Funk #49

"Funk #49" by James Gang is a classic rock staple from their 1970 album Rides Again, and it’s got some wild stories behind it. The song, written by Joe Walsh, Jim Fox, and Dale Peters, came together as a showcase for Walsh’s electrifying guitar riffs, with minimal lyrics about a wild, untamable girlfriend. Joe Walsh once shared in an interview that he came up with the iconic guitar lick, and while the lyrics didn’t strike him as profound, they just “fit” the vibe. The song’s title is a nod to its predecessor, "Funk #48," from their debut album Yer’ Album, a name their producer Bill Szymczyk said was pulled “out of thin air.” What’s cool is that the track was mostly instrumental, clocking in at 3:54 with only two verses, leaving plenty of room for the band’s raw energy. Walsh later admitted by the mid-’70s he was tired of playing it, but kept it in setlists because fans, like the Zoo Freaks, went nuts for it.

The song’s creation was a true reflection of the three-piece band’s dynamic, with no overdubbing, just pure synergy. Walsh noted they added a percussion middle section, played by all three members, to spice things up, highlighting their tight chemistry. "Funk #49" peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its real legacy is on classic rock radio, where it’s still a mainstay. It’s popped up in films like Rounders, Joe Dirt, and Detroit Rock City, and even in TV shows like Entourage and The Sopranos. Fun fact: there’s a "Funk #50," but it didn’t arrive until 2012 when Walsh reworked the vibe for his solo album Analog Man for ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown. The song’s enduring groove has also inspired covers, like one by Puddle of Mudd and another by Jason Manns featuring Jensen Ackles.

James Gang started in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1966, born from drummer Jim Fox’s vision after he left the local band The Outsiders. Fox, influenced by British Invasion bands like The Beatles and The Who, teamed up with schoolmate Ronnie Silverman on guitar, bassist Tom Kriss, and keyboardist Phil Giallombardo. The early lineup shifted, but the band hit its stride when Joe Walsh joined in 1969, replacing Glenn Schwartz, who Walsh saw as a mentor. Walsh, already a hotshot guitarist in Ohio, brought a new edge to the group. By the time they recorded Rides Again, they were a power trio—Walsh on guitar and vocals, Fox on drums, and Dale Peters, who’d replaced Kriss, on bass. This lean setup forced Walsh to juggle lead and rhythm guitar while singing, a challenge that shaped their raw, high-energy sound.

The band’s big break came when producer Bill Szymczyk signed them to ABC Records after catching a live show in Ohio. Their second album, Rides Again, with "Funk #49" as the lead single, put them on the map, peaking at #20 on the Billboard 200. They toured with heavyweights like The Who, whose guitarist Pete Townshend praised Walsh as America’s best. Despite their success, Walsh left in 1971 after three studio albums, later joining the Eagles, while Fox and Peters carried on with new members until the band dissolved in 1977. The classic trio reunited for shows over the years, including a 2022 performance at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert and a VetsAid charity event in Columbus, Ohio, showing their enduring bond.

You can keep up with James Gang on their official website or follow them on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X. Joe Walsh also shares updates on his solo work and band activities on his own website and socials: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans, or Zoo Freaks looking to connect, can dive into communities like the James Gang Fan Club on Facebook or check out fan-driven sites like James Gang Rides for news, memories, and more.