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Classic Rock Band Reunites with Iconic Singer for New Album: “Playing Again Is Great

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 significant 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, even though 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 grate,” 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.

The Doobie Brothers in January 1976, visiting ​a temple in Kyoto, Japan.(Photo by Koh ​Hasebe/shinko⁤ Music/Getty⁣ Images)

The Doobie ⁤Brothers split in the⁢ early ‘80s as McDonald‍ launched ⁤a solo career. ‍The⁢ band reformed a⁤ couple ​of times in the years that followed, with ⁢Simmons ⁤and ​Johnston on board.the Doobies returned to full-scale touring in 1993 with the⁤ two⁢ founding‍ members at the helm.

During the ‘90s and 2000’s, McDonald performed with​ the⁢ Doobies occasionally, for TV appearances, special concerts, awards shows and the like. He returned to the fold⁤ for a 50th anniversary tour with the Doobie brothers that ⁢launched​ in 2021. Songs from several periods in the band’s history ​ were on the agenda during that trek, from “Rockin’ Down the Highway” ‍to “You Belong to Me.”

“We’ve been killing it every night,” Simmons‌ told AL.com’s ‍Lawrence⁤ Specker in 2022, when the tour made⁣ two stops in Alabama. “It’s been really well-rehearsed and doing all the songs everybody‌ wants to hear, I think. Or most of them anyway. We’ve just ⁢been having a lot of fun.”

The⁣ Doobie Brothers Return to Alabama with a Mix of New Tunes and Classic Hits

The legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers are ‌gearing up for⁣ their next tour, promising a ⁢blend of‌ fresh tracks and timeless classics. According to‍ a publicist, while the band will showcase songs from their latest album, Walk This Road, they’ll ⁢also ⁣emphasize their greatest hits, ​ensuring a nostalgic experience ‌for their⁣ devoted fans. ​

The Doobie Brothers have⁤ a long-standing connection with ⁤alabama, having performed in the state multiple times over⁤ the years. their upcoming tour ​is expected to⁣ draw ⁢a loyal crowd, ​as ​the band has cultivated a strong fan base in the ‌region.

A Legacy of Performances in Alabama⁢

The band’s history in alabama⁢ includes memorable shows,such as their performance at the ​ Oak Mountain⁤ Amphitheatre in ‍Pelham on September 2,2022. The concert featured iconic members like Patrick Simmons, Michael ⁣McDonald on keyboards, Tom Johnston, ‌and John McFee, delivering a night of classic rock that left⁤ fans ⁢yearning for more.Michael McDonald, a key figure ⁤in the band’s⁢ success, has also‍ graced Alabama stages as a⁤ solo artist. One ‌notable performance was his 2015 show at Iron City in Birmingham, ⁢where he⁣ captivated the audience with his ‍signature soulful voice and timeless hits. As AL.com noted⁣ in its review, “Nostalgia, star⁣ power, and skill.Longtime fans of McDonald’s music could listen, reminisce, and appreciate. They don’t call it classic rock ⁢for nothing.”

A Tour to Remember

The ​Doobie Brothers’ upcoming tour is set to highlight their enduring appeal, blending new material with⁣ fan-favorite tracks. The band’s ability to evolve while staying true to⁢ their roots‍ has cemented their status as‍ one of ​rock’s most‍ beloved‌ acts. ⁣

For fans in Alabama,this tour offers another chance to experience the magic of The Doobie Brothers live. ​Whether you’re a longtime⁢ follower or a newcomer to their ‌music, their performances are a testament to the enduring power of classic rock.


