What do truckers and rock stars have in common? Life on the road

TORONTO — Halifax-born folk-rock artist Luke Doucet says musicians can learn a lot about life on the road from over-the-road truckers.

Doucet, who wrote the song “Long Haul Driver,” took part in a special concert in Toronto yesterday in advance of Sunday’s Juno Award ceremony.

He told the audience he’d been inspired to write the song in Nashville after a road tour that made him realize the life of a travelling musician is a lot like that of a truck driver.

The Juno Songwriters’ Circle program featured Winnipeg rock legend Randy Bachman, Toronto-born singer-songwriter Dan Hill, Ottawa-based talent Lynn Miles, Toronto pop balladeer Royal Wood, and country musician Sylvia Tyson.

Each artist sat on a stool and performed at least two songs on a stage filled with dozens of flickering electric candles that created an intimate feel in the 2,700-seat theatre. They also discussed their musical and lyrical inspirations.

The show was one of several Juno-related events taking place ahead of Sunday’s 40th anniversary awards show, which will be broadcast from the Air Canada Centre on CTV at 8 p.m. ET.