Complete List Of James Gang Band Members

James Gang formed in 1966 and throughout their eleven-year existence released eight studio albums while cycling through multiple lineups anchored by drummer Jimmy Fox. The band achieved their greatest commercial success with the classic power trio formation featuring Joe Walsh on guitar and vocals alongside Dale Peters on bass from 1969 to 1971. Despite disbanding in early 1977, their influence continues through the occasional reunions of their most celebrated lineup, with their songs like “Funk 49” and “Walk Away” remaining staples of classic rock radio to this day.

The band’s recording output spanned from their 1969 debut “Yer’ Album” through their final studio release “Jesse Come Home” in 1976. James Gang achieved moderate chart success with several albums reaching gold status and singles climbing into the Billboard Hot 100. While they never reached the stratospheric heights of contemporaries like Led Zeppelin or The Who, James Gang carved out their own distinctive niche in the hard rock landscape. Their legacy lives on not just through their recorded works but through the subsequent careers of members who went on to join legendary acts like the Eagles and Deep Purple, cementing their place as an influential stepping stone in rock history.

What made James Gang particularly notable was their ability to serve as a launching pad for guitar talent. The band introduced two exceptional guitarists to the rock world – Joe Walsh, who would become a superstar with the Eagles, and Tommy Bolin, whose brief but brilliant career included stints with Deep Purple. This revolving door of guitar virtuosos, combined with the steady rhythm section foundation, created a unique musical laboratory that produced some of the most memorable riffs and songs of the early 1970s hard rock era.

Joe Walsh

Joe Walsh joined James Gang in early 1968 and immediately transformed the Cleveland-based group into a nationally recognized hard rock force. Born Joseph Fidler Walsh on November 20, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, he had already been playing with local Ohio bands when he knocked on Jimmy Fox’s door to audition for the recently departed Glenn Schwartz’s guitar spot. Walsh’s arrival coincided with his taking over lead vocal duties as well, creating the definitive James Gang sound that would make them famous.

Walsh’s tenure with James Gang lasted from 1968 to 1971 and encompassed their most successful period, including three studio albums and one live recording. His guitar work on “Yer’ Album” (1969) showcased his innovative approach to hard rock, but it was “James Gang Rides Again” (1970) that truly established his reputation. The album’s standout track “Funk 49” became a radio favorite and demonstrated Walsh’s ability to craft memorable riffs. His contributions to “Thirds” (1971) and “Live in Concert” (1971) further cemented his status as one of rock’s premier guitarists.

After leaving James Gang in 1971, Walsh formed Barnstorm with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli, though both albums were credited as Walsh solo efforts. His solo career flourished with albums like “The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get” (1973), which featured the hit “Rocky Mountain Way,” and “So What” (1974). In December 1975, Walsh joined the Eagles, bringing a gritty rock edge to their sound and contributing to their career-defining album “Hotel California” (1976). His biggest solo hit came with “Life’s Been Good” (1978), which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rolling Stone ranked Walsh number 54 on their list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, and he has remained active with the Eagles while maintaining his solo career, releasing twelve solo studio albums over five decades.

Jimmy Fox

Jimmy Fox stands as the founding father and only constant member throughout James Gang’s entire eleven-year existence from 1966 to 1977. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 24, 1947, Fox studied music at Ohio State University, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Kent State University before fully committing to rock music after discovering the Beatles in 1963. He had previously played with Cleveland-area band The Outsiders, temporarily rejoining them after their hit “Time Won’t Let Me” when their drummer was drafted.

Fox formed James Gang in 1966 with schoolmate Ronnie Silverman and worked with various lineups and lead guitarists until the arrival of Joe Walsh in early 1968. Throughout the band’s most successful period from 1969-1971, Fox provided the rhythmic foundation that allowed Walsh’s guitar heroics to flourish. Beyond his drumming duties, Fox also contributed keyboards, percussion, and backing vocals to the band’s sound. His jazz and blues influences, stemming from his classical training and admiration for drummers like Art Blakey, gave James Gang’s rhythm section a sophistication that set them apart from their hard rock contemporaries.

