It’s A Long Way There

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "It’s A Long Way There" by Little River Band from their self-titled debut album! This nearly nine-minute masterpiece, lush with strings, three-part harmonies, and a relentless lead guitar, was the band’s bold introduction to American radio. Written by Graeham Goble, the song captures the grind of life on the road, drawing from his own experiences touring. It’s no wonder it became their first U.S. Top 30 hit, peaking at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976, despite being chopped down for radio play. The track’s vibe echoes Crosby, Stills & Nash, with Glenn Shorrock’s soulful vocals leading the charge. Fun fact: a quirky childhood story from a fan on the Bensonium blog recalls a prank where the song was played over a phone line to random Sydneysiders, with the caller posing as a DJ offering prizes for LRB trivia!

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s enduring legacy. Its rich harmonies and country-rock swagger made it a standout, with some calling it the best Crosby, Stills & Nash song they never wrote. The Something Else Reviews site notes how the band’s Aussie roots and ambition to crack the U.S. market shaped its sound, blending acoustic and electric elements. On Reddit’s r/jambands, a fan raved about the eight-minute live version, calling it a must-hear for its epic delivery. The song’s release also marked a pivotal moment for the band, as their promotional tours in the U.S. helped it climb the charts, cementing their place as Australia’s first rock act with sustained success stateside.

Little River Band formed in Melbourne, Australia, in March 1975, evolving from the harmony-rock group Mississippi. The original lineup featured Glenn Shorrock on vocals, Graeham Goble and Beeb Birtles on guitars and vocals, Ric Formosa on lead guitar, Roger McLachlan on bass, and Derek Pellicci on drums. Before LRB, Shorrock fronted the ‘60s pop band The Twilights and country-rock outfit Axiom, while Birtles played bass in Zoot, alongside a young Rick Springfield. After failed attempts to break into the UK market with their earlier bands, the group, guided by manager Glenn Wheatley (ex-Masters Apprentices), set their sights on the U.S. Wheatley’s experience navigating the music industry’s pitfalls helped them avoid common traps, and by May 1975, they’d signed with EMI Records. Their debut album, recorded at Armstrong Studios, dropped in November 1975, kicking off a run of over 30 million records sold worldwide.

Stay connected with Little River Band through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour updates and news. Fans can also join the Little River Band Fan Club for exclusive content and show countdowns. While the original members now perform as Birtles Shorrock Goble due to a legal battle over the band name, the current lineup, led by Wayne Nelson, keeps the hits alive. Check out fan discussions on Facebook groups like Little River Band Fans to share your love for LRB’s timeless sound. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more classic vibes!