The Load-Out by Jackson Browne

Album: Running on Empty (1977)

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Browne wrote this rambling piece as an affectionate tribute to the roadies, assistants and staff who help him take his show on the road, setting up and taking down his stage sets and moving his instruments (a process known as "the load-out"). He often played it at the end of each performance, usually with his cover of "Stay."
The songs on the Running on Empty album were recorded live in various settings. "The Load-Out" was recorded at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland during a show on August 27, 1977. The song was something Browne had been working on with his band - Danny Kortchmar (guitar), Russ Kunkel (drums), David Lindley (various instruments), and Leland Sklar (bass). They didn't have an arrangement they liked, but when Browne did three encores at the show, they found themselves out of material but still hankering to play. Kunkel suggested they play the song and see what happens. The resulting performance was so good that it made the album. This was just the second time the band played the song in concert.
Speaking with Rolling Stone, Browne described "The Load-Out" as "a love song to the audience and the crew." When it transitions to "Stay," that's the band asking the audience to stick around because they want to keep playing.
Browne was very tight with his road crew, especially Donald "Buddha" Miller, who was both his crew chief and his manager. In a radio interview, he talked about what the roadies went through to earn his respect: "These guys work really hard, and in those days they made practically the minimum wage. They used to drive around, six guys in a camper. They'd be leaving the gig and you'd see them crawling into this little space, getting ready for an eight-hour drive to the next gig."
The Running on Empty album was envisioned as a live album made up of old and new material. When Browne and his team listened back to their performances, however, they liked the new songs a lot better and decided to use just those.

Comments: 16

Jim from NhI've heard this song many many times, and for some reason it always causes a few tears.
Sherrie from Puyallup WaWas 23 in'77, so glad Jackson Brown was of my Era. One of the best qutartist of the time, still is.
Mary Beth Kirk Nickles from Baltimore, MdI was as that concert in August 1977. What a fantastic night... Wow. For many reasons. I was 17. But every time I hear these songs, It brings back some of my best teenage memories.
Brian Thurgood from CanadaWe played this at my brother's funeral. Very appropriate.
Bob from St. LouisCan someone find the album cover and verify it was written at a hotel room in Collinsville IL. a Holiday Inn room 120/119?
Esskayess from Dallas, TxDan, that's a great story. It must have been magic to have been there and even moreso to later hear it on the radio.
Paul from Tacoma, WaIn the 60's and early 70's, many concert promoters hired local companies to do the sound for the travelling acts because of their familiarity with the local venues. As concerts got larger and became more of a "show", large companies like Claire Brothers and Showco pretty much took over doing the sound travelling from venue to venue using local crews only as "helpers" for the grunt work. Although it maintained a continuity in the equipment and core engineers, it put a lot of small local sound companies, like the one i worked for, effectively out of business.
Ted from Phoenix, AzAt the time this song came out, most U.S. top-40 radio stations did not play "The Load Out,", preferring to play the song "Stay" instead. Many AOR stations combined the two songs and played them as one long song. In my hometown of Phoenix, AZ, KOOL-FM which back then played a mix of adult top-40 and oldies, combined the two songs and then took out the first few verses--the version heard on that station began with the lyrics, "But the band's on the bus ...."
Barry from New York, NcIf I was on a tour bus with Country & Western, Disco and 8-tracks, I'd ask to take another bus!!!
Sam from Hipsville, CaMary,AZ------Not only some musicians, but i think the general public can't ever really know just how much is involved for Roadies in setting up and tearing down a band. God Bless 'em ALL! They make each and every show happen.
Dan from New Market, MdI was at this live concert at Merriweather Post in Maryland when they recorded it. It was the final "encore" song, when the audience were calling for "one more"! Jackson came out alone and began playing piano... you can hear when the other band members start to make their entrance when the first applause begins part way through the song... it was the best encore I have ever seen!! Amazing concert!!
Michelle from Ny, NyA local classic rock radio station by me plays this a lot, I love it.. There is something about it thats just so sentimental.. Its a great song to sing out loud to, especially in the car..
Heather from T-boro, NcI LOVE this song, I sing it whenever I hear it.
Mary from Phoenix, AzI love this song...I love that Jackson wrote it for all those people. I don't think a lot of musicians realize what their "roadies" really do. And how much work it is, to make sure they have a perfect show.
Patrick from Tallapoosa, GaThis is a very moving song. Shows how a lot of performers really enjoy what they do, and wishing they could "stay just a little bit longer" for the fans in each town on their tour. I'm sure a lot of performers get run ragged going from town to town on their tours, and not really getting to meet their fans in a more relaxed, non-professional environment such as local restaurants or shops.
Eric from Milltown, InAfter all of the away games at our high school, me and my friends blast this song and sing along. It's the perfect song to listen to while on a "Bell Run."

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