Vets Aid at Eagle Bank Arena on 9/20/17

Legendary rocker and Gold Star family member Joe Walsh kicked off his annual charity concert VetsAid, which benefits smaller veteran organizations that are helping those who sacrificed their lives for the United States. The show’s line up was packed with heavy hitting guitar players that are known for their masterful skills.

Gary Clark Jr., Keith Urban, Zac Brown Band and Joe Walsh played an incredible show that ended with a once in a lifetime jam session with all of the guitarists on stage. The night was filled with videos in between sets that showcased the charities that will benefit from VetsAid. Throughout the night, incredible stories of bravery were shared, such as one Navy Seal who was brought on stage by Keith Urban, which prompted Urban to change the next song in his set to an acoustic version of his popular song “For You” from the 2012 motion picture Act of Valor.

Another guest that made an appearance on stage was retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and current Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth. Sen. Duckworth is also a Purple Heart recipient and former assistant secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. She shared her harrowing story of how her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down, which resulted in the loss of her legs. She said that her flight instructor’s teachings saved her life that day. Sen. Duckworth also spoke how Joe Walsh wanted this show to be dedicated to the people who give so much for their country and specifically his father, Robert Newton Fidler, who served in the military as a flight instructor but was unfortunately was killed in a plane crash when Walsh was a child.

Overall, the show was entertaining and even better for the fact that it supported such a great cause. The first-go at this annual event has set a solid foundation to build on and will continue to bring more talent and legendary acts in the future.