After Walsh’s departure, Fox remained determined to continue James Gang, overseeing multiple lineup changes and six more albums from 1972-1976. When the band finally disbanded in early 1977, Fox took a six-month break and considered his options, ultimately moving into music business management with the Belkin firm. His impressive session credits include work with Eric Clapton (“Steady Rollin’ Man” from “461 Ocean Boulevard”), B.B. King, Stephen Stills, and Chuck Mangione. Outside music, Fox became a renowned collector of automobile license plates, authoring the definitive book “License Plates of the United States” and serving as an officer of the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association. He has participated in every James Gang reunion since 1991, most recently performing at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts in 2022.

Dale Peters

Dale Peters joined James Gang in October 1969, replacing original bassist Tom Kriss just before the recording sessions for “James Gang Rides Again.” Fox knew Peters from their college days at Ohio State University, where Peters had actually replaced Fox in a different band years earlier. Born and raised in Ohio, Peters had been playing with a Cleveland group called Case of E.T. Hooley when Fox called him to join James Gang.

Peters’ musical chemistry with Walsh and Fox was immediate and natural, with Peters noting they had “the same record collections” and “liked the exact same kind of music”. His bass work became integral to James Gang’s most beloved songs, co-writing classics like “Funk 49” and contributing to the groove-heavy foundation that defined their sound. Peters was a versatile player who also composed, sang, and doubled on keys, guitar, and percussion, with his extended bass improvisation on “Lost Woman” from “Live In Concert” demonstrating his technical abilities.

Peters remained with James Gang throughout all of their post-Walsh incarnations from 1971 to 1977, providing continuity alongside Fox through the various guitarist and vocalist changes. After James Gang’s dissolution, Peters moved to New York and worked for Westwood One, a nationally syndicated radio company, where he was involved in recording major artists including Madonna, The Police, Peter Gabriel, and many others. The company produced the “Farm Aid” events and various concert series, with Peters working on Van Halen’s “Live Without A Net” album, which became the best-selling live DVD at the time. Peters has consistently participated in James Gang reunions and continues to play occasionally while maintaining a home studio for recording projects.

Tommy Bolin

Tommy Bolin replaced Domenic Troiano as James Gang’s guitarist in August 1973, bringing a fusion-influenced style that would briefly revitalize the band’s fortunes. Born Thomas Richard Bolin on August 1, 1951, in Sioux City, Iowa, he had already established himself as a formidable guitarist through his work with Colorado band Zephyr and his stunning performance on Billy Cobham’s jazz-fusion masterpiece “Spectrum” (1973). Jon Lord of Deep Purple called Spectrum “an utterly astounding album,” praising Bolin’s improvised guitar work.

Joe Walsh reportedly recommended Bolin for the James Gang position, and his arrival immediately energized the band. His first album with the group, “Bang” (1973), featured many songs from Bolin’s personal catalog, including material he had written for his previous band Energy. Bolin also took on lead vocal duties for the first time, while his guitar work incorporated elements of blues-rock, fusion, funk, and heavy metal. The follow-up album “Miami” (1974) showcased his growing experimental tendencies, but Bolin became disillusioned with the band’s musical direction and left abruptly by simply not showing up for scheduled performances.

After leaving James Gang, Bolin was contacted by Deep Purple to replace Ritchie Blackmore, joining the legendary British band in 1975. He worked simultaneously on his solo debut “Teaser” and Deep Purple’s “Come Taste the Band,” both released in late 1975. His second solo album “Private Eyes” was released in September 1976, and he began touring with acts like Peter Frampton and Jeff Beck. Tragically, Bolin died of an overdose on December 4, 1976, in Miami at age 25, just as his career was reaching new heights. His influence continues through guitarists like Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, and Sonny Landreth, who cite him as a major inspiration.

Tom Kriss

Tom Kriss served as James Gang’s original bassist from the band’s formation in 1966 through October 1969, appearing on their debut album “Yer’ Album.” Kriss had grown increasingly dissatisfied with the band’s musical direction, telling Fox and Walsh in a band meeting: “I hate this band. I hate the music we’re making. I don’t think I can play it anymore”. His departure came just as the band was poised for their breakthrough success.

Kriss left the band after his father George was diagnosed with lung cancer, having been exposed to industrial carcinogens during his work at Alcoa for years. Tom Kriss himself later died from cancer on May 6, 2013, at age 63. While his time with James Gang was relatively brief, Kriss provided the bass foundation during their formative period and contributed backing vocals to their early material. His departure proved fortuitous for the band, as replacement Dale Peters would prove to be a perfect musical fit for the group’s most successful era.

