There’s undoubtedly something romantic about hitting the road with your band, crisscrossing the country in a tour bus or van, performing night after night for adoring fans, not to mention groupies, booze and adoration galore — which is no doubt why the topic has been such an enduring theme in rock & roll. From country to punk, the tour song remains a popular topic for troubadours of any generation, and the ninth edition of the YuppiePunk podcast focuses on 11 of our favorites. As always, the songs are available ala carte until they expire or forever as part of the podcast, which you can subscribe to here.

Grand Funk Railroad – “We’re An American Band”
Cowbell and a shout-out to Little Rock, where better to begin? This 1973 classic from Grand Funk Railroad is rumored to be inspired by a friendly disagreement between Grand Funk and British band Humble Pie over which band’s homeland’s had the richer rock history. To end the argument, Grand Funk singer / drummer Don Brewer stood up and shouted, “We’re an American band!”

John Fogerty – “Travelin’ Band”
Originally recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, this version of the classic tour song is from John Fogerty’s 1998 live album “Premonition.” It’s vintage 1950’s rock & roll feel was so convincing, Fogerty was sued by the company that owned the publishing to “Good Golly Miss Molly” on the grounds that the two songs were too similar. The lawsuit was settled out of court.

Willie Nelson – “On the Road Again”
Rolling Stone magazine named this country song from the “Honeysuckle Rose” soundtrack the 471st best song of all-time. Maybe, but there’s no debating it’s one of the 10 best songs about being on the road.

Old 97s – “Niteclub”
By the time the Old 97s got signed to a major label and recorded this gem, they’d already become road-weary vets.

Bob Seger – “Turn the Page”
Written in a hotel room in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Bob Seger’s ode to touring has been covered by a slew of bands, most notably, Metallica. The original studio version wasn’t a hit when it was released in 1972, but four years later, when the song appeared on Seger’s “Live Bullet” album, it became a staple of rock radio where it has remained ever since. Also, it has a kickass use of night sax.

Jackson Browne – “The Load Out”
The penultimate song on Jackson Browne’s seven-times platinum album “Running on Empty,” itself a tribute to being on the road, is this soft rock paean to his intrepid road crew that starts out with just voice and piano before building to a soaring final chorus.

Motorhead – “(We Are) The Road Crew”
While we’re on the subject of roadies, here’s Motorhead’s ode to the road’s unsung heroes.

Jawbreaker – “Tour Song”
A gruff song about the unglamorous life of a gigging punk band that originally appeared on Jawbreaker’s “Chesterfield King” 12″ EP and later on the CD version of the “Bivouac” album.

The Weakerthans – “Reunion Tour”
From the Canadian band’s LP of the same name, this song nicely captures what happens after the show.

Simon & Garfunkel – “Homeward Bound”
Paul Simon wrote this classic at the train station in Cheshire, England while waiting for his train and dreaming about returning home to his girlfriend. The song was released in 1966 and peaked at number 5 on the Billboard charts. The studio version was replaced by this live version on the duo’s “Greatest Hits” album.

Journey – “Faithfully”
There may not be a better tour song than this sentimental ballad from arena rock faves Journey. Dim the lights, raise your lighter and hold your woman close. The song was written by keyboardist Jonathan Cain, but it’s singer Steve Perry’s emotional delivery that really brings the house down.

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