The Eagles officially disbanded in 1980, marking the end of Joe Walsh's tenure with the group as the band ceased to exist. Walsh did not individually "leave" the band; rather, the entire group decided to quit touring and broke up.
The Band's Hiatus and Breakup
After a period of intense touring and internal tensions, the highly successful rock band The Eagles reached a breaking point. In 1980, following what was later dubbed "The Long Night at Wrong Beach" during a benefit concert, the band decided to cease operations. This collective decision led to an official hiatus that lasted for over a decade, effectively ending Joe Walsh's active involvement with the band until their reunion in 1994.
Joe Walsh's Concurrent Personal Struggles
During and immediately following the Eagles' breakup, Joe Walsh faced significant personal challenges that intensified his period away from the band. His struggles were deeply rooted in addiction, which profoundly impacted his life. Walsh candidly admitted to the severity of his condition during this era:
- He described becoming "about as alcoholic and drug dependent as someone can be."
- Walsh indicated that he "ran with the best of them," highlighting the pervasive nature of substance abuse within his circles.
- Tragically, he noted that "my buddies pretty much all died, and I barely made it back," underscoring the life-threatening extent of his addiction.
- He openly confessed to being "incredibly self-destructive for a long time," illustrating the profound personal battle he endured alongside the band's dissolution.
While these personal struggles continued and were significant during this period, the primary reason for his absence from the Eagles was the band's collective decision to break up in 1980.
