<b> From Clay, KF8UI </b>

Here is an interesting post, something that caught my attention. Many of you know of the rock guitarist Joe Walsh. Initially with the “James Gang”, Joe joined “The Eagles” in 1975 and is still an active member of that band. What you probably did not know (and the tie to this post) is that Joe is an active amateur ham radio operator, as are a little over 1/4 of the MAARC members.

A lifelong licensed ham radio operator with the call sign WB6ACU, Joe developed his passion for amateur as a teen in NYC, learning Morse code and gaining technical skills that aided his music career. He has even incorporating CW into his albums and authored the theme song for the “Ham Nation” podcast. He’s known for his love of vintage gear, connecting with other hams globally, and promoting the hobby through projects like bringing ham radio into schools.

Joe got started in ham radio in his early teens after moving from Ohio to New York City around 1959/1960. Joe felt lonely until he found an antenna on his apartment roof, leading him to meet Jim Walden (W2IY/K2EY), who mentored him into the hobby. Learning Morse code (a requirement for all ham radio licenses at the time) he obtained his novice license in 1961 (WV2KAC). He now holds an Amateur Extra Class license.

Joe enjoys vintage Collins and Hallicrafters gear, running high-power AM transmitters, and also uses modern Icom equipment. He has put Morse code (CW) messages in songs like “Register and Vote”, participates in AM nets on the West Coast, and is involved with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) “Big Project” for schools.

Walsh credits ham radio with giving him technical skills that helped him fix broken musical equipment on tour and helped him make friends worldwide, changing his life for the better.

Are you (or have you thought about becoming) a licensed amateur radio operator? What aspect of that hobby intrigues you?