The Doobie Brothers: "These are the better days"

The Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famers, who've been playing together for more than half a century, haven't let old resentments get in the way of a new album and 50th anniversary tour. Correspondent Jim Axelrod talks with members of The Doobie Brothers - Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons and John McFee - about the band's longevity, and about their first studio album in more than a decade, "Liberté." (This story was originally broadcast on October 3, 2021.)
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[@tenbroeck1958]

I love both "phases" of the band. The Tom Johnston era was born out of the innocence of the 60s' hippie years. Then Michael McDonald helped bring in the blue-eyed soul and Jazz influence.

[@TheLochs]

I'm right there with you. I love both versions. Both were great.

[@jedd.5407]

You left out the "Skunk Baxter" days.

[@scallaghan2118]

I didn't like his influence back then, but it's aged well with time.

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

White Soul Michael McDonald

[@elizabethwightman4700]

Oh Yeahhh...I have a 4ever Michael CRUSH! you

[@SoundlabStudios63]

The fact that Tom Johnston AND Michael McDonald are on tour for the 50th anniversary makes me wish I could see this show

[@weston.weston]

I ❤ Michael McDonald's voice. He is beloved by R&B audiences.

[@janetownley]

Black R&B musicians respect McDonald, but they don’t go nuts over him

[@weston.weston]

@@janetownley Hi Ms. Patty. I am a black R&B music lover and Michael McDonald is one of my faves, Kenny G too. They aren't my favorite but they rank high.

[@niahoward1920]

@@janetownley , some do, some don’t. Ray Charles, thought he was great. Mr McDonald, uses his god- given talent. I don’t think he was Necessarily trying to have black R&B musicians go crazy over him, one way or the other. 🙏🏽

[@Spartanm333]

And the 'Captain' of the Yacht Rock ship to boot - he practically invented it.

[@jamesvaldez8530]

⁸

[@marywatkins6798]

The soundtrack of my teen years. They are still great songs!

[@Sungodv]

didn't like many of their hits back in the day...wasn't rocky enough. Then "It Keeps You Runnin" came out. Glad to have lived when the recording industry was still alive and well.

[@andrewrosen6508]

Everybody needs to recognize and remember bassist Tiran Porters' contribution. Long live the Doobies!!!

[@ww2remembered983]

Keith Knudson, Bobby LaKind, Cornelius Bumphus and many more great musicians and Doobie's too!

[@heyou702pc]

I just saw them in May 2022 in Las Vegas. They sound just like they did when I was 17 in 1977. One of my all time favorite bands. Can't wait to see them again. Great concert ❤ Love The Dobbie Brother.

[@cl5619]

They are an incredibly tight sounding band as old geezers

[@joefriedmanfriedman3087]

They are such talented musicians and really connect with their audience! Blessed to see them on this 50th Tour!

[@michaelangelotaylor8th]

I'm disgusted with myself that I missed them when they came to town (Vegas)😡...😭

[@ruthcrawford3015]

YESSSSSSSSSSS...Doobie Brothers! SO many frickin' memories....every song still holding up, still out-shining by far much of the new trends...just a band made in heaven, that's all! Thanks Doobies. Sound track of many lives. A few years ago I was subbing in a High School art class...the kids played Doobie brothers in the class room. Did my heart good to know that a new generation could appreciate really great music.

[@mtuitoelau]

Michael McDonald - THAT VOICE!!!!!!

[@andriealinsangao613]

@@teamet8317 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!!!! Accurate!

[@jacobblackburn1379]

Got to see them live at Tinley Park last August and it was the greatest show I've ever been to. The ability to seamlessly go from rock, to country/bluegrass, to jazz and soul without it feeling like a different concert ontop of the fact that they honestly sounded better than the record a lotta times. These guys are the real deal

[@knit2getherinlove]

The 2022 concert in New Hampshire was off the charts! The musicianship and vocals were still incredible!

[@kenhartman9981]

Hello Cathy how are you doing today

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Michael McDonald has one of those stellar cant be forgotten voices that reflect raw talent in every way possible.

[@kimarajamison6951]

Last week, Toto. This week, The Doobie Brothers. I wonder if CBS will have Steely Dan or Boz Scaggs will be on next CBS Sunday Morning. Thanks for sharing!

[@alexthompson9516]

Lol srsly

[@christopherallen9580]

Does CBS own their music catalogs?

[@kimarajamison6951]

@@christopherallen9580 Nowadays, you never know. They might.

[@ww2remembered983]

So great to see and hear these living legends wherever I can! Not to worry, youngsters! They'll have the Bangles on soon!

