Tom Johnston talks about Michael McDonald replacing him as frontman

Tom Johnston talks about his lowest period when he git ill with a bleeding ulcers . He talks about how Jeff Baxter recruited his fellow Steely Dan bandmate Michael McDonald to join the band on their 1975 tour. Later in 1987 the band reforms with Tom Johnston in the lineup . Pat Simmons, the group's co-founder and guitarist talks about his time with Muchael McDonald

[@ZumaDogg]

Michael McDonald aside, Tom Johnston is a songwriting legend. A true American treasure and classic.

[@rmgibsontx]

Okay for those folks who love Michael McDonald, that's when I quit listening to the Doobie Brothers. I saw them in 1973, and they Absolutely ROCKED!

[@CorbCorbin]

@@rmgibsontx “What a fool do-ooh-we-oh-mah-pah-bag-sah-nah-nah” 🤣

[@mdelaubergine8930]

Preferences aside, McDonald is one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet. No affectation, no self-importance at all. Just a good guy and a great talent.

[@written12]

Did Johnston sing lead on Blackwater? If he did, then, yeah, that’s the classic Doobie Brothers lead vocal sound I grow up on

[@ZumaDogg]

@@written12 that was Patrick Simmons but that was his only big one. Tom Johnston is the classic Doobie sound. Black Water is just one song.

[@mozdickson]

Tom, what a great attitude. God bless you mate. Doobies were two band, equally great as each other!

[@garyjelsma8820]

Truly

[@mdelaubergine8930]

I love the Johnston years and the McDonald years. The band turned out great stuff in all its configurations.

[@strongcloud28]

Indeed, I'd argue for them being in the Rock and roll Hall of Fame under both eras.

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

Right? Two completely different dynamics, same band.

[@garyjelsma8820]

Yep

[@garyjelsma8820]

@@strongcloud28 Wouldn't that be awesome.

[@strongcloud28]

@@garyjelsma8820 it would be, indeed!

[@fgoindarkg]

They are both top shelf front men. That band was deep with talent.

[@garyjelsma8820]

Yep

[@TheLyricah]

Deeeeeeeeeeeep

[@Larrymh07]

I'm not a Michael McDonald hater but always thought they needed Tom Johnston around as a counter balance. Tom's energy and grit is indispensable.

[@bernlin2000]

Dude was literally bleeding out, though...I'm glad he stepped away, just for health reasons. We might not have them BOTH with us playing in the same band today, if he hadn't taken care of his health (and drug abuse issues).

[@Larrymh07]

@@bernlin2000 Yes, you're quite correct in that regard. It's fun for me to play the 'what ifs'.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Tom with his San Francisco sound, Michael with his r & b, and skunk with the jazz... that's the recipe for Yacht rock.

[@darkh2o716]

I will take the Tom Johnston Era any day. What an outstanding group with so much beautiful music and excellent players as well.

[@sandyhanson6082]

💯!

[@archaicroger]

Roklahoma 1980 in Norman. A lot of folks like myself left when the McDoobies were due on stage and I've never regretted leaving.

[@petechau9616]

Me too! I got tired of Michael McDonalds voice.

[@stevenfarley4738]

@@archaicroger I agree - to me, it was a lost era - kind of like the Mustang II.

[@darkh2o716]

@@petechau9616 M&M has a nice voice but it does get old. Additionally I like the band as a true rock group. They really did put out some truly amazing music. Regardless best wishes and have fun.

[@jamesconnors5653]

Another Park Another Sunday is one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. Thank you Tom.

[@michaelpiston8085]

I agree. I think it's their best song.

[@johnmcaleese8459]

@@michaelpiston8085 underplayed for sure. The Doobies never did a bad tune.

[@christopherdavison652]

My favorite Doobie Bros. song. From the "Vices" album.

[@barbarabonnette2705]

One thing I’ll say about this band; is that you’ll never be disappointed if you see them in concert……. Now that I’m older, I appreciate every little note, every little nuance that’s created as they sing and harmonize….. I’m glad to have listened to them for almost 45 years now…….❤❤

[@milt6208]

Old high school music for me when their first albums came out in the early Seventies.

