walsh after their 1980 breakup. Zymck wasn't a musician himself and got his start after taking some audio production classes while serving as a sonar operator in the Navy as part of his military training. Thus the inside joke about their producer, the former sailor. It's a good little bit of rock trivia. The Eagles regrouped in the late 90s, of course, and Joe Walsh has released solo projects before and after their disbanding and regrouping, along with collaborating with other artists ranging from Ringo Starr to the Foo Fighters and, of course, on his bandmate Don Henley's hugely popular solo offerings. He overcame personal tragedy when his eldest daughter, Emma, was killed in a car crash at 3 years old in 1974, and he's been in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction since 1993, recovery that he credits to a light bulb going off in his head while visiting an ancient site in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region while on tour with a reggae band there in the late 80s. When he ran for president of the United States in 1980 at age 32, three years short of the required age of 35 to qualify, he promised free gas for everyone as his way of creating election awareness, and then he ran for vice president in 1992 with a peculiar New Orleans musician named the Reverend Goat Carson on the top of the ticket with the slogan we want our money back. As a member of the Eagles, Joe Walsh was inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame in 1998, and his influence on artists who came after him continues to be as strong as ever. He reunited with the James gang in 2022 to perform in a tribute concert for one of the James Gang's biggest fans, the late Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. In the lyrics to another Joe Walsh song, Life's Been Good, which was coinc featured in the soundtrack to another film, FM Walsh says they say I'm crazy, but I have a good time. Those words were his satirical take on rock stardom from a guy who knows everything about being a rock star and a musician in a rock and roll band. While he's sometimes known as the Clown Prince of rock for his off the cuff statements and take it or leave it personality. It's his incredible musicians that we'll remember that we recognize as something great whenever he picks up a guitar because it was Joe Walsh who also said the song tells me what to play. I'm Janda and this has been behind the song. Special thanks as always to Christian Lane for the music you hear on these podcast episodes. Check him out on TikTok and everywhere you get your podcasts and you can find me on the air at wdrv and wdrv.com in Chicago from nine to two weekdays. On the way, much more classic rock and roll.