Key Highlights of The Doobie Brothers’ ‌Alabama Connection

| Event ​ ⁤ ‌ ‍ ⁣ | Details ‌ ⁣ ⁣ ⁢⁢ ‌ ⁣ |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Oak Mountain Amphitheatre | september 2, 2022, featuring Patrick Simmons,‌ Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, and John McFee. |
| michael McDonald Solo Show | 2015 performance at⁢ Iron City,Birmingham,praised for its nostalgia and skill. |
| Upcoming Tour ‌ ​ | ‌A⁤ mix of new songs​ from‌ Walk⁢ This Road and classic hits. ⁣ ⁤ ‌ | ⁣


Why Alabama Loves The Doobie Brothers

The‌ Doobie Brothers’ connection with Alabama runs deep,⁢ with fans cherishing their performances as more ⁢than just concerts—they’re celebrations of a shared musical heritage. ⁣As the band prepares to hit ⁢the road again,their Alabama fan base is ready to‌ welcome them back​ with open arms.

For more on The Doobie Brothers’ Alabama performances, check out their 2022 Oak Mountain concert.

Don’t miss your⁣ chance to see The Doobie Brothers live—grab your​ tickets now and join the ⁤party ⁢of classic rock ‌at ‌its finest!

the Doobie Brothers: A Legacy of Rock and Roll Excellence Honored in the‍ 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame ⁤

The Doobie Brothers,⁢ a band synonymous with timeless rock and roll, have added⁢ another prestigious‌ accolade to their storied career. The group,inducted into⁣ the Rock & Roll‍ Hall of ‍Fame in 2020‌ and boasting two grammy Awards, is now set to‌ join the 2025⁤ Songwriters Hall of ‌Fame. This honour recognizes⁤ the ‌enduring impact of their‍ music, which has captivated audiences for over five decades.“for⁤ over five decades,The Doobie Brothers have been known for​ delivering mind-blowing,roots-based,harmony-laden,guitar-driven rock ​and roll,” the ​A Legacy of Hits and influence

The Doobie Brothers’ ⁢music ‍has not ⁢only topped​ charts​ but also shaped ​the ‍sound of rock and ⁤roll. from the infectious grooves of Listen​ to ​the Music to the soulful melodies of What a Fool ‍Believes, their songs have ⁣become anthems for fans worldwide. Their ability to ⁣evolve while staying true to⁤ their‍ roots has cemented their ‌place in‍ music⁢ history.

In October 2024, the band ⁣showcased their enduring talent with ⁢a performance of Walk ​This Road, a⁢ track that exemplifies⁣ their signature style. Fans can ⁣relive the magic of that performance in the video below.

Key ‍Milestones of The Doobie Brothers

|⁤ Achievement ⁤ ⁢ | Details ⁢ ‍ ‌ ⁣ ⁢ ⁤ ‌ ‍ ‍ ‍ ⁣ |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2020 ​ ‌ ‌ ⁤ ⁣ ⁢ ‌ ⁢ ​ |
| Grammy Awards ​ ​⁢ ⁤ ‌ | Two wins,⁢ including Record of the Year for What a ⁤Fool Believes ‌ ‍ |
| Album Sales ⁣ ‌ ​ | 3 multi-platinum, 7 platinum, and 14 gold albums ⁣ ​ ‍ ‍ ⁣ |
| Best of the‌ Doobies | Over ‍12 million ⁣copies sold, earning diamond record status ⁤ ⁢ |
| ‍Songwriters Hall of Fame ‍ ​ | 2025 inductees, honoring their ​songwriting legacy ‌ ⁢ ​ ‌ ​ ⁤ |

Celebrating a Timeless Legacy​

The Doobie Brothers’ induction into the Songwriters ⁣Hall of ‍Fame is more than just an award—it’s a celebration⁤ of their ability to connect with listeners through music. ⁢Their songs have become the soundtrack to⁤ countless lives, and their influence continues​ to‌ inspire‌ new ‍generations of artists. ​

As fans eagerly‍ await the official induction ceremony, one thing is ⁤clear: The ​Doobie Brothers’ legacy is as ​vibrant as ever.⁢ Their music remains a testament to‌ the power of rock and​ roll, and their‌ place in the‍ pantheon of greats is​ well-deserved.For⁢ more on their journey, explore their profile on the Why Alabama Loves The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers’ connection ⁣with Alabama runs deep, with fans cherishing their performances as more ⁢than just concerts—they’re celebrations of⁤ a shared musical heritage.As the band prepares to hit the​ road again,their ⁤alabama ‍fan base is ready to welcome⁣ them back with open arms.

