Legendary Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh and iconic songwriter Jimmy Webb delivered an emotional surprise in Wichita over the weekend, performing a stripped, intimate rendition of “Wichita Lineman” at Walsh’s VetsAid benefit concert — and fans are still talking about it.
Webb posted a video of the performance to Facebook, calling it “an honor” to make a surprise visit for the show and praising Walsh for his longtime support of veterans. The nearly five-minute video drew emotional reactions from fans.
“God Bless Joe for all he does to help out the vets,” Webb wrote.
The collaboration marked a rare live moment between two towering figures in American music — and the fact that it happened in Walsh’s hometown of Wichita only heightened the emotion, given the song’s deep ties to the region and Webb’s long connection to its story.
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Joe Walsh’s VetsAid Returned in 2025 With a Massive Lineup
The performance took place during VetsAid 2025, Walsh’s annual benefit concert supporting veterans and military families. This year’s event brought the festival to Wichita for the first time — a meaningful homecoming for Walsh, who was born there and has long described the city as central to his heritage.
VetsAid 2025 featured full sets from Vince Gill, Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen, and a super-set from Walsh with Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Nathaniel Rateliff, along with surprise appearances like Webb’s.
Walsh, a Gold Star son, founded VetsAid in 2017 to raise money for veterans’ services organizations. Since then, the festival has generated more than $4 million in grants nationwide — and 2025’s proceeds will go to groups based in Kansas or operating locally.
Said Walsh when the 2025 lineup was announced, “It’s been a long-term goal of mine since we began VetsAid nearly ten years ago to bring it all home to my native Wichita to serve Kansan veterans and their families. It’s where my parents were both born and are buried, where I was born and where I will always feel a deep connection and sense of heritage and responsibility.
“It is with great pride and gratitude that our traveling circus of love and community will make a stop in Wichita in 2025 and that I can share the experience with my dear friends who also happen to be some of the greatest American musicians I know: my fellow Eagle Vince Gill, the barnstorming Ryan Bingham, the powerhouse Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks – who also shares family roots in Wichita and the magnificent Nathaniel Rateliff who will make this year’s show not just a show but a revival. Wichita is the place to be this November 15.”
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Fans React to the Emotional ‘Wichita Lineman’ Moment
The duet struck a nerve with viewers — and the comments on Webb’s post reflect just how much “Wichita Lineman” still resonates. Webb originally wrote the song for Glen Campbell in 1968, and it is often called one of the greatest rock/country songs of all time.
One fan wrote, “Jimmy Webb, I grew up in Iola, KS, about an hour and a half from Wichita, and my dad worked for the Rural Electric Company as a lineman. Wichita Lineman brings back wonderful memories of my late dad. Thank you for sharing your performance! ❤️.”
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Another added, “Jimmy is an amazing writer… Their music left an enduring mark on the world. Just imagine your life never having heard ‘Wichita Lineman.’”
A third fan marveled at hearing Walsh interpret the classic, writing, “I would never have put this song together with Joe Walsh. I just love the raw sadness and longing of it!”
Another viewer echoed the song’s most iconic lyric: “’I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time.’ Best line ever in a song… Bless you, Jimmy!!!”
And finally, one fan simply wrote, “I cannot thank you enough for posting this… Chills, right?”
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.