The Doobie Brothers

Absolutely excellent show! These guys gave it their all and didn’t disappoint one bit! Just about every hit was played and then some plus a great version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and played an incredible version of Steely Dan’s “Pretzel Logic” as the final song of the encore. This was my third time seeing them, first was for their Farewell Tour in the 80s, then about 5-10yrs ago at the Fillmore in SF. They always put on a great show and was extremely pleased to see them for what could be the last time. These guys sounded as good as ever. I would definitely go again if they are still touring. Thank you Doobie Brothers!!!

The Doobie Brothers: 9/6/23 “I took it to the streets rocking down the highway —destination Simpsonville South Carolina, 416 days after seeing the Doobies last in Atlanta. It was my my fifth time seeing my number 4 all-time favrite band LIVE and also my 3rd time seeing them with Michael McDonald, the first time going back to July of ’81. I’ve also seen Michael solo twice in between. An extension of the tour billed as ‘The 50th Anniversary Tour’ was now well into the fifty-second year since the release of their first album in 1971. With 15 studio albums and 32 charted singles the three frontmen who led the charge this evening were all in their 70’s: Patrick Simmons 74, John McFee 72, and the baby of the bunch Michael McDonald 71. To me it really didn’t matter how the set list would play out as I own all 15 albums and am familiar with all their songs. However much to my dismay after purchasing my tickets Tom Johnston announced that he would not be joining the band on this leg of the tour. The 75 year old voice of the majority of their earlier hits cited that he would undergo surgery to target severe back pain making it impossible. All in all, it wasn’t a dealbreaker as I’ve seen many members of the band at least one time: Johnston, Simmons, McDonald, McFee, Hossack, Knudsen, LaKind, McCracken, Weeks & Bumpus. Sadly I have missed out on seeing a few LIVE: Porter, Hartman & Baxter. I was under the expectation that I was going to see the exact same show as my 2022 Atlanta excursion this evening but was pleasantly surprised at the changes to the set. Late Summer heat described the weather at the uncovered outdoor amphitheater, however the bright sunshine quickly diffused toward evening as the daytime high of 94° began to drop. Back in May I had grabbed my general admission lawn seats during LIVE Nation’s $25 all in special, and receiving a free upgrade to row 10 at the door I made my way towards the front for a view of the stage. The stage disclosed a rather simple set up with the video screens the band typically travels with notably absent which is unfortunately a consistent happening for this venue which also have none of their own. There was a large black and gold classic logo backdrop with the wording ‘50th Anniversary Tour’, the image and wording appeared on the drum head as well. A pedal steel for ’South City Midnight Lady’ and Michael’s keys were both positioned stage left. At 7:30 p.m. the 3 members of the band from San Jose California along with 4 touring musicians took the stage for a 2 hour and 15 minute / 25 song set beginning with 1975’s #11 from their ’Stampede’ album ‘Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)’. Patrick took the lead on vocals as he would on ‘Long Train Runnin’ and ‘China Groove’ in lieu of Johnston and he nailed the guitar solo album perfect. The next two songs ‘Here To Love You’ and ‘Dependin’ On You’ featured McDonald on vocals. One of the things that made this show special were the additions to set list the band would not typically perform without Michael. In addition to ‘Here To Love You’ and ‘Dependin’ On You’ interdispersed throughout the evening were: ‘You Belong To Me, ‘It Keeps You Runnin’, ‘One Step Closer’, ‘Real Love’, and ‘Minute By Minute’. Next on the set was ‘Rockin' Down The Highway’, this time touring bass player John Cowan took the lead in place of Tom. Patrick addressed the audience, ‘Simpsonville South Carolina so great to be here this evening. We are the Doobie Brothers. We’re just gonna keep going we’re just kinda getting warmed up here. This is a song from an album entitled Stampede, a song called “Neal’s Fandango”’. With Cowan on lead vocals again the song featured John McFee’s exceptional pedal steel guitar skills which typically are only heard later in the set during ‘South City Midnight Lady’. McDonald arose from his keyboard for the first time and walked center stage with a mandolin in hand. Patrick announced, ‘We’re gonna do this one Hawaiian style’. With Michael positioned between SImmons and McFee the trio performed the instrumental ‘Slack Key Soquel Rag’. Pat ended the song with an exclamation of gratitude to the audience, ‘Mahalo!’ Full band Introductions followed 1973’s ‘Clear As The Driven Snow’. The touring musicians were introduced first: John Cowan 70 on bass (formerly New Grass Revival), Marc Quiñones on percussion (formerly Gregg Allman Band), Ed Toth on drums since ’05, and Marc Russo on sax. Marc a former Tower Of Power member with an impressive studio resume was granted free-range of the stage strolling from side to side energizing the crowd, his long hair blowing at the slightest breeze. Patrick then introduced John, ‘So um, John’s the new guy, he joined us in 1978’, then Michael, ‘a wonderful guy and a fabulous musician’. Michael a man of few words replied, ‘For me it’s a great thrill to be back here on stage with my old friends for fifty years now and play these songs that I’ve missed playing for s long’, then he introduced Patrick. Oddly there wasn’t a mention of Tom Johnston all evening long, as if he didn’t exist! A surprise addition since the Atlanta show followed, a cover of Gladys Knight’s ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ which was actually covered by McDonald in 2003 on his solo release ’Motown’. All evening long McDonald’s uniquely-soulful vocals were strong, at times singing slightly off tempo but in clear control, establishing his own pace and direction. In retrospect, this was most likely due to years of headlining solo performances. Instead of including three brand new songs like they did on the Atlanta set, the band chose only one ‘Better Days’ from ‘Liberte’. Sounding bright and clear the song was well received with a round of applause. The band saved their earlier hits for last as the regular set began to take it’s turn towards conclusion. There was ‘Without You’ with Patrick on lead, ‘Jesus Is Just Alright’ which drew the loudest cheers of the entire evening, 1979’s #1 ‘What A Fool Believes’ and ‘Long Train Runnin' featuring John on harmonica. ‘China Grove’ ended the regular set. There was a definitive R&B feel about the songs (even the non-McDonald led ones) that one could not get from needle to vinyl alone and the audience wanted more to which the band delivered! Beginning with 1974’s #1 ‘Black Water’ the band came on for a four song / half hour encore! By now my wife Michele and I had moved our way up to the second row center stage occupying a pair of seats abandoned by a couple of patrons who had vacated at the end of the regular set! As John and Pat came up front with fiddle and guitar for the chorus, they changed up the words to the delight of the crowd, ‘Carolina moon won’t you keep on shinin’ on me’! It took an hour and forty-five minutes until the smoke from the back made it’s way up to the front. It had finally arrived and the pungent haze lingered on all throughout the encore. ‘This next song is dedicated to our good friend Jimmy Buffett, looking down on us right now, sittin’ there drinking a Margareta having a cheeseburger. We need to sing it really loud so Jimmy can hear it up there at the Cantina.’ Ensuing was a six and a half minute rendering of 1976’s ‘Takin’ It To The Streets’ that began in a jazzy keyboard and sax intro to the tune of ‘Still Crazy After All These Years’ then evolved in somewhat of a New Orleans funeral style. Bassist John Cowan once again took the lead vocals and did an outstanding job. What an honor bestowed on him to have the privilege of singing the iconic anthem! ‘Should we play one more? This is basically kind of a jam on a Steely Dan tune… all you die hards that want to stick around we’re gonna stretch this one out a little bit.’ A little bit? The song turned into a ten and a half minute rendering of ‘Pretzel Logic’ featuring guitar solos first by Pat, then John, then the two of them together ending with Pat holding his guitar over his head hammering on the the whammy bar! The night ended with a full band upfront bow and drum stick and pick toss out. We all left feeling pretty good —just as the legend of the doobie goes. Back in the 1950’s jazz clubs when one musician would call to another, ‘How you feelin’, are you doin’ good?’ The reply came, ‘I do be, I do be good!’ Inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last year the band has stood the test of time despite line-up changes and musical styles. Who knows what will happen, will Michael stay? Amazingly until now he had only been a member a mere 7 years of the band’s history (’75-’82). One thing’s for sure, in the now, the Doobies are still very much ‘fired-up’ and it’s unlikely they’ll be hanging their instruments up any time in the near future!” Review and photo(s) by DAve (Concert #817)