Roy Kenner

Roy Kenner joined James Gang as lead vocalist in early 1972 following Joe Walsh’s departure, alongside guitarist Domenic Troiano. Both musicians came from the Canadian bands Mandala and Bush, bringing a different musical sensibility to James Gang’s sound. Kenner possessed a powerful voice well-suited to hard rock, and his additions of harmonica and percussion expanded the band’s sonic palette beyond the simple power trio format.

Kenner’s tenure with James Gang lasted from 1972 to September 1974, encompassing two studio albums: “Straight Shooter” (1972) and “Passin’ Thru” (1972). While these albums failed to achieve the commercial success of the Walsh era, they showcased Kenner’s versatile vocal abilities and his capacity to handle both aggressive rockers and more melodic material. Kenner left the group in September 1974 to return to his native Toronto, with the band planning to find a replacement, but Tommy Bolin also departed shortly after. After leaving James Gang, Kenner joined the Ohio-based band LAW, later worked with Domenic Troiano again, and spent many years doing voice-over session work in Canada.

Domenic Troiano

Domenic Troiano served as James Gang’s guitarist from early 1972 to August 1973, replacing Joe Walsh alongside new vocalist Roy Kenner. Born in Italy in 1945, Troiano had established himself in the Canadian music scene with bands Mandala and Bush before joining the Cleveland rockers. His guitar style differed significantly from Walsh’s, incorporating more traditional hard rock and blues elements while maintaining technical proficiency.

Troiano appeared on two James Gang albums: “Straight Shooter” (1972) and “Passin’ Thru” (1972). His guitar work was solid and professional, providing both lead lines and rhythm support, while he also contributed backing and occasional lead vocals. Troiano left James Gang in August 1973 to join The Guess Who, following his desire to work with a more established and successful band. His replacement would be the young guitar virtuoso Tommy Bolin. Troiano died on May 25, 2005, having maintained an active career in Canadian music throughout his life, including his successful stint with The Guess Who and various solo projects.

Phil Giallombardo

Phil Giallombardo served two separate tenures as James Gang’s lead vocalist and keyboardist, first as a founding member from 1966-1968 and later returning for the band’s final incarnation from 1975-1977. As one of the original members who helped form the band alongside Jimmy Fox, Tom Kriss, and Ronnie Silverman, Giallombardo provided keyboards and lead vocals during James Gang’s early developmental period before leaving in 1968.

Giallombardo rejoined the band in late 1975, replacing vocalist Robert “Bubba” Keith for the final album “Jesse Come Home” (1976). His return represented an attempt to recapture some of the band’s original spirit during their declining years. Throughout both periods with the band, Giallombardo contributed keyboards and vocals, though James Gang achieved their greatest success during the intervening period when he was not with the group. His contributions to “Jesse Come Home” marked the end of James Gang’s studio recording career, as the band disbanded shortly after its release in early 1977.

Glenn Schwartz

Glenn Schwartz served as James Gang’s lead guitarist from late 1966 to late 1967, bridging the gap between the band’s formation and Joe Walsh’s arrival. Schwartz was considered “a bit of legend in Cleveland” and was known as a guitarist who “could play better behind his back than most guys could play regularly”. He had just returned from serving in the Army in Germany when Jimmy Fox recruited him for the newly formed James Gang.

Around Christmas 1967, Schwartz decided to leave the band to move to California, where he ended up forming the band Pacific Gas & Electric. Schwartz died in 2018, having maintained a career in music throughout his life. His brief tenure with James Gang occurred during their pre-recording contract days, but his influence helped establish the band’s initial direction toward blues-based hard rock. In 2016, recordings from 1967 featuring Schwartz, Fox, and Tom Kriss were released as the “Schwartz-Fox Blues Crusade,” capturing a Sunday morning jam session that demonstrated the blues foundation underlying James Gang’s later success.

Robert “Bubba” Keith

Robert “Bubba” Keith served as James Gang’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist during 1975, appearing on the album “Newborn.” Keith joined the band during their post-Tommy Bolin reorganization when Fox and Peters were attempting to rebuild James Gang’s lineup once again. His tenure was relatively brief, lasting only through 1975 before being replaced by returning original member Phil Giallombardo.