[@GenesisFan01]

​@@christopherallen9580 As far as I know, they're with Warner Bros.

[@Branner]

There's a great irony to the interviewer asking if the group was losing its "soul" with McDonald's hit-making songs. The very quality McDonald brought to the group was more R & B and soul--so i don't understand why the interviewer even posed that question. If anything, the music becomes more sophisticated and even interesting---and McDonald--what a voice. Instantly recognizable, smooth and gruff at once.

[@LarrieFromCA]

It's a win-win for both the band and the fans. Especially for the fans who would be able to enjoy hearing two amazing vocalists in Tom and Michael in every concert.

[@ww2remembered983]

Pat, John and the rest of the band aren't too shabby either! Hence the harmony.

[@hnc52]

I love all Doobie Brothers material, but the Michael Mc Donald stuff... goosebumps!

[@stephengriffin9992]

Nobody says it so I will: “The Doobies fashioned music that you want to listen to over and over and it never gets old” So the Doobie Brothers will always be my go-to rock band.

[@WhileMyGuineaPigGentlyWheeks]

Well said!

[@jwilliams6002]

Orleans is another band, celebrating their 50th anniversary together, this year. I could listen to both bands...all day and night.

[@tammyburke9453]

Iconic voice = Michael Mcdonald

[@gatorjay7972]

Great songs! Great Band! Todays artists should take notes.

[@elizabethmilligan7173]

We took our large extended family to their show at Veterans Memorial Ampitheater in Va Beach a couple weeks ago, on a gorgeous full-moon night. They left it ALL there for us, and can still ROCK. What a show. What a band. Love the Doobies!!!! Thanks for a great memory.

[@kenhartman9981]

Hello Elizabeth how are you doing today

[@berniegus]

Is my 15 year old's favorite band. And I'm proud of it!

[@chrisfinch8637]

“What a Fool Believes”, is one of my all-time favorite songs, by this group. Michael McDonald knew how to have a voice of soul- especially with his cover version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. 🎶❤️💯💐🤘😊

[@jamesdaniels3699]

Yay 👀

[@drumhaver223]

Saw them in '77. Loudest concert I ever attended (and they were all loud). Killer show.

[@thomaso5384]

Nothing better than listening to the Doobies at 72 years of age!

[@mikefleek9259]

Damn straight ! I am 64, but love theses guys since 76. Lets see if rap is still around in 60 yrs.

[@sharonferrell8930]

I'm 77 and proud to say I have their albums in vinyl.

[@cocoaorange1]

It might be.

[@daveg4236]

Love these dudes. My brother introduced me to them. My bands have always covered China Grove in his honor.

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Saw them two weeks ago at Jones Beach, and they were phenomenal! Wow, what an incredible wall of harmonic sound! And of course everyone in the crowd singing along to every song. All the better for having two lead singers from their early and later days, that represented different phases of their careers, as well as different phases of my life. (Yes, it did take me back to 1972...) Bucket list concert for me. Oh, and thanks to the Doobies for their pandemic (in isolation) KZbin releases, too. It was so great to see you come together from your respective corners of the globe.

[@kenhartman9981]

Hi Patricia how are you

[@fritzburbank935]

I was there that night too. Great weather, great performance. Saw Steely Dan there last week too. Good times!

[@patriciamorgan6545]

@@fritzburbank935 I saw Steely Dan last week there, too. The weather was perfect. Another 50th anniversary, another bucket list item. Never saw them while Becker was still with us, but Fagen is still here and in fine form, and he's assembled a stellar group of musicians for the touring band. I just had to go, despite the back-to-back expense. No telling whether there'll be a "next time". Really a great show, and indeed, good times!

[@paulj.ingram2839]

No mention of Tiran Porter or Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. Last week Toto couldn’t mention Steve Porcaro. Don Henley started an unhealthy trend regarding who’s in and who’s out. If they are still living and played a pivotal role hey deserve to be acknowledged.

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

I was wondering the same thing about the absent band members

[@andrewrosen6508]

So agree with you!

[@patriciamorgan6545]

We don't know what ended up on the cutting room floor. (Or whatever is the digital analog of that.) They were both shown in the still photos.

[@crawnyxx]

They'll make you believe when you listen to the music!!! See what I did there 😉

[@asthecrowflies737]

The Doobie Brothers ARE magic! I loved them in the 70s and I still love them today. 🥰

[@jphillips4509]

It’s so good to see them making that great music again. Ty.

[@jerrygeist1677]

I love The Doobie Brothers love what they do love what they're about love the fact they stayed the test of time love the fact they rallied as friends and kept it going what a great thing.

