Behind The Song: Janda and Christian Talk Notable Guitar Solos! (Part 3) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host: Janda Lane
Guest: Christian Lane
Podcast: Behind The Song by The Drive | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In the third installment of their engaging discussion on notable guitar solos, Janda Lane returns to the "Behind The Song" podcast alongside Christian Lane. Building upon their previous conversation where they contrasted Brian May's and Jerry Garcia's guitar styles, this episode delves deeper into the personalities and technical prowess of legendary guitarists who have shaped classic rock. The focus is on understanding what makes certain guitar solos unforgettable and how these musicians infuse their unique identities into their playing.

Joe Walsh and "Hotel California"

Exploring Personality in Guitar Solos

The episode kicks off with Christian Lane highlighting Joe Walsh's distinctive approach to guitar playing, particularly in his work with the Eagles. He selects "Hotel California" as a prime example to illustrate Walsh's personality-driven solos.

"When I listen to Joe Walsh play, I can hear the smile. I can hear a sense of mischief, if you will." ([01:15])

Christian emphasizes how Walsh's solos contrast with Don Felder's technical prowess. In "Hotel California," Don Felder showcases his intricate skills, while Joe Walsh injects personality through subtle tweaks and playful nuances.

"It's like his personality. It's a wink and it's a grin." ([01:25])

Contrast with Don Felder

Janda adds that Don Felder contributed significantly to the Eagles' sound but eventually departed after the "Hotel California" album. Walsh's addition brought a new energy and "spark" to the band, making their music more dynamic and appealing to a younger audience.

"Joe Walsh added so much. It's the personality, it's the spark, it's the tastiness." ([03:00])

Slide Guitar Mastery

Christian points out that despite not being a fan of slide guitar, he acknowledges Walsh's exceptional skill with it, aligning him with legends like Duane Allman and Jimi Hendrix.

"As a guitar player who doesn't love slide guitar, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Joe Walsh's slide guitar playing is superb." ([05:38])

Mike Campbell and "Running Down a Dream"

Melodic Approach and Technical Prowess

Transitioning to another guitar virtuoso, Christian introduces Mike Campbell from Tom Petty's band, the Heartbreakers. He spotlights Campbell's solo in "Running Down a Dream," praising its melodic foundation and technical execution.

"Mike Campbell is one of the best. He just really is." ([07:00])

Christian describes Campbell's style as rooted in the "George Harrison school of guitar solos," focusing on melody and complementing the song's structure. Campbell's influences range from 60s British Invasion bands to American rock legends, blending melodic sensibility with technical skill.

Supporting Tom Petty

Janda lauds Campbell's role as the backbone of the Heartbreakers, emphasizing his ability to support Tom Petty's vision while infusing his own flair into the music.

"Mike Campbell is the shining example of your criteria for all of these notable guitar solos and the players in question. He supports the song." ([12:00])

The Story Behind the Solo Riff

A memorable moment in the discussion is the anecdote about the creation of the solo riff in "Running Down a Dream." Christian recounts how Jeff Lynne gave Campbell a single note as a prompt, leading Campbell to channel his inner Eric Clapton and produce multiple passionate takes.

"He literally just went nuts three times, and they recorded all three passes, and then they took the best bits." ([10:29])

Janda shares his awe at witnessing Campbell perform "Flight of the Bumblebee" live, comparing his technical display to Eddie Van Halen's virtuosity.

"It was amazing to watch him do the Flight of the Bumblebee, for crying out loud." ([08:59])

Campbell's Dedication and Versatility

Christian praises Campbell's ability to balance technical proficiency with tasteful restraint, ensuring his solos enhance rather than overshadow the song.

"He just knows when to lay out." ([09:00])

Mick Ronson and David Bowie

Underrated Guitar Mastery

Shifting focus to Mick Ronson, Christian underscores his often-overlooked contributions to classic rock, particularly his work with David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars. Ronson's dual role as a guitarist and arranger set him apart in the music industry.

"It's almost a disservice to his memory to just say he's a lead guitar player." ([14:00])

"Moon Age Daydream" Solo

Christian highlights "Moon Age Daydream" as a quintessential example of Ronson's ability to craft guitar solos that resemble string sections, adding a rich, melodic layer to Bowie's experimental sound.

"His solos resemble string parts to me." ([15:32])

Technical Insights

Delving into Ronson's technical approach, Christian explains his use of an unfinished guitar and a Wawa pedal to achieve sustain and tonal variety without relying on excessive gadgetry. This method reflects his practical, workmanlike attitude towards music.

"He uses it strictly for tone... it gives him this whole range of tones live." ([16:00])

Janda reflects on Ronson’s work ethic and his seamless integration of technical skill with artistic expression, making him a vital component of Bowie's sound.

"That's very workmanlike, which he's from Hull, which is... a sort of meat and potatoes town." ([18:35])

Conclusion and Future Teasers

As the conversation wraps up, both hosts express their admiration for the discussed guitarists, acknowledging the profound impact their solos have had on classic rock. They hint at continuing the discussion in future episodes, with a special focus on Mark Knopfler.

"Eventually we're going to get to one of my favorites, Mark Knopfler. We'll get there." ([13:46])

Christian emphasizes the importance of guitar playing in conveying personality and emotion within a band, ensuring that the topic remains endlessly fascinating due to the diversity of styles and approaches.

"There are as many approaches as there are songs practically." ([20:49])

Janda commends Mike Campbell’s versatility and Joe Walsh’s enduring legacy, affirming their status as essential figures in classic rock guitar.

"Mike Campbell, man. I could probably listen to him play guitar." ([21:06])

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Janda and Christian, setting the stage for future deep dives into the world of iconic guitar solos.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Christian Lane on Joe Walsh’s Personality in Solos:
  "When I listen to Joe Walsh play, I can hear the smile. I can hear a sense of mischief, if you will." ([01:15])

• Christian on Joe Walsh's Slide Guitar Skills:
  "As a guitar player who doesn't love slide guitar, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Joe Walsh's slide guitar playing is superb." ([05:38])

• Janda on Mike Campbell’s Supportive Role:
  "Mike Campbell is the shining example of your criteria for all of these notable guitar solos and the players in question. He supports the song." ([12:00])

• Christian on Mick Ronson's String-Like Solos:
  "His solos resemble string parts to me." ([15:32])

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Behind The Song" masterfully blends technical analysis with personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what makes guitar solos memorable. By spotlighting Joe Walsh, Mike Campbell, and Mick Ronson, Janda and Christian celebrate the artistry and individuality that these musicians bring to their craft, reinforcing the guitar's pivotal role in classic rock storytelling.

For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this discussion offers valuable insights into the nuances of guitar playing and its profound impact on iconic rock anthems. Stay tuned for future episodes where Janda and Christian continue to uncover the stories behind the songs that have defined generations.