The Emotional Voicemail Joe Egan Left For A Producer 20 Years After Stealers Wheel Broke Up

April 2, 2025

Joe Egan sat alone in his small studio, the walls lined with old records and faded photographs of his past glory with Stealers Wheel. It had been twenty long years since the band, known for their hit “Stuck in the Middle with You,” had broken up. The song had been everywhere, playing in movie soundtracks and on the radio, but the fame felt like a distant memory now. Joe could still hear the echoes of laughter and camaraderie from those days, but they were clouded by the weight of what could have been. He picked up his phone, staring at it for a moment, the battery almost dead. He took a deep breath, knowing he was about to spill his heart out.

With shaking hands, Joe dialed the number of the producer who had once been instrumental in their success. The phone rang, and he could feel his heart race as nerves twisted in his stomach. What did he even want to say? After all this time, the silence had grown heavy, and all he wanted to do was share his journey, his thoughts, and his love for music. Finally, the voicemail beeped, and he began to speak.

“Hi, this is Joe Egan. I know it’s been a while, but I just wanted to reach out. Twenty years have passed since we were on top of the world. I’ve done a lot of thinking about those days and the music we created together. I miss it. I miss the thrill of being on stage, the energy from the crowd, and the way a single note could bring people together.” His voice trembled slightly, but there was a warmth in his words that came from deep within.

Joe paused, allowing memories to flood his mind — late nights in cramped studios, the joy of creating something beautiful, and the bittersweet feeling of seeing it all slip away. “You know, life has its ups and downs. I faced plenty of challenges after the band split, moments that felt overwhelming. But music has always been my lifeline. It’s where I find my joy, my purpose. I’ve written songs, played at little pubs, and even found new ways to connect with the community through music. Every note I play reminds me of the magic we once had.”

He took a deep breath, feeling a wave of vulnerability wash over him. “I don’t know if you ever think about those days, but the memories still inspire me. I want to create again, to explore new paths and maybe even work together once more. It’s funny how a song can follow you, changing shape and meaning throughout the years. I believe there’s something special still waiting to be shared, and I hope you feel that too. Music is where my heart lies, and I know it can still touch people’s lives.”

As he ended the voicemail, Joe felt lighter, as if he had released a burden that had weighed on him for far too long. He knew the chances of receiving a response were slim, but he had taken a step forward, reigniting his passion for music that had never truly faded. With a hopeful heart, Joe began to strum his guitar, crafting a new melody that danced across the room. No matter how long it had been since Stealers Wheel had broken up, he knew his story as a musician was far from over. In that moment, he realized that resilience and a love for music could always lead to new beginnings.