[@barbarabonnette2705]

@@milt6208 Me too!

[@aaronrogers8846]

Out of the hundreds of concerts (mostly in the 70’s) I’ve attended I have to say The Doobies at MLG in Toronto 75? Is to this day the worst concert I’ve been to. The sound was atrocious, I’m guessing because of no sound check? There is a back story to this concert as the Doobies got held up at customs & the opening band the Outlaws was denied entry into Canada. Doobies came on stage late & the sound was muddy as f@ck & the sound board engineer couldn’t fix it. The whole concert was a clusterf@ck. Never been so disappointed as I love both bands.

[@alwilson3204]

Same here - an awesomely talented group.

[@garyjelsma8820]

Amen brother!

[@mattsalamone8215]

Went to show last year, one of the best shows I have ever seen, and Michael McDonald was with them. He was just part of the whole group, sang the tunes he was supposed to and played keys. No one overshadowed anyone. They looked like they were having a lot of fun and thd sold out crowd was too.

[@tomgrimmer947]

Saw them last year as well and it was great. Having Michael and Tom both there was a real treat.

[@burtrangle3546]

Saw them both at the Superdome in '78, with Van Halen, Guenther-Gebel Williams, and the Rolling Stones. Their sound was the best that day., Van Halen were mixed fart-like, and the Stones sound was overtaken by the inherent echo. The McDonald songs were getting airplay, so we knew who he was. We liked Tom's stuff better, but they coalesced well.

[@zapwatt]

Now if Skunk would come back.

[@r.d.sandman6474]

@@burtrangle3546 Good line up-on paper, but a sound man’s nightmare. Typical Van Halen & yes, the Stones can & will overdo it-but not enough good things can be said about the Doobie Bros. Not a bad thing can be said about Mike or the Doobies. Amazing outfit!

[@r.d.sandman6474]

@@zapwatt oh, ol’ Skunk’s out there, I have no idea why he’s not up with the rest of them making some green. Hey, now that I think on it he was here on KZbin a short while back

[@mothernaturesapothecary]

Both eras of the band were phenomenal and both are legendary eras! I love both equally.❤

[@JefferyHagen]

I agree.

[@feralkid7025]

Their all touring together, all of them are having a blast...

[@codzy3532]

both tom johnston an michael mcdonald were great in the doobies no one was better than the other i liked both of them singing up front

[@RealDavidN]

I experienced the sudden loss of Tom Johnston as a tragedy. The new band was more MM than DB's. The old guitar-centric style was basically gone. However, Tiran Porter is still the king.

[@drumhaver223]

Porter shines on the jazzier MM/DB stuff like Chinatown and Living On The Fault Line. He (well, the whole band) rocks it.

[@keylearning5746]

I understand why you would say that, but with Pat and Skunk Baxter, I don’t see the band as less guitar centric, they just shoe horned keyboards into the sound to make MM’s songs work.

[@michaelhoffman5486]

with tom gone doobies went to straight pop crap to me

[@MadisonD941]

@@michaelhoffman5486 thank you!! for putting it in words. I couldn't quite find the way to describe what happened but I always preferred before MM. all his songs sound the same.

[@abrarahmed1888]

I love Tiran Porter’s bass playing on Long Train Running and Takin it to the Streets

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

I love when they are both onstage together these days. 🤙🏼

[@wassupdoc2780]

I remember hearing China Grove for the first time and I was hooked. Still love that intro! The lead was great as well. Doobies were among the best groups ever IMO. Tom Johnston has a great voice too. He knew how to sing them. So many great songs. Even Peter Frampton made a song Doobie Wah in tribute to them. Great cut as well.

[@quintas66]

Chung chung [chuka chuka] Chung chung [chuka chuka] Chunk a chunk a chunk..a chung chung!

[@ronaldlogan7983]

Best rhythm section in rock

[@garyjelsma8820]

Rock n roll at it's best.

