Touring is rough. Ask any touring musician about what life is like out on the road and you’re sure to get told it’s not for the faint of heart. Even if you’re traveling on a nice tour bus, the road can be a grueling, lonesome existence that’s hampered by incidents that border on the bizarre and unbelievable. Hell On Wheels, a “remix” of a text published years ago by Greg Jacobs, helps to tell the tale of what it’s like to go out on tour. 

Lots of things can happen on the road. You could have van trouble. You could have a run-in with law enforcement. You could play gigs in unfriendly venues to an equally unfriendly audience. These are common maladies that take place throughout the numerous stories. But uncommon things happen, too. You could be attacked by a dog while singing. You could make the acquaintance of someone soon to be famous. You could wind up playing as entertainment for Supertramp. You could experience earthquakes. Throw in alcohol and illicit substances, and you can rest assured, something will take place—and it might not be pleasant. Or it might be hilarious. 

Hell On Wheels offers a plethora of stories that will keep you entertained for hours. It’s a good primer and though it breaks the rule of “What happens on tour stays on tour,” you’ll be glad these participants talked. 

Purchase: University of Hell Press

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