James Gang Reignite Classic Rock Fire with “Funk #49” on The Howard Stern Show (2006)
In a memorable 2006 appearance on The Howard Stern Show, iconic American rock band James Gang delivered a blistering live performance of their signature track “Funk #49,” reaffirming the enduring power of classic rock for audiences both in‑studio and online. The performance, captured in a video now circulating widely on YouTube, showcases guitarist and frontman Joe Walsh leading the group with the same raw energy and unmistakable groove that helped define their sound in the early 1970s.
Originally released in 1970 as the lead single from their sophomore album James Gang Rides Again, “Funk #49” stands as one of the band’s most influential songs, blending hard rock drive with blues and funk‑leaning rhythms. Written by Joe Walsh, drummer Jim Fox, and bassist Dale Peters, the track became a staple of classic rock radio and a defining moment of the band’s catalog, peaking at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing James Gang’s reputation with its incendiary guitar riff and syncopated groove.
The Howard Stern performance brought this classic to life in an intimate studio setting, with Walsh’s gritty, expressive guitar work front and center. Backed by the tight rhythm section of Peters and Fox, the band re‑created the track’s signature dynamics: a punchy, driving bass line; sharp, sizzling fills; and Walsh’s unmistakable guitar tone that punctuated each phrase. Viewers of the video have lauded the performance for its authenticity, noting that even decades after its original release, “Funk #49” retains the ferocity and spontaneity of its first heyday.
No Treble
This 2006 rendition was part of a broader period of activity for the classic lineup of James Gang—Walsh, Fox, and Peters – who reunited periodically throughout the 1990s and 2000s after years apart. Their appearance on Stern’s show was one of several that helped introduce the band to a new generation while delighting longtime fans who remember their rock peak.
For many listeners, the live video serves as a vivid reminder of why “Funk #49” has endured: its minimal lyrics make room for instrumental prowess, spotlighting Walsh’s imaginative riffs and the group’s collective chemistry. The song’s groove‑centric structure and memorable hook continue to resonate more than five decades after its initial release, influencing later musicians and garnering admiration across musical communities.
The James Gang performance on The Howard Stern Show remains a standout moment in the band’s later history, capturing a classic track in a fresh, high‑energy live context. It not only honours the legacy of the original recording but also highlights the lasting appeal of rock’s golden era in contemporary media.