[@cayenneman08]

I always get a big smile when I see Tiran Porter killing it with the Doobies!❤

[@c2itccase9]

Simmons is as underrated as any rockstar…

[@racketman2u]

yes! contributed some of their best songs (like South City Midnight Lady) and was the glue that held the band together.

[@joer2513]

Tom Johnstone, what a great underrated American songwriter, I'm 22 and live in the UK I've always appreciated 70's music but in the past few weeks I've discovered a newfound love for this man, particularly "Another Park, Another Sunday" what a great song.

[@bluzzedude8111]

Johnson and Simmons are great in their own right. GREAT singers, writers and guitarists. The Michael McDonald era brought some beautiful new texture to an already great band!

[@haroldbelfast]

I love both equally. Very different, but both great.

[@362chop]

Johnston years were the best, without question.

[@Jpeterson7]

I love the Doobies, and only a band like them could turn a catastrophic loss (losing Tom to illness) into massive victory. It worked because the people in the band were all able to listen to each other and not let egos get in the way of music. It bothers me that people feel the need to compare the early version of the band to the McDonald era. To me, it was just a band evolving in order to remain fresh and relevant. They are truly a band of brothers no matter who's in and who's out, and they care deeply about the quality of their music. It's the reason why they always find a great musician whenever somebody leaves or passes away. What I love about their concerts is they always mix up the set list and bring out some old album cuts. Sure they play the hits, but they also play songs that were never big hits, even though they're great songs that could have been big hits had the radio stations decided to play them. Hats off to their producer Ted Templeman also. He has the great ear and the magic touch when it comes to sound. The guitar sound on the beginning of Listen to the Music hooked me the first second I plopped the record down on my stereo back in the early 70's. It was THE BEST strumming sound I ever heard. Like you were sitting next to Tom and Pat. Of course, Ted made other bands, like Montrose and Van Halen, sound bigger than life too, but with the Doobies, the sound was more layered and complex due to the nature of the band and the songs they wrote. He's every bit a band member with the guys, IMO.

[@retired42002vz]

Listen to the Music hooked me also

[@Earlvis]

I totally agree. In order to stay on the charts, the band would need to evolve with the times and Michael’s style was just what they needed.

[@he5975]

[@richardleewagner3939]

Evolved into Top 40 elevator music

[@Jpeterson7]

Any real musician will tell you it's far more than that, including bassplayer extraordinaire Tiran Porter. @@richardleewagner3939

[@cdgee6399]

"Things happen for a reason" .... Great attitude! Peace follows thinking this way.

[@garyjelsma8820]

That is so true.

[@garyjelsma8820]

Tom Johnston will always be the voice of The Doobie Brothers for me. They should've changed the name to The Michael McDonald Band when they replaced Johnston. They were never the same. The real Doobie Brothers rocked.

[@mplsmark222]

If you listen to some of the old albums, before Tommy left, they were much more than just a rock and roll band. Many of Patrick’s songs were much more complex and had a fusion feel. Personally, I’ve been a fan since the first time I heard China Grove on the radio. I even remember the occasion. It was the weekly top forty, I was grooving to the song and at the end, missed the title. Took me awhile to find it, but I’ve love that song and the band since. How could anyone deny Minute by Minute was a great album, they won the Grammy for record of the year!

[@perrybarton]

I love their early ‘70s stuff too. But if they hadn’t found someone to step in when Johnston was too ill to work, there most likely wouldn’t have been a Doobies anymore. Also… Pat Simmons was a strong presence on the McDonald era albums. He was versed in more than just the rock style of the TJ material, and he was able to mesh stylistically with MM in a way that seemed effortless. I love the MM era as well, and always thought of PS as the link/bridge between the two.

[@garyjelsma8820]

Perry, I'm glad you enjoyed the Michael McDonald Era of The Doobies like so many others. I agree with you about Patrick Simmons but really I barely noticed his presence after Tom was replaced. For myself, the band didn't rock with energy anymore and I never bought another DB album or went to another concert. I like MM but for me it was the end of the road. God bless.

