Joe Walsh isn’t just selling memorabilia—he’s clearing out a lifetime of rock and roll to give back. At 77, the Eagles guitarist is putting more than 800 personal and professional items up for auction, headlined by his legendary 1966 Framus Strato Gold De Luxe 12-String Electric Guitar, the very instrument that powered his breakout solo album Barnstorm. The live auction kicks off December 16–17, 2025, at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, with online bidding through Julien's Auctions. And here’s the twist: every dollar raised goes to VetsAid, the nonprofit Walsh founded in 2017 to support veterans across America.
From the James Gang to The Eagles: A Guitarist’s Journey in Gear
Walsh’s career reads like a rock history textbook. He first made waves with The James Gang in the late 1960s, then exploded as a solo artist with 1973’s So What and its signature hit, “Life’s Been Good.” But it was the Barnstorm era—the 1972 album he recorded after leaving The James Gang—that truly defined his sonic identity. That’s where the Framus guitar comes in. Built with a plywood neck, birdseye maple body, and hidden vibrato mechanism under a gold plate, it was his go-to for live shows and studio cuts. “I wrote a bunch of songs on 12-string,” Walsh said in an official video. “I had to find a guitar that I could play live.” He found it—and it’s now headed to auction.Also up for bid: a 2014 Duesenberg Joe Walsh Signature semi-hollowbody, serial #142361, with Morse code inlays and a unique pickup layout. It was his stage companion during the 2014–2015 tours, including the Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour kick-off on March 26, 2015, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Bidding sits at $3,500 as of now, well below its $4,000–$6,000 estimate.
The $500,000 Console That Recorded Rock History
But the real crown jewel isn’t a guitar—it’s a piece of studio history. The API console from the Record Plant mobile truck that recorded broadcasts of the 1992–1995 Academy Awards, the 1993 Grammys, and VH1’s Storytellers sessions with Tom Petty, Tom Waits, and Sarah McLachlan. That console? Estimated at $250,000–$500,000. It’s not just gear—it’s the sonic backbone of a generation’s most intimate performances. No wonder collectors are salivating.And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The auction includes moon boots, ham radios, amplifiers, stage clothes, and even cars. One standout: a D’Angelico New Yorker NYL-2 hollowbody electric, used during Walsh’s surprise 2012 guest appearance with Sir James Paul McCartney, captured on McCartney’s Live Kisses album. You don’t find that kind of provenance every day.
Auction as Act of Generosity
Walsh’s motivation? Simple. “I have too much stuff,” he said in a press release. “I wanted people to have a chance to get a guitar or something of mine that they may think is valuable. So, it’s my way of giving back.”That generosity runs deep. VetsAid isn’t just a charity he supports—it’s his brainchild. Since 2017, it’s funded housing, mental health services, and job training for veterans in all 50 states. Walsh, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve, knows the cost of service firsthand. “I’ve seen what happens when people come home and no one’s watching,” he told Guitar Player last year. “This auction? It’s not about me. It’s about them.”
What’s Next for Walsh? New Music, The Eagles, and a Cleaner Warehouse
The auction isn’t an end—it’s a new chapter. Walsh plans to release new solo material in 2026, according to Guitar Player. He’ll also continue performing with The Eagles, whose 2025 residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas extends into March 2026. He’s hinted at additional tour dates after that.And yes—he’s already planning to fill that empty warehouse. “Now I’ll have more room,” he joked, “so I can go get more stuff!”
For now, fans can see nearly two dozen items on public display through December 3, 2025, at the Hard Rock Cafe on Broadway in Times Square, New York City. The vibe? A shrine to rock’s quietest revolutionary—a man who turned noise into art, and art into action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Framus 12-string guitar so special?
The 1966 Framus Strato Gold De Luxe 12-string, serial #7638 66B, was Joe Walsh’s primary instrument during the Barnstorm sessions and live shows in 1972–1973. Its unique plywood neck and hidden vibrato mechanism made it durable for touring, while the gold-plated pickups delivered a bright, cutting tone that defined songs like ‘Turn to Stone.’ Only one other example of this model is known to exist, making it a rare artifact in rock history.
How much money is expected to be raised for VetsAid?
While exact projections aren’t public, Julien’s Auctions estimates the total auction value at over $1 million, with the API console alone potentially bringing in half a million. Given Walsh’s track record—his 2019 auction of gear raised $380,000 for VetsAid—this sale could easily surpass $1.2 million, making it the largest single fundraising effort in the nonprofit’s history.
Can the public view the items before the auction?
Yes. From November 15 through December 3, 2025, nearly two dozen key items—including the Framus guitar, Duesenberg signature model, and API console—are on display at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York City. The exhibit is free to the public and open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Online previews are also available on Julien’s Auctions’ website.
Why is this auction happening at the Troubadour?
The Troubadour in West Hollywood is where Walsh first gained national attention in the early 1970s, playing alongside Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne. It’s also where he recorded live demos for Barnstorm and where he reunited with The Eagles in 2001 after his solo hiatus. For Walsh, it’s a symbolic homecoming—the same venue that launched his solo career will now help fund those who served.
Is there a way to bid if I can’t attend in person?
Absolutely. Julien’s Auctions offers live online bidding through their website, JulienAuctions.com, with phone and absentee bids also accepted. Registration is free but required, and bidders must provide proof of identity. The auction will stream live on December 16–17, 2025, with real-time updates and expert commentary from Julien’s specialists.
What happens to items that don’t sell?
Unsold items will remain in Walsh’s personal collection for now, but he’s hinted they may be donated to museums or future charity events. The API console, for example, is considered too historically significant to remain unsold—it’s likely to be acquired by a music institution even if the reserve isn’t met. Walsh has said he’d rather see these artifacts preserved than sit unused in storage.
