Bristow, Virginia – Sitting under a tent backstage, Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston offer simple philosophy about The Doobie Brothers’ 50-year tenure.
“The songs,” says Johnston. “When people get up and sing to you, that’s the magic part.”
Simmons is also credited with originality.
“It’s almost new to see a band that sings and plays and doesn’t have a big dance production that’s part of the show,” he says, smiling behind his mask.
In fact, a dancer or acrobat was seen on Friday night’s show by The Doobie Brothers at Jiffy Lube Live in Virginia, the band’s first performance since a mini-residence in Las Vegas in May, as well as their continuation of their 50th Anniversary Tour. She played her first role last fall.
The veteran rockers planned to launch this new tour last week, but as with COVID, so are the delays. Despite the caution exercised behind the scenes—masks are a must, social distancing when possible—and the monk-like presence the men practiced while in Vegas (“I didn’t go anywhere except walking to CVS,” Johnston says, while admitting Simmons thus missing meals with the gang), the virus infiltrated Doobie’s ranks. Five appointments have been rescheduled; Just another speed bump for a tour that, like dozens of others, was originally planned for 2020.
Turning 50 in 2022:Albums from Elton John, Eagles, Rolling Stones, and more
The anniversary special – which runs through October – is in part to celebrate the Doobies’ achievement of getting thousands of fans to sing happily with their catalog of chameleons. But it’s also about the inclusion of Michael MacDonald.
The snow-haired soul pop star joined the band in 1975 and helped reshape their vocals. He left in 1982 for a thriving solo career, but MacDonald has always maintained a cordial relationship with his bandmates. Considering he did another tour with them in the ’90s, his comeback was an unmistakable draw.
“I think Mike is having a great time,” Simmons says, while he and Johnston agree that a possible 2023 world tour extension — South America, Australia and Japan — is being discussed since MacDonald is an attractive part of the package.
After two hours of talking, Simmons and Johnston handed the lights over to MacDonald to be seated on stage first, climbing behind his keyboards to open the “Nobody” opening.
Joined by the rest of the frontline—Simmons, Johnston and guitarist John McPhee—as the band joins in on “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)”, playing Simmons’ long-fingered bass guitar is tight, a terrifying cry of MacDonald’s flawless vocals from Johnston, his voice like honey mixed with pebbles.
Taylor Hawkins Tribute:Foo Fighters will revive their drummer this fall
For the next two and a half hours, The Doobie Brothers mesmerized a crowded runway with hit albums (“South City Midnight Lady,” “Here to Love You”) and great radio hits (“Rockin’ Down the Highway,” “Minute By Minute,” “What He Thinks.” the fool”). They introduced three new songs from “Liberté” last fall – their first since 2014 – and in a rare spectacle, hardly anyone in the audience rushes to take a bath in the bathroom, perhaps because of the songs, especially “Easy” and “Better Days,” fun and relaxing additions to their work.
McDonald’s signature vocals remain a mixture of smoke and silk, and the band’s supporting actors – bassist John Cowan, percussionist Mark Quinones, drummer Ed Toth and saxophonist Mark Russo – are all seasoned dispatchers.
Even without the 50th anniversary release tag, this tour showcases The Doobie Brothers at the height of their brilliance, with their respective vocals—especially the shimmering harmonies connecting “Black Water” and “Listen to Music”—and uncompromised musical prowess. It’s an amazing feat considering that the key players are all in their early 70s and road dogs for life.
But more than three weeks of rehearsals last summer and an unquestionable passion for the performance keep The Doobie Brothers excited.
“The band looks really cool,” Simmons says. His eyes wrinkled as he smiled. “I don’t want to brag.”
Grammy expansion: Five new categories have been added for 2023, as well as a song for social change