[@janetownley]

I always felt their name trivializes how good a band they are

[@soaringvulture]

That never occurred to me. They were great, they were the Doobies. No conflict.

[@sunnyseacat6857]

Did not know what "Doobie" meant until recently in one of their interviews: better than calling themselves " cigarette butts."

[@jillwklausen]

One of the best bands of all time. I love that they're still together jamming out, entertaining crowds.

[@ediebaxter6194]

Awesome music and musicians. It is awesome they lasted this long. When many bands haven't.

[@518freakshow4]

The Doobie Brothers took a huge chance going from "freedom rockers" to "chart toppers". Well played.

[@Spartanm333]

During Mike's (McDonald) 'interview' for the band at a San Jose house in 1975, myth has it that a biker rode his Harley through the kitchen, taking out the table they were eating from, and at Mike's early gigs they still had local 'Angels' as security, collecting guns at the gate... they didn't always receive the ticket fees but were grateful for the support. Hence the Doobie Brothers could have remained a West Coast biker band. The international success is all the more incredible then, although built on the talent of all the members, not least founders Tom and Pat.

[@tobechukwuolumba7337]

I always listen to Michael McDonald's voice and his cover of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" when I was at work. He is a wonderful singer.

[@PabluchoViision]

Will listen! I love his “Tell It Like It Is” & “I Can Let Go Now” is so painful & beautiful at the same time, it’s impossible to describe!

[@birdsfan57]

"Another Park, Another Sunday"...always brings me right back to the Summer before my Senior year...so many memories attached to this most talented, iconic band, before and after the addition of Michael...

[@lauriesolonka2477]

That's also my favorite song by The Doobie Brothers, this Thursday in Indianapolis can't get here fast enough ☺️

[@cad4060]

Yes, ….a great underrated song among many they’ve had.

[@DrJohn493]

This band made the best road trip music ever recorded. Always on the box when headed from the Gulf Coast to the western Rockies. Makes the miles and the time fly! And their music helped me survive college back in the 70s.

[@soniaalvarado5372]

I love taking road trips and listening to the Doobie brothers! ❤️ I’m glad that they found their way back together after their disagreements.

[@DrJohn493]

Same here!

[@joefriedmanfriedman3087]

Yes! Come on back CSNY!

[@Reinhardt_Kozlowski]

I don't think they ever had any disagreements, they've always gotten along and played together on and off.

[@karenkasteler942]

When Michael joined......it turned into PURE GOLD......addictive....I played their songs over & over & OVER for hours on end..... .

[@coastalseasider4634]

Absolutely mah-velous! Reliving happy memories. The Doobies are very much responsible for influencing my son at the ripe old age of 3, to becoming a professional musician. Lots of terrific memories.

[@70sladyalways25]

One of the bands from my wonderful high school days. Great memories for sure. I’m looking forward to seeing them soon!

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

A diverse and truly a great band. Doing what they have always done. Making some incredible music. That has lasted the test of time . Dobbie Brothers, Listen To The Music....

[@cm9660]

This band produced real good music! Rock on, Doobies!

[@jillsalkin7389]

Thrilling to see them in Philly recently!! I saw them decades ago!!

[@ejb7969]

Jill !!!

[@sherrym7273]

It’s always been Patrick Simmons.

[@gloriataylor6868]

Best concert I've ever seen was the Doobie Brothers 🤟👍

[@groverbaker6404]

The captain and me tour in 1973 was one unbelievable show!! Killer.. With tempest and Fleetwood mac..I'm still diggin it

[@lindaalex5868]

Party so many nights with them at Catalyst in Santa Cruz

[@kenhartman9981]

Hello Linda how are you doing

[@BirdYoumans]

Us old "dinosaurs" gotta' keep wavin' the flag as long as we can. Love me some Doobies!

[@chaii_latte]

Was my moms favorite band.. I grew up hearing them. She passed last year. Its funny, I've been rediscovering them last week..

[@ww2remembered983]

Bet your Mom was a fox! ( slang for a hot woman back in the 70's, fyi...lol ) So many of us from back then have memories of loved one who have passed with the Doobies music. Thanks for sharing. All the best!

[@jacksonsundown7545]

When I hear "Neal's Fandango" and " Clear as Driven Snow" I am transported back 50+ years ago... and am hitchhiking from San Francisco down Skyline drive... and into the redwoods... rolling through Boulder Creek... and all the way down to Santa Cruz... just in time to watch a beautiful Pacific Sunset. Keep on playin' boys, you are still ridin' that crest!!

