The Load-Out / Stay (Live 1977)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some sweet vibes as we spin The Load-Out / Stay (Live 1977) by Jackson Browne from the iconic Running on Empty album! This track is a heartfelt tribute to the roadies and fans who make touring life possible. Recorded live on August 27, 1977, at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, The Load-Out captures the gritty reality of life on the road. Browne wrote it as a love letter to his crew, especially his road manager Donald "Buddha" Miller, highlighting the hard work of roadies who earned near minimum wage and often piled into cramped campers for long drives between gigs. In a radio interview, Browne shared how these unsung heroes inspired the song, noting their dedication despite grueling conditions. The song’s transition into Stay, a cover of Maurice Williams’ 1960 hit, is pure magic, with Browne, Rosemary Butler, and David Lindley pleading for the audience “‘to stay just a little bit longer.” Fun fact: during a performance at the Universal Amphitheater, Browne had his roadies dismantle the stage during Stay, leaving him alone with just his grand piano to close the show—a theatrical nod to the load-out process itself.

Another cool tidbit comes from the recording of Running on Empty, which broke all the rules for a live album. Unlike typical live records packed with greatest hits, this one featured all-new material captured not just on stage but in hotel rooms, backstage, and even on the band’s tour bus. The Load-Out was a spontaneous moment during the Merriweather show when Browne’s band, out of encore material, decided to try the unfinished song at drummer Russ Kunkel’s suggestion. It worked so well it became the album’s emotional climax. Rolling Stone’s Paul Nelson, in his 1978 review, called the Load-Out/Stay medley a triumphant finale, comparing it to Browne’s earlier anthems like For Everyman. Fans on Reddit have echoed this, with one user calling it the ultimate “life on the road” song, evoking memories of blasting it after high school games. The song’s raw authenticity even inspired a German cover, Roadie-Lied, by Austrian artist Georg Danzer in 1981.

Jackson Browne got his start in the mid-1960s as a teenage songwriter in Los Angeles, born on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, before moving to California. By age 16, he was penning songs like These Days, which became a minor hit for Nico in 1967. Browne briefly joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966, honing his craft in the vibrant Southern California music scene. His songwriting caught the attention of peers, leading to tracks like Take It Easy, co-written for the Eagles, which hit the Billboard Top 40 in 1972. Encouraged by these successes, Browne launched his solo career with his 1972 self-titled debut, featuring hits like Doctor, My Eyes. His introspective lyrics and melodic style made him a cornerstone of the singer-songwriter movement, blending personal storytelling with social commentary. Over the decades, Browne’s music has sold over 30 million albums in the U.S., earning him accolades like an honorary Doctor of Music from Occidental College in 2004 for his artistry and activism.

Stay connected with Jackson Browne through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on tours and new music, like his 2021 album Downhill From Everywhere. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Jackson Browne Fan Page or join discussions in Jackson Browne Fans on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and celebrate his timeless tunes. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the road trip rolling!