[@thelakeman5207]

100% correct! McDonald took the heart out of the Doobies and turned it into his "lounge music". I'd rather listen to "China Grove" and "Long Train Running" than "What a Fool Believes".

[@0patience4flz]

Michael McDonald...the next best thing next to Michael Bolton

[@paulapodaca7090]

Tom Johnston and his voice/influence are part of the fabric of my youth.. I have nearly broken my radio station finger dozens of times when I hear that horrible song "What a Fool believes" (my opinion).. I respect MM but Tom is the true leader of the Doobie Brothers

[@tonyc8752]

If you don’t like “what a fool believes” then you have zero taste in music and I feel sorry for you being born with bad ears

[@garyjelsma8820]

😄 I dang near broke the button on the radio !

[@daveyboygee]

I love how these guys have time and space to look back at what a "blessing" Michael was to the band. This amounts to a David Lee Roth vs. Sammy Hagar argument. Both lent amazing but different skillsets that added to a wonderful playlist. Michael just "added" music. Tom's mark will never be lost and his was the foundation of the band. But adding Michael's keyboard and vocal's brought the band to the next level, as Jeff said, adding longevity to their careers. In my opinion, that is indeed a blessing!

[@markeelyons8060]

I love the doobie brothers,no matter what ! My 2 favorites,he other is steely Dan. But, then theres boz scaggs, the eagles, santana...the list goes on. One of the benefits of being 76 yrsold!

[@brd1242]

Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston are to me the Doobie Brothers. McDonald not so much. McDonald changed to bands sound and it was not my favorite. I followed the band since 1972 and they are still my favorite. I grew up listening to them thru teenage years, a marriage, divorce, girl friends, and now I’m a young 66…saw them in Vegas this year and sounded just as great as ever…keep rockin guys…

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

If I had a penny for every mile I’ve driven listening to the Doobies, I’d be rich.

[@user-vq3kw3ze3f]

​@@MarkSmith-js2pu The Doobies are mandatory driving music

[@jondishmonmusicandstuff2753]

You sound so silly michael mcdonald save that man and made it famous so you wanted them to sing like what white men oh i'm so sorry

[@marcdewey1242]

I liked the old school Doobies better too,but any time a band gets a new front man their sound and music style changes,that was also the case with Van halen and Sammy replacing Roth,Deep Purple with Coverdale replacing Gillan,REO Speedwagon with Michael Murphy replacing Cronin temporarily,but they all were still good.

[@gregoryschleitwiler9601]

Mcdonald ruined the Doobie Brothers. Pompous ass

[@johnrpomeroy]

It was all fantastic music in my opinion. They made the best of the situations as they arose. True professionals, all of them!!

[@BarneyRq1d]

I've never understood the "MM ruined the band: bullshit. All of it was good imo. Love the TJ era and the MM era as well.

[@garyjelsma8820]

@@BarneyRq1d I am sorry that some are offended by my expression of preference. Everyone has differences. It's a blessing that after the fact they all came together as one. Kind of beautiful. Rock on brother.

[@garyjelsma8820]

So true.

[@r.d.sandman6474]

I was a fan since ‘72 also, but let me tell you, this video answered a lot of questions. Though not the same band Mike stepped in when Tom was ill

[@rmgibsontx]

Okay for those folks who love Michael McDonald, that's when I quit listening to the Doobie Brothers. I saw them in 1973, and they Absolutely ROCKED!

[@craigwillms61]

That makes two of us.

[@atomicwedgie8176]

Same

[@patriottex4813]

The McDonald era is my least favorite era of the Doobie Brothers. I'm sure Michael is a great guy and all, but his material took the band in directions that I didn't like. To each his own I guess.

[@rmgibsontx]

Ditto, Bro!@@patriottex4813

[@richardleewagner3939]

When McDonald joined, and replaced Tom, that was the end of the Doobie Brothers. McDonald, to me, soundrd like a Vegas lounge act. Elevator music.

[@DonnyOsmosis]

I love both eras. And when the 80s came around and Michael McDonald came in, it didn't seem like a harsh, abrupt change, it seemed natural (compared to bands like Starship and Heart)

[@grimolarose1]

My thoughts as well 👍

[@mikehoskins56]

McDonald came in the mid seventies, not the eighties. As for Heart, their changes were noticeable. And Starship was great in the Early 80's not later on when big changes took place.