For more on The Doobie Brothers’ Alabama performances, check out ‌their 2015 Iron City show and‌ their 2022 Oak Mountain concert.

Don’t miss your chance to see The Doobie Brothers‍ live—grab your⁤ tickets⁢ now⁣ and ‌join the party of classic rock at its finest!

The Doobie Brothers: A Legacy⁢ of Rock and Roll Excellence Honored in the 2025 Songwriters Hall of​ Fame

The Doobie Brothers, a band synonymous ‌with timeless rock and roll, ⁤have added​ another ‌prestigious accolade to their storied ⁤career. The group, inducted ‌into ​the Rock & Roll ‍Hall of Fame in 2020 ⁣and boasting two ⁣Grammy Awards, is ⁤now set to ⁢join⁢ the 2025 Songwriters Hall‍ of Fame. This⁢ honor recognizes the enduring impact of their music, which ⁤has captivated ​audiences for over five decades.

“For over five decades, The⁢ Doobie Brothers have been known for delivering mind-blowing, ⁢roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock ⁣and roll,”‍ the Songwriters Hall ‍of Fame website states.Their journey began with their multi-million-selling ​sophomore ⁤album, Toulouse Street, and has as grown into a catalog of 3‍ multi-platinum, 7 platinum, and 14 ‌gold albums. Their⁣ Best of the Doobies compilation ⁢has sold over 12 million copies, earning the rare distinction of a “diamond record.”

The band’s induction ⁤into the ​Songwriters Hall of ⁤Fame is a testament to their ability ⁣to craft songs that resonate across ‌generations.⁢ Members⁢ Michael McDonald, ⁢Tom⁢ Johnston, and Patrick ⁣Simmons are ‍being ⁤celebrated ⁢for ​their contributions to the group’s iconic sound, which blends rock, soul, and country influences.

A Legacy of Hits and Influence

The Doobie Brothers’ music has not⁣ only topped charts but also shaped the ‌sound ‍of rock and ​roll. From the infectious grooves of Listen to the Music to the soulful melodies of What a Fool Believes, their songs⁤ have become anthems⁣ for fans worldwide. their ability to evolve while staying true⁤ to their roots has cemented their place‍ in music ‌history.

In October 2024, the band showcased their enduring talent with a performance of ⁣ Walk This Road,⁤ a track ‌that​ exemplifies their⁢ signature​ style.⁢ Fans can relive the magic of that performance in the video below.

Key milestones⁢ of The Doobie Brothers

Achievement details
Rock & ‍Roll Hall of​ Fame Inducted in 2020
Grammy Awards Two ‌wins,‍ including Record of⁤ the⁤ Year for What a⁣ Fool Believes
Album‍ Sales 3 multi-platinum, 7⁣ platinum, and 14 ⁢gold⁣ albums
Best of the Doobies Over 12 million copies⁣ sold, earning diamond record status
Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025 ⁢inductees, honoring their songwriting ⁢legacy

Celebrating a Timeless Legacy

The Doobie Brothers’ induction into the⁢ Songwriters Hall of Fame is ​more than just an award—it’s ⁣a festivity of their ability to connect with ⁤listeners ⁣through music.‍ Their songs have become the soundtrack to countless lives, ​and their influence ⁤continues to​ inspire new generations of artists.

As fans ⁤eagerly await the official⁢ induction ceremony, one thing is clear: The Doobie Brothers’ legacy ⁤is as vibrant as ever. Their music⁣ remains a testament to ⁢the power ‌of rock and roll, and their place in the pantheon of ⁢greats ⁣is well-deserved.⁢ For more on‌ their journey, explore their profile on the Songwriters ⁤Hall of Fame website and stay tuned for updates on their​ upcoming ​performances.

What’s your favorite ⁤Doobie Brothers song? Share your thoughts in the comments below​ and join the conversation celebrating this legendary band.

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