The Time Joe Egan Almost Didn’T Make It To The Studio — And Showed Up Just Before The Take

April 2, 2025

Joe Egan was a name that music lovers recognized, especially after his time as a key member of the band Stealers Wheel. Known for their hit song “Stuck in the Middle With You,” Joe had been carving out a niche for himself in the music industry. But there was one particular day that would test his commitment and remind him of why he loved music so much. It was a tense afternoon, and the atmosphere tinged with creativity hung heavy in the air. Joe was supposed to be at the recording studio by noon, but as the morning sun rose, things began to unravel.

The day started with a simple task: he needed to pick up his guitar from a shop across town. Joe had promised his bandmates he would bring his favorite instrument, the one that knew all the secrets of his tunes. But a sudden thunderstorm rolled in, bringing with it a downpour that turned the streets into rivers and flooded his plans. Traffic came to a standstill, and as he sat in his car, he felt a wave of panic wash over him. His heart raced as he glanced at the dash clock; time was slipping away. He could already imagine the disappointment in his bandmates’ faces if he failed to show up for one of the most important recording sessions of their career.

Determined not to let the rain defeat him, Joe made a quick decision. He turned off the engine and dashed into the storm, hoping to reach the shop on foot. Each step in the slush felt like a challenge, but his love for music fueled his determination. Water soaked through his clothes, but he kept his eyes on the prize. After what felt like an eternity, he finally reached the shop, grabbed his guitar, and sprinted back to his car, drenched but victorious. As he drove, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he would need a miracle to make it in time.

Pulling into the studio parking lot, he glanced at his watch; he was nearly fifteen minutes late. Adrenaline coursed through him as he rushed inside, guitar in hand, just as the band was getting ready to take the first recording. Relief flooded his body when he saw their surprised but encouraging smiles. They were ready to start the take without him, but Joe’s presence re-energized them. The moment he strummed his guitar and the familiar chords filled the room, it was as though all the chaos washed away. They played with passion, each note capturing the frustrations and joys of that day.

That recording session would turn into one of their most famous tracks, and Joe often laughed about how close he came to missing it entirely. But more than the music, that day became a lesson in perseverance. It was a reminder that obstacles would always pop up, but with determination and a bit of faith in oneself, incredible things could emerge from adversity. Joe’s journey through that storm reinforced his belief that music was worth fighting for.

Years later, as Joe performed in front of thousands of fans, he would share the story of that rainy day. He spoke about how life could throw challenges when least expected, but how passion and resilience could turn them into beautiful melodies. Each performance became an anthem not just for him, but for anyone who ever faced a storm. It was a testament to the power of music and the importance of always showing up, no matter what.