The show was incredible. Third time seeing the Doobie Brothers. They never disappoint. Tom Johnston was missing, but they still out in a heck of a show. White Oak Amphitheater not so much. They definitely oversold on lawn tickets. Took an hour or more for most of ticket holders to get in. If we go to this facility again, we will definitely buy seats. I like the layout, but the amphitheaters in Charlotte and Raleigh are more organized and don’t have to pay extra for parking.

Weather was a bit muggy and bugs were many. It would be nice if Pinewood could arrange some of their BIG fans to sweep over the audience to keep the air moving. That said, it was an outstanding night and Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers did not disappoint. They were on target every song. There were some songs I had hoped they would play that they didn't but the playlist was excellent. Pinewood Bowl does an excellent job of getting people in and out. It is Nebraska's Red Rocks!

First time to the Nugget Event Center to see a concert. We decided to cancel other plans (that we paid for) and go to Reno to see the Doobies. It was the right decision as the band was amazing as always, even without Tom Johnston and it was one of the better Doobie concerts we have seen since the early 1970's as we grew up in San Jose/Los Gatos. As this band gets older it gets better, the bass player handled Tom's vocals well, Pat was smiling as always and playing/picking/singing as good as it gets, Mike M was superb on the keyboards and vocally and I had always been lukewarm to him joining the band - bad on me , sax player is phenomenal, and the drummer and percussionist were awesome. This was a nice venue, seemed like good view from most seats, sound was great, and we loved the show!

