Dallas, Texas – The crowd at the 2019 Crossroads Guitar Festival was already buzzing with excitement, but when Joe Walsh and Vince Gill took the stage together, the atmosphere ignited into something unforgettable. Their scorching rendition of “Rocky Mountain Way” left fans roaring with approval and proved, once again, why these two legends remain iconic figures in American rock and country music.
A Guitar-Driven Moment for the Ages
The Crossroads Guitar Festival, founded by Eric Clapton, has long served as a celebration of guitar excellence. Bringing together the world’s finest players across genres, the festival is not just a concert—it's a cultural touchstone for guitar lovers. Held in Dallas at the American Airlines Center, the 2019 edition of this legendary gathering boasted a jaw-dropping lineup that included John Mayer, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sheryl Crow, and Clapton himself.
Yet, amid this dazzling roster, one performance in particular left an indelible mark on both the stage and the hearts of those in attendance.
Joe Walsh—rock royalty, Eagles guitarist, and solo pioneer—joined forces with country great Vince Gill for an explosive take on “Rocky Mountain Way,” a track originally released by Walsh in 1973. The performance wasn’t just nostalgic—it was raw, electric, and full of passion.
Vince Gill and Joe Walsh: A Brotherhood Beyond Music
The collaboration between Vince Gill and Joe Walsh wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment pairing. It was a reunion of two bandmates from the Eagles, a band both men have called home for years. Gill joined the Eagles following the death of Glenn Frey, stepping into one of rock’s most revered lineups with grace and precision. Joe Walsh, of course, has been a cornerstone of the group since the mid-70s, bringing his unique blend of bluesy rock guitar and offbeat humor.
In interviews, Gill has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Walsh. In fact, he’s often cited Walsh as one of his earliest guitar heroes. Speaking to American Songwriter, Gill once reflected: “One of the first songs I ever learned on the guitar was ‘Rocky Mountain Way.’ Joe was—and still is—one of America’s most important rock and roll guitar players.”
This deep personal respect and musical kinship were palpable in their Crossroads Festival performance. From the first riff to the final chord, Gill and Walsh communicated through their instruments like two old friends swapping stories. Their chemistry was undeniable—and the audience could feel it.
‘Rocky Mountain Way’ Comes Alive
Originally released in 1973 on Joe Walsh’s album The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get, “Rocky Mountain Way” has become one of the defining rock anthems of the 20th century. Its iconic talk box intro, laid-back groove, and soaring guitar solos turned it into a staple of classic rock radio and live shows for decades.
But the version played at Crossroads wasn’t just a replay of the original. It was something more—a gritty, soul-shaking resurrection of the track that emphasized both Gill’s tasteful country-meets-blues licks and Walsh’s signature rock swagger. The tone was raw, the solos fierce, and the vocals delivered with unmistakable fire.
The crowd, composed of die-hard guitar enthusiasts and casual fans alike, responded with unrestrained enthusiasm. Phones lit up as audience members captured the moment, while others stood in awe, letting the music wash over them like a sonic tidal wave.
The Crossroads Festival: A Celebration of Guitar Legends
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival has become an institution since its inception in 1999. Designed not only to showcase world-class guitarists but also to raise funds for Clapton’s Crossroads Centre—an addiction treatment center in Antigua—the festival carries a deeply personal and humanitarian mission.
The 2019 event in Dallas was a two-day celebration of all things guitar. With performances by blues legends like Buddy Guy, rock virtuosos like Gary Clark Jr., and jam-band icons like Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, the festival offered a cross-genre journey through six strings and soul.
But what made the Walsh-Gill moment stand out wasn’t just the song—it was the storytelling. It was two generations of music—country and rock—blending seamlessly into one explosive moment of truth on stage.
Fans React: “This Was the Highlight of the Festival”
As clips of the performance circulated on YouTube and social media, fans from around the world chimed in with praise.
“Joe Walsh still shreds like he’s 25,” one fan commented on YouTube.“Vince Gill just proved he can stand toe-to-toe with any rock guitarist out there,” another user noted.
Many in attendance labeled it the highlight of the entire festival—no small feat considering the caliber of talent sharing the stage that weekend.
A Tribute to Longevity and Evolution
In many ways, the performance of “Rocky Mountain Way” was a tribute to the resilience and evolution of American music. Joe Walsh has seen decades of trends come and go, yet he remains a force of nature—unfiltered, raw, and authentically himself. Vince Gill, with his smooth tenor voice and masterful guitar chops, has evolved from country crooner to genre-spanning maestro.
Their duet at the Crossroads Festival wasn’t just a moment of showmanship. It was a statement: great music transcends categories, and great artists never stop growing.