The Untold Truth Of Joe Walsh

May 2024 · 2 minute read

In the annals of rock music history, there have been scores of supergroups formed by members of already well-established bands. Some of these acts, such as Cream, end up creating unforgettable tunes and certified chart hits. Other supergroups — again, using Cream as an example — burn out after just a few years when it becomes obvious they simply can't get along. Joe Walsh's early-'90s supergroup never had any big hits (or original songs, for that matter) nor did they fall apart due to one epic beef or another. In fact, they only lasted a few weeks before going their separate ways.

As recalled by Rolling Stone, the band was simply known as the Best, and it featured Walsh and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers) on guitars, John Entwistle (The Who) on bass, Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) on keyboards, Simon Phillips (Judas Priest, The Who, Toto, etc.) on drums, and session musician Rick Livingstone on vocals. The band played a series of dates in Japan in September 1990, and they specialized in covers of tracks from the bands that made each instrumentalist famous, including, but not limited to the Eagles' "Life in the Fast Lane," Steely Dan's "Reelin' in the Years," and ELP's adaptation of Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man."

Commenting on the Best's live act, Rolling Stone opined that Livingstone — by far the least-known member — was the "only weak link" in the supergroup. However, the publication also argued that "asking anyone to be Don Henley, Roger Daltrey, Donald Fagen, and Greg Lake all at once is just too much." Fair point indeed.

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