Remembering When Vince Gill and Keith Urban Joined Forces To Perform a 1973 Classic Rock Anthem That Helped Raise Over $900,000

Back in December 2023, Vince Gill and Keith Urban joined forces for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s All for the Hall benefit concert. The night featured more than Gill and Urban as HARDY, Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, Riley Green, Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, and numerous others performed. But even with all the star power, nothing compared to when Gill and Urban combined their talents for a cover of Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way.” 

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Even before Gill started to perform, he took a moment to thank all the fans for their continued support of the Country Music Hall of Fame. According to the organization, the idea of the All for the Hall concert was first presented by Gill himself. He urged fellow artists to take part in the celebration to help raise funds for the organization.

While Gill is a top musician in the music industry, he was once just an aspiring artist. And it was Walsh who inspired him. “When I was about a 13- or 14-year-old kid in my room in Oklahoma trying to learn how to play the guitar, this song right here was one of the first songs I ever learned by the great Joe Walsh.” Understanding the impact Walsh had on Gill’s life, the cover of “Rocky Mountain Way” was truly a highlight of his career. 

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Vince Gill Adds His Mark To The Legacy Of Joe Walsh

To make the performance even better was the moment Gill and Urban locked in together, trading guitar licks. With both feeding off each other’s energy, the crowd was witnessing more than a tribute – but two world-class musicians pushing each other to new heights.

Gill’s connection to Walsh went far beyond inspiration and tributes. Gill added his name to the legacy of the Eagles when he replaced Glenn Frey, who passed away in 2016. “For the last seven years, I got me another job. I’ve been working with this band called the Eagles. I tell everybody it’s taken me 60 years to get a good gig. But I’ve had the time of my life and one of the reasons I love doing it so much is because of the great Joe Walsh.” 

Considering Walsh one of “America’s most important rock and roll guitar players”, fans added Gill to that list. “Vince is too humble, he’s right there at the top of the list as both a musician and a vocalist.   Pure God-given talent.”

Although the performance happened years ago, both fans and country music continue to look back on it as one of those unforgettable live moments.

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)