Keith’s vocal style was well-suited to hard rock, and he also contributed rhythm guitar to complement lead guitarist Richard Shack’s playing. “Newborn” represented another attempt to revitalize James Gang’s commercial fortunes, though it failed to achieve significant chart success. After leaving James Gang, Keith went on to play for England Dan & John Ford Coley and later served as lead vocalist for the band Point Blank. His brief time with James Gang came during one of the band’s most transitional periods, as they struggled to find a stable lineup and recapture their earlier success.

Bob Webb

Bob Webb joined James Gang as lead guitarist in 1975, replacing Richard Shack for the band’s final album “Jesse Come Home” (1976). Webb’s arrival coincided with Phil Giallombardo’s return to the band as vocalist, creating the lineup that would close out James Gang’s original run. His guitar work on “Jesse Come Home” demonstrated solid technical skills, though the album failed to generate significant commercial interest.

Interestingly, Webb had previously made a guest appearance on James Gang’s “Thirds” album in 1971, contributing to one track during the Walsh era. This prior connection to the band likely influenced his selection when they needed a new guitarist in 1975. After James Gang disbanded in early 1977, Webb went on to play in Jay Ferguson’s band, continuing his career as a professional musician. His tenure with James Gang, while brief, represented the band’s final attempt to continue as a recording and touring entity.

Richard Shack

Richard Shack served as James Gang’s lead guitarist during 1975, playing alongside vocalist Robert “Bubba” Keith, bassist Dale Peters, and drummer Jimmy Fox on the album “Newborn.” Shack brought solid guitar skills to the band during another of their many personnel changes, contributing both lead guitar work and backing vocals to their sound.

Shack’s time with James Gang was relatively short-lived, as he was replaced by Bob Webb by the end of 1975. “Newborn” marked another attempt by the remaining core members Fox and Peters to revitalize the James Gang name and sound, though like other post-Walsh efforts, it failed to achieve significant commercial success. Little is known about Shack’s career after leaving James Gang, as he did not achieve the same level of recognition as some of the band’s other guitarists. His contributions to “Newborn” represent his primary recorded legacy with the group.

Bill Jeric

Bill Jeric served as James Gang’s rhythm guitarist from mid-1967 to early 1968, playing alongside Glenn Schwartz on lead guitar during the band’s pre-fame period. Jeric replaced Ronnie Silverman when Silverman left to join the army, maintaining the dual-guitar lineup that characterized James Gang’s early formation. His tenure bridged the gap between the band’s initial formation and their eventual transformation into the power trio format.

Jeric’s time with James Gang ended in early 1968 when Joe Walsh joined the band and the group transitioned away from the dual-guitar format. During his months with the band, James Gang was still developing their sound and working toward securing a recording contract. Jeric’s contributions occurred during James Gang’s formative period, before they achieved any recording success or national recognition. His departure coincided with the band’s evolution into their most successful configuration.

Ronnie Silverman

Ronnie Silverman was among James Gang’s founding members in 1966, serving as rhythm guitarist alongside drummer Jimmy Fox, keyboardist Phil Giallombardo, bassist Tom Kriss, and lead guitarist Greg Grandillo. Silverman left the band in mid-1967 to join the army and was replaced by Bill Jeric. However, he briefly returned to the band in May-June 1968, playing rhythm guitar alongside Joe Walsh’s lead guitar before the band settled into their power trio format.

Silverman’s involvement with James Gang occurred entirely during their pre-recording contract period, so he did not appear on any of their studio albums. His contributions were primarily during the band’s developmental phase as they worked to establish their sound and lineup. After his final departure from James Gang in mid-1968, the band transformed into the power trio format that would bring them their greatest success. Silverman’s dual stints with the band bookended their transition from a traditional rock band lineup to the streamlined three-piece format.

Greg Grandillo

Greg Grandillo served as James Gang’s original lead guitarist when the band formed in 1966, playing alongside founding members Jimmy Fox, Phil Giallombardo, Tom Kriss, and Ronnie Silverman. His tenure was brief, lasting only through 1966 before being replaced by other guitarists as the band worked to establish their lineup and musical direction.

Grandillo’s time with James Gang predated their recording career and occurred during their initial formation period in Cleveland. Like other early members, his contributions came during the band’s developmental phase as they worked toward achieving a stable lineup and securing a recording contract. His departure was part of the series of lineup changes that eventually led to the arrival of Joe Walsh and James Gang’s transformation into a nationally successful rock band. Little is documented about Grandillo’s career after leaving James Gang, as his involvement occurred before the band achieved any significant recognition.