Rock legend Joe Walsh is letting go of half a century of rock and roll relics — not for profit, but for purpose. More than 800 personal items from his career, including stage-worn guitars, custom amplifiers, moon boots, and even a brick-patterned suit, will go under the hammer at 'Life's Been Good: Joe Walsh'The Troubadour in West Hollywood on December 16–17, 2025. The auction, hosted by Julien's Auctions, will benefit VetsAid, the nonprofit Walsh founded in 2017 to support U.S. veterans. And yes, he’s serious about clearing out his warehouse: "I have too much stuff," Walsh says. "Now I can go get more."

From The James Gang to The Eagles — A Life in Collecting

Joe Walsh’s career spans five decades, from his early days with The James Gang to becoming a cornerstone of The Eagles since 1975. As of 2025, he’s marked 50 years with the band — a milestone few in rock have reached. But beyond the hits and the solos, Walsh has spent years amassing a trove of gear that tells the story of his journey. The auction includes his Stage Played Duesenberg Joe Walsh Signature Guitar, Gold Burst with Image, estimated at $15,000–$20,000, complete with its original hardshell case, extra pickups, and even a first-aid kit. Another Duesenberg, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, was used on tour during the 2000s. Then there’s the 1966 Framus 12-string and the D’Angelico New Yorker NYL-2 he played alongside Paul McCartney during a 2012 live performance preserved on McCartney’s Live Kisses album.

A Public Preview in Times Square

Before the auction, fans got their first glimpse of the collection. From November 12 to December 3, 2025, nearly two dozen items were on display at The Hard Rock Cafe in New York City’s Times Square. Among them: a leather jacket worn during the Hotel California tour, a pair of astronaut-style moon boots from the 1977 But Seriously, Folks... era, and a custom denim vest stitched with band patches. "People kept stopping, staring, taking photos," said a Hard Rock employee. "One guy said, ‘I saw him play this guitar in 1979. I never thought I’d see it again.’"

How the Auction Works — And How You Can Bid

Julien’s Auctions is offering four ways to participate: live in-person at The Troubadour, online via JuliensAuctions.com, by phone with a representative, or through absentee bid forms. Bidding opens officially on November 1, 2025. What’s unusual? The auction accepts cryptocurrencies — Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Litecoin, DAI, Bitcoin Cash, and USD Coin. That’s right: you can buy Walsh’s 1970s Fender Twin Reverb amp with crypto. Also available: Limited Edition Box Sets, each containing a collectible card that plays his signature hit, "Life’s Been Good," when opened. Proceeds from these sets also flow to VetsAid. "It’s not just about the guitar," Walsh said. "It’s about the story. The sweat, the smoke, the late nights. I want someone else to hold it and feel that."

Why VetsAid? A Personal Mission

Walsh didn’t start VetsAid as a PR move. His father served in World War II. His cousin died in Vietnam. He’s played benefit shows for veterans since the 1980s. In 2017, he formalized the effort. Since then, VetsAid has raised over $2.3 million and supported more than 80 veteran organizations nationwide — from PTSD counseling in rural Ohio to housing initiatives in California. "We’re not handing out blankets," says VetsAid’s executive director, Michael Ruiz. "We’re funding therapy dogs, job training, suicide prevention hotlines. Joe doesn’t just write checks. He shows up." This year, Walsh will headline the VetsAid music eventIntrust Bank Arena in his birthplace, Wichita, Kansas, on November 15. The lineup includes Vince Gill, Nathaniel Rateliff, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, and Ryan Bingham. The show streams live at veeps.com/vetsaid.

The Bigger Picture: Rock’s Legacy, One Guitar at a Time

Julien’s Auctions has sold Diana’s "Caring Dress," Michael Jackson’s glove, and Marilyn Monroe’s dress. But this auction feels different. It’s not about celebrity spectacle — it’s about authenticity. These aren’t props. They’re tools of creation. The amp Walsh used on "Rocky Mountain Way" still has the scorch marks from a 1973 gig in Cleveland. The hat he wore during the 1984 The Long Run tour? Still smells like cigarette smoke and beer. "There’s a reason collectors pay tens of thousands for this stuff," says music historian Dr. Elena Torres. "It’s not the brand. It’s the touch. The fingerprints. The history. Joe’s giving fans a chance to own a piece of that.

What’s Next for Joe Walsh?

After the auction, Walsh plans to take a short break — then hit the road again. "I’m not retiring," he laughs. "I’m just cleaning house. I’ve got a new pedalboard coming in next month. And I hear there’s a ’65 Telecaster up for sale in Montana." He pauses. "Besides — if I don’t keep collecting, who will?"