The Load-Out

Zoo Freaks, you're tuned into THE ZOO with the Zoo Crew, spinning the sweet vibes of Jackson Browne's "The Load-Out" from the iconic Running on Empty album. This track, recorded live at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland on August 27, 1977, is a heartfelt shout-out to the unsung heroes of the road—the roadies and fans who make every show possible. Browne penned this gem with his band, including Danny Kortchmar on guitar, Russ Kunkel on drums, David Lindley on lap steel, and Leland Sklar on bass. Fun fact: during a show at the Universal Amphitheater, Browne had his roadies dismantle the stage during "Stay," leaving him alone with just his grand piano to close out the song—a poetic nod to the load-out process itself.

The song’s creation was a bit of a happy accident. Browne and his band were tinkering with "The Load-Out" but hadn’t nailed the arrangement. After three encores at Merriweather, they ran out of material but still wanted to play. Kunkel suggested giving the unfinished track a whirl, and the result was pure magic, captured live for the album. Fans on Reddit have called it one of the best live songs ever, with one user sharing how they played it at their brother’s funeral, calling it “very appropriate” for its emotional depth. Another fan on Songfacts recalled being at that 1977 concert, saying it brings back their best teenage memories every time they hear it.

"The Load-Out" seamlessly flows into a cover of Maurice Williams’ 1960 hit "Stay," featuring Browne, Rosemary Butler, and David Lindley, with Lindley’s falsetto stealing the show in the second chorus. Radio stations often played the two as a single medley, and though "Stay" was the A-side, "The Load-Out" charted as a tag-along on the Billboard Hot 100. The 2016 TV series Roadies named its finale after the song, even featuring a live performance by Browne himself. Austrian singer-songwriter Georg Danzer also recorded a German cover in 1981 called "Roadie-Lied," showing the song’s universal appeal.

Now, let’s talk about how Jackson Browne got his start. Born on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, Browne moved to Los Angeles at age three. As a teenager, he dove into the folk music scene, playing guitar and writing songs at local clubs. By 1966, he briefly joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, contributing songs to their early records. His songwriting talent caught attention, with tracks like "These Days," written at 16, becoming a minor hit for Nico in 1967. Browne also penned songs for the Eagles, including their 1972 hit "Take It Easy," co-written with Glenn Frey. Encouraged by these successes, he signed with Asylum Records and dropped his self-titled debut in 1972, featuring hits like "Doctor, My Eyes" and "Rock Me on the Water."

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Jackson Browne on his official website, where you’ll find tour dates and news. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. For more fan love, check out The Jackson Browne Fans Page for a deep dive into his discography, photos, and trivia. You can also join the Jackson Browne Fans group on Facebook to vibe with fellow Browne enthusiasts. Keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s stay just a little bit longer with these classic tunes!