What a great concert! It took me back to my college days and all the fun with friends and college life. It was a real treat to have Michael McDonald be a part of the show and hear his songs that rounded out the concert to be right up there in one of the best ever!

It was fantasitic. The Doobie Brothers are just as good as they were in the 70's and 80"s and onward. Michael McDonald was also with Tom and Pat and they played all (and I mean ALL) the hits. 2-hour show at the amazing YouTube Theater located at SoFi Stadium.

Terrific concert in a really hard to reach venue. Sound system was great and so was the harmony by the Doobies! Even at this stage of their career, their musicianship and talent shone through just as it did in their heyday. Crowd was pretty tepid but "Jesus Is Just Alright" finally got them up and jumpin. Terrific seeing them with Michael McDonald since he was such a mainstay of their later hits. His current range was slightly curtailed and resulted in unanticipated octave shifts of a few numbers but he retained enough of his vocal abilities for it not to be terribly noticeable or a nuisance. If you have a chance to see them, take it! Well worth it!

Fabulous night despite the rain. A very busy Parlay Lounge for an early drink. Enjoyed the pre-concert music with Phil Thompson trio. They were an unexpected surprise. Good piano, sax & guitar! Great newer songs and musical memories from the Doobie Brothers. Vocals from Michael McDonald made for a special night. Overall, a perfect 10!!

Tommy Johnston and company continue to deliver!! In fact, Tommy is one of the best guitarist from that era and is underrated for sure. The entire band is great. Michael McDonald was also with the band as an added treat. Sound is great, especially at the MET> And the timing, energy and overall tightness of the band is spot on. Don't hesitate to see...this was our 5th time, and we will go see them again. Jesus is just all right encore even had the old farts standing up and dancing in the aisles! Thats how good the DOOBIES are!!

Nice venue, sounded great. Live video on the big screen was woeful....poorly lit subjects, delayed pans (why focus on a disinterested drummer then pan to the lead musician just as he's finishing his solo riff!?). Would have been great to see the guitarists/keyboardist/sax player in clear detail on the big screen during their epic turns at lead!. Band was almost robotic in their performance - end of a long tour I guess. Glad I saw them live, but it's a one-time affair for me.

The Doobie Brothers harmony is still FANTASTIC! They played nonstop and gave it their all. It brought back wonderful memories of 33 years ago when my husband and I saw them here at the Oak Mountain Amphitheater. I was big time pregnant with our first child, a son, who is a drummer like his dad. Wonderful, wonderful show!!!❤

Show was actually pushed back to July 25. It was amazing!!! I expected it to be great, but went beyond my expectations! Harmonies were tight, the band was tight, and Michael McDonald was on fire! Pat and Tom sounded great as well. Made my love for their music grow tremendously!!!

The show was great. This was my first opportunity to see them. I have loved them since I was a kid and finally, at 61 years old I had my chance. They sing as good as ever. The venue was wonderful too, although I would have liked to be able to purchase a soft drink, plenty of alcohol, no cola.

OMG! THE DOOBIE BROS are awesome on stage!!! They put on a full 2-1/2hr show with no breaks! New songs, old songs. But the majority of the crowd wanted the old songs, that's all they'd jam to. I wanted to jam to all songs that called for it. Michael McDonald performed the entire time with them and did all his popular songs from his time back in the days with them. I thought the whole show was wonderful. At 69yrs old, my first time seeing them in person!!! Now I can go to my grave more than happy!

Fantastic!!!!! Lucky enough to see them for the 2nd time this year and they didn’t miss a beat. The energy their iconic songs create is just amazing!! Had everyone up out of their seats!! Played some new songs which are going to be hits. A must see event!!! Keep rocking!!!!!

The concert was good after a bit of a slow start, I thought. I realize that groups still are writing new sings, but with an act like the Doobie Brothers, there were a lot of old timers who wanted to hear the hits. Once the started cranking those up the crowd was rocking with a good energy.

They seemed to avoid the, 'Michael McDonald' tunes, such as, 'What A Fool Believes,' (for which they won a Grammy for Record of the Year), as well as, 'It Keeps You Running,' and 'Minute By Minute. However, they sounded great on the tunes they played.

Not one of the best concerts from these guys. Don't get me wrong; they're still amazing but this show didn't quite hit the mark. They played the big requests and a few that I haven't even heard them do live. I think the sound did them in. Maybe they couldn't hear themselves very well or something like that. It didn't sound that great, but it might just be the huge amphitheater.

Wow!!! Such a great walk down memory lane! No need for special effects - these guys are all about the music. And they are AWESOME!!! Super talented musicians and performers, they totally got the crowd on our feet and singing along. They can still rock it. Best concert I've been to in a VERY long time. LOVE THE DOOBIE BROTHERS!