On the Road Again

The Zoo Freaks are grooving to On the Road Again by The Jeff Healey Band, a standout track from the recently released Road House: The Lost Soundtrack, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the 1989 cult classic film Road House. This song, a cover of the Canned Heat original, was one of a dozen performances by the band in the movie, but only four made it to the original 1989 soundtrack. The complete soundtrack, including On the Road Again, was unreleased for 34 years until The Estate of Jeff Healey, Sony Music, and Mondo Music collaborated to release it in 2024. Fans on Facebook have expressed awe at the track’s raw energy, with one commenter noting, “Absolutely love him singing On The Road Again. What a man, what a voice,” highlighting Jeff Healey’s ability to make any song his own. The recording sessions, held at The Complex, American Recording Co., and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, also produced seven bonus tracks that never made the film, like Red House and Foxey Lady, which were forgotten until this release.

Another piece of trivia comes from the official Jeff Healey website, where Roger Costa, the estate’s archivist, details the painstaking restoration of these tracks. The Road House performances, including On the Road Again, were recorded live on set to capture the gritty vibe of the Double Deuce bar, with Healey’s searing guitar and soulful vocals front and center. Fans on Instagram have shared nostalgic stories, with one recalling how the song hooked them on Healey’s music as a kid after watching the film. The X account for the band recently posted about the vinyl release, noting its limited run and encouraging fans to grab copies from RockPaperMerch. The track’s inclusion in the film wasn’t just a musical choice; Healey and the band had speaking roles, adding to the authenticity of their presence as the house band.

Jeff Healey’s journey to becoming a blues-rock icon began in Toronto, Canada, where he was born on March 25, 1966. Blinded at age one due to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, Healey didn’t let his disability define him. He picked up a guitar at three, developing a unique style by playing it flat on his lap, which allowed him to bend strings and create solos with unparalleled intensity. By his teens, he was jamming in Toronto clubs, earning a reputation as a prodigy. His big break came when he formed The Jeff Healey Band in 1985 with bassist Joe Rockman and drummer Tom Stephen. Their raw energy caught the attention of guitar legends Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Collins at Albert’s Hall, leading to a deal with Arista Records in 1988. Their debut album, See the Light, featured the hit Angel Eyes and landed them the Road House gig, catapulting them to fame.

Healey’s legacy lives on through his official website, where fans can explore his discography and buy Road House: The Lost Soundtrack. The Facebook page is active with updates from the estate, including tributes on Healey’s birthday and the anniversary of his passing in 2008. On Instagram, the band’s account shares throwback photos and clips, like Healey’s iconic lap-style guitar playing. The X account engages with fans, retweeting their stories about discovering Healey through Road House. Fan communities thrive in places like the Jeff Healey Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect over favorite tracks like On the Road Again. Another fan hub, The Jeff Healey Fan Club, offers a space for devotees to share memories and rare recordings, keeping Healey’s spirit alive.