[@ww2remembered983]

Nice memories, man!! " Going back to where I belong, Loma Prieto to Mountain Home, to the hills above Santa Cruz, the place I spent my youth...." . Of course 'Neal', was Cassidy himself.

[@jacksonsundown7545]

@@ww2remembered983 Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. Neal Cassady was certainly the inspiration for many. The Doobies were honoring him with their song " Neal's Fandango", of course. Sadly he passed away at the young age of 42 in1968, found by the side of some railroad tracks in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico.

[@60yobfandproudmills79]

❤The Doobies part I(before Micheal) and Part II( after Micheal),absolutely ❤Micheal MCDonald and his voice..and I also thought him to be really good looking!..Glad the Doobies are still rockin it!❤

[@igoski1582]

I am a very big Doobie Brothers fan and I had no idea the band released a new album. Going to listen to it now.

[@RaptorV1USA]

I remember jamming to DB cassettes in my dads Porsche 914 on weekends,... DB & Steely dan a coupl of my favorite albums in my dads collection of DIY cassettes he had in the car in a custom little cassette holder... this music set me on my own journey of music love off to a great start.

[@catherinerosengren3122]

Oh man, those days were incredible!!

[@dillonohlemiller401]

Saw their 50th anniversary tour. Still going

[@richpaydirt]

The Doobies should have been inducted into The Rock hall of fame at least 20 years ago.

[@ww2remembered983]

Without a doubt. As two other world famous, loved by 100's of millions Bay Area bands like Tower of Power and Huey Lewis and the News are not worthy....wtf?? Oh right, not to worry, Dolly Parton and Jay Z are in. Because they really rock out, right??

[@magnetodan]

It's a shame they never mentioned Skunk Baxter and Tiran Porter, who were big parts of the band.

[@Geraint3000]

And their voices are still mint.

[@tammyburke9453]

Omg, LOVE THEM! Just turning 65 this month! Boomer, Please!

[@CapAnson12345]

Saw this and immediately went to buy a ticket when they come to my city. I always put the Allman Brothers off until it was too late. Not doing that again.

[@ligmabellz7192]

dang wish the full rehearsal was on here. indescribable these guys are.

[@mr-vet]

One of the greatest bands of all time!

[@ladydragonfly5172]

I am a 70s child and in my home growing up there was always music. Led Zepplin, Doobie Brothers, Neil Diamond and so many other good artists. Our generation had the best music! Part of me is still in the 70s, i wear tie dye and listen to as my son calls it "That hippie music."

[@kent2360]

Not to mention the Great John Cowan has join them to play bass.That guy is a legend.

[@Bruiser4peck1]

I'm going to see them this coming Sunday in Grand Rapids, MI. This will be my first time at one of their concerts ( I'm 60 ).

[@ww2remembered983]

Oh wow, you are in for a treat!!

[@CollectingCardboard]

Anybody growing up in the 70's/early 80's,.... _HAS TO_ remember the Doobies being on the 2-part episode(s) of " *What's Happening* " !!

[@bsquared4604]

yup!

[@dionehackworth1767]

I remember thinking it was THE coolest thing when they performed on the show!

[@bretstanley8931]

Rerun sold them out by recording their live show! Well, he was pushed into it but the Doobs forgave him!

[@lauriesolonka2477]

@@bretstanley8931 and which Doobie you be?

[@bretstanley8931]

@@lauriesolonka2477 HaHa!

[@lab4389]

Just love them so much. A huge part of my life growing up. 🎶💟☮️

[@kenhartman9981]

Hello Lab how are you doing

[@oceandreamer1958]

I love seeing the Doobies going strong! I have always been a fan. If they ever come do a concert near me, I will be there! Thanks for the story about them.

[@kenhartman9981]

Hello Debbie how are you doing

[@funny3272]

The Doobie Brothers and Chicago. The Ying and Yang of bands.

[@lindseycarribean5113]

A great band intergenerational.

[@janetownley]

Talking like Yoda you are.

[@cmgweb6951]

First concert I ever saw in 1973. Opened by Baker Gurvitz and the Baker Gurvitz Army (I don't remember a darn thing they played), followed by Marshall Tucker Band and then the Doobies. 50 or 70K in Tampa Stadium. It was actually an off night for the Doobies, but MTB was fantastic. Don't know if they are the best 'all American' band or not. The Eagles were pretty damn good as well. At least on par with the Doobies. Edit:> Nah! Doobies were good, but the Eagles were truly great! Sorry guys.

[@homelandsecuritystagesmass507]

And the Rock Hall Of Fame still thumbs their nose at these guys.......it's a sacriledge.

