Did Joe Walsh just deliver the most emotional VetsAid moment yet? Jimmy Webb’s surprise Wichita Lineman stuns Wichita crowd.
Fans at Joe Walsh’s 2025 VetsAid concert in Wichita, Kansas witnessed an unforgettable moment when Eagles legend Joe Walsh welcomed celebrated songwriter Jimmy Webb onstage for an intimate duet of Webb’s timeless classic, “Wichita Lineman.” The unexpected collaboration quickly became the emotional highlight of the night — and the internet hasn’t stopped buzzing since.
The performance, held on Saturday, November 14, marked the first time VetsAid has ever taken place in Wichita, Walsh’s hometown. That fact alone added emotional weight to the moment, but the spontaneous appearance of the man who wrote the beloved 1968 Glen Campbell hit made the song feel freshly powerful for longtime fans.
Webb later shared a video of the performance on Facebook, writing, “It was an honor to make a surprise visit to Wichita last night for Joe Walsh’s VetsAid benefit. God Bless Joe for all he does to help out the vets.” The clip quickly gathered praise from music lovers and veterans’ advocates alike, many of whom celebrated Walsh’s years of commitment to supporting military families.
A Meaningful Homecoming for Walsh
This year’s VetsAid doubled as a milestone for Walsh. Though known worldwide for his decades-long musical career, Walsh has always spoken passionately about his Kansas roots. With both his parents born and buried in Wichita — and Walsh himself born there — bringing VetsAid to the city has been a personal mission since the annual benefit began nearly a decade ago.
In announcing the 2025 lineup, Walsh wrote, “It’s been a long-term goal of mine to bring VetsAid home to Wichita. It’s where my story began and where I’ll always feel a deep sense of heritage and responsibility.”
VetsAid 2025 featured an impressive roster, including full sets from Vince Gill, Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen, and a powerful collaborative performance with Walsh, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Webb’s appearance — unannounced and unexpected — added a layer of nostalgia and reverence that fit the spirit of the event perfectly.
A Song with Local Legacy
“Wichita Lineman” has long been associated with the region, though written by Webb and made famous by Glen Campbell. Webb composed the song in 1968 as a companion piece to his earlier hit “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” While driving the Oklahoma panhandle, he spotted a lone lineman working in the distance; that image became the foundation for one of American music’s most enduring songs.
Generations have been moved by its haunting melody and aching portrayal of loneliness and longing — emotions that resonated deeply during Walsh and Webb’s stripped-down performance.
One fan commented on Webb’s Facebook post, “My dad was a lineman in Kansas. Hearing this song always brings him back to me. Seeing this live performance… it’s beautiful.”
Another wrote, “Joe Walsh singing ‘Wichita Lineman’ is something I never knew I needed. The raw emotion in that moment was unreal.”
VetsAid’s Ongoing Impact
Created by Walsh in 2017, VetsAid is dedicated to supporting veterans’ organizations across the U.S. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $4 million in grants. Proceeds from the 2025 concert will go directly to groups serving Kansas veterans and families.
The decision to bring the benefit to Wichita was more than a venue change — it was Walsh’s tribute to the community that shaped him, and to the military families who continue to inspire his work.
FAQ
1. Where did the surprise “Wichita Lineman” performance take place?
At the 2025 VetsAid concert in Wichita, Kansas.
2. Who performed the song together?
Joe Walsh and songwriter Jimmy Webb.
3. Why is Wichita significant to Joe Walsh?
It’s his birthplace and the hometown of his parents, making VetsAid 2025 a personal homecoming.
4. What is VetsAid?
A benefit concert series founded by Walsh in 2017 to support veterans’ organizations.
5. How much has VetsAid raised so far?
More than $4 million in grants since its launch.
