This was a huge thing for the band. It cannot be understated.

As I've always said - getting rid of Bernie Leadon and getting Joe Walsh in the band is the move that took them from being a well known country-rock band to being a full fledged hot rock and roll supergroup with a wider appeal to many more people. It was the move that put them into a whole new stratosphere of success. I always say - adding Don Felder was the start of it and a sign of things moving in the right direction for the Eagles, but Bernie leaving and getting Joe cinched it! Hotel California went on to be one of the best selling studio albums of all time (not including compilations or live albums). A true definition of masterpiece!

Happy Anniversary Joe!