[@ECW1153]

Saw them In 2016 minus Michael McDonald in St Petersburg, Fl. love them

[@chadpage7019]

Mike McDonald and Smokey Robinson and probably throw in Prince. My top 3 voices ever.. McDonald's solo career and colab with Kenny logins were strong ah too Honorable mentions: m.jackson & Robert plant

[@zabaleta66]

The intro to Listen to the Music is so iconic in my mind, it's always signalled Doobie Brothers to me! Didn't realize Skunk Baxter had a stint with DB's. That Steely Dan connection along with Mike MacDonald. Would've been great to see their old bass player and some of the other classic lineup mentioned too.

[@fredbackes9323]

Saw them about 15 years ago without Michael Mcdonald at wolf trap in DC and they sounded great. Saw them again last night at Pavillion at star lake near Pittsburgh and once again they were fantastic. Couldn't have asked for better weather for an outdoor concert and listening to them with Michael Mcdonald was really special. Can't wait to see them again.

[@steveconn]

Nothing really topped Ned Flanders bible diorama during a crisis of faith that played when cut on the Doobies "What a Fool Believes."

[@b.snow-fotomkr6132]

Still one of my favorite movie scenes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2qYpIyrhct0q9E

[@kenhartman9981]

Hello B. Snow how are you doing

[@donnarawiri]

Love this band....especially when MM joined them,..

[@carlrosendorf5210]

Takin it to the streets...✌🙂🎸🕺

[@USARobert59]

OMG!!! I live in Norway and had a vacation in Fort Lauderdale where the Doobies would be in concert while I was there, actually West Palm Beach. Their 50 year anniversary tour and I had pretty good seats. They cancelled the show. I can't tell you how disappointed I am\was, I started crying and I'm 62. I have been listening to these guys since I was 13 or 14 years old (early 1970's). There aren't many ole rock bands that have many original people left in them so I was so excited to see them. Been locked away in my house the last 3 years hiding from Covid, so was even more excited then ever to get out and see some life, some rock and roll. Probably won't see them in my lifetime again but they are fantastic band.

[@ww2remembered983]

Oh Man, bummer!!

[@marileeodendahl2720]

I'll never forget driving a huge old station wagon full of hippies to Mardi Gras and everyone one of us singing along to Black Water every time it came on the radio for 1200 miles.

[@MrChumpus]

I saw them live in '77 with my buddy Rerun. He got busted tryin to bootleg the concert. So embarrassing.

[@horseygurl143]

Listened to Doobie Brothers on radio and bought albums and clothing. Went to 2 concerts in Kansas City area in early 1970s. By mid to late 1970s, lived in Saudi Arabia. Everyone American was listening to the new Doobie Brothers and so was I. Really enjoyed seeing how these fellas turned from handsome little frogs to HOT PRINCES! Wow, I'm taking my bra off right now, and of course, burning my Bic listening to the Doobie Brothers!!!

[@greenwich1754]

I have no encyclopedic knowledge of all bands who stand the test of time, but I am virtually blown away that I can listen to Tom Johnston sing "Listen to the Music" in 1972, and hear him sing it in 2022, and not notice a difference or degradation in vocal ability.

[@felixkmgalanti9064]

Johnston, McDonald, Simmons, it's all good stuff!!!

[@abdeton1899]

"Another Park, Another Sunday" was the best song they did, in my opinion!

[@kennycab3374]

Seen em front row 1979 at the St Paul Civic Center. It was called their Farewell Tour. haha

[@karav8133]

They’re all looking pretty good, and sounding amazing!

[@wilowwells]

Michael Mcdonald is such a legend. I think he was already backing up Steely Dan when he went to the Doobies.

[@harrisongdavis]

Every great band has eras. Literally every single great band, if theyre around long enough, venture out.

[@handsoffmygunmf6750]

They spent the whole show talking about how well they get along and stayed together, then at the end "The Doobies have a new album and McDonald wasn't included in it"

[@seashellmac1968]

I'm 54 and grew up listening to these guys sing.. my mom LOVED them as did my aunt and my cousins whom we all hung out with all the time. Hubby just surprised me and bought us tickets to see them in Portland OR this coming Saturday for the 50th Anniversary Tour!!! How nostalgic !!!

[@stevescott200]

I seen the "livin on the fault line" tour , they were fantastic, my lifetime favourite band, all incarnations

[@ralphcolerick4939]

skunk baxter was a driving force early too bad he left he also played with steely dan

[@js1642]

Good concert. Glad Johnston reconciled with McDonald.

[@EPICichiban]

Why wasn't Tyran Porter included?

[@debralanton3611]

Saw them in Orange bch.Al..Saturday they were amazing...