Monday, January 27, 2025

The Doobie Brothers Reuniting

Tom Johnston, John McFee, Michael McDonald and Pat Simmons

The Doobie Brothers have announced a new album and tour with Michael McDonald, the iconic singer and keyboard player who gave the classic rock band a soulful boost during the 1970s.

Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, founders of the band in 1970, and longtime member John McFee teamed with McDonald for a 10-track record, “Walk This Road.” Recorded in winter 2024, it’s set for release June 6 via Rhino Records.

The Doobies’ new album focuses on themes of recovery and enlightenment — “waking up to see the important things you’ve been missing,” Simmons said via a press release.

Two tracks from the album, “Walk This Road” and “Call Me,” were released this week. Another song, “Lahaina,” dates back to 2023. (The single and video supported fundraising efforts after devastating fires in Maui.) The Doobie Brothers also announced a “global tour” to support the album, although dates haven’t been confirmed.

McDonald, 72, has toured with the band in recent years, but hasn’t appeared on a Doobies album since 2014’s “Southbound.”

“Getting back in with the guys and playing again is great,” McDonald said in the release. “In my heart I’ve always been a Doobie Brother. We’ve all remained friends over the years. We’ve all been enjoying it tremendously, even more than we thought we would.”

He was a key member of the Doobie Brothers from 1975 to 1982, lending a smoother, blue-eyed soul vibe to albums such as “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Livin’ on the Fault Line” and “Minute By Minute.”


The Doobie Brothers initially earned fame in the early ‘70s with rock albums such as “Toulouse Street” and “The Captain and Me,” and radio hits such as “Listen to the Music,” “China Grove,” “Black Water” and “Long Train Runnin‘.”

With McDonald on board, however, the Doobies found a new audience in the adult contemporary genre, releasing hit singles and signature songs such as “What a Fool Believes,” “Minute By Minute,” “Echoes of Love,” “Takin' It to the Streets,” “Real Love,” “Little Darling (I Need You)” and more.

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