[@stevejames2234]

I agree. When Tiran Porter left, Skylark came in and he was one hell of a bass man. I saw them live with him, and he could flat thump a bass guitar. Band was as tight as ever. Also, for the MM haters, if that period doesn't shake out, who knows if the band would have even stayed together. Nothing but respect for MM. A good band aid while TJ recovered from his physical issues, but I believe he knew his stay would be over once TJ came back. They are all good friends and MM sits in with them to this day from time to time. I think the hate on MM is misguided. MM is a superstar in his on right. He wasn't sittin around waiting for them to call him (although they did).

[@Canyon2023]

I'll always love the Doobies for giving McDonald a chance to play and record his tunes, what a gift to millions!!! And the Doobies have always been great - before and after!!! The tightest rhythm and best grooves, like nobody else!! 🙏

[@Nazman06]

Michael McDonald sucks

[@jerrywoods4066]

Never cared for the mcdonald era much .

[@keylearning5746]

Massive 5 star catalog of amazing music, thanks to 3 very prolific songwriters, and a stellar band who could perform them all seamlessly. I do miss Tiran.

[@crwilson1017]

Like it or not Michael McDonald saved the band from extinction

[@lilik9657]

Totally 💯

[@mplsmark222]

@@crwilson1017 Record of the year would never have happened without Michael. Not that is the most important thing, but being critically acclaimed has to be one of the most rewarding things for an artist.

[@Paolo-ie7nh]

Thanks to the DB. You gave me some good times back in the 70ies. You became my favourite band since then. I had the chance to see you twice live. Once in the states in Las Vegas. And once in Bruxelles (Europe) where I am from……

[@poppyneese1811]

To me under Johnson they were a Rock Band, under McDonald they were a soul band, both I Loved and their songs will be with me into the afterlife! Love these guys, Thank You so much!❤️

[@Pappy63]

What a great band, before AND during McDonald.

[@jimperry4108]

Love this band so much no matter who is lead singer. It's all good.

[@SignalRider]

Michael McDonald took them higher up the charts then they ever would've been able to go. Since his departure they have never gotten close to that again and now can be seen at a casino or winery near you. He had a treasure trove of songs when he came on board and in this interview they can't even get that straight or he would quit staring at the floor while peddling his excuses.

[@54fighting5]

Good for the band, they managed to keep working after losing one of the great writers and singers of the day. But I can't listen to any McDonald song for more than 10 seconds, no matter who is backing him. I'm happy that Tom and the Doobies are back together...and still sounding great!

[@travis8665]

I cant stand MMs voice.

[@suzietroia1087]

I have Yacht Rock radio on 24-7 just to hear MM, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins and Chris Cross.😅

[@GangsterofloveSpacecowboy]

Stop hating

[@54fighting5]

@@GangsterofloveSpacecowboy Having an opinion is NOT hating. I prefer the original Doobies. The End.

[@54fighting5]

@@suzietroia1087 I love the band out of Atlanta -Yacht Rock Revival. But I still can't listen to MM. I fail to see the problem with that.

[@abrarahmed1888]

Two different eras. As a massive Doobie fan, I like both versions

[@mayito714]

I never cared whether Johnston or McDonald was leading the group. I enjoyed and appreciated the music on every album that they made throughout the 70's and 80's. I'm not sure I would have if it would have been either one of them alone.

[@todmarks175]

They're both great, different, but great.

[@johncraft2995]

I think the word that Simmons was looking for was spontaneous instead of sporadic. Maybe not, either way they’ve been part of the sound track of my life. I loved these guys from their first album on. I’ve always felt this was Tom’s and Pat’s band. Skunk Baxter and John McFee are both incredible guitarist. A lot of talent has been in this band including McDonald.

[@wizardofoz1249]

God bless them all. Hope they live to be 100!!!!!!

[@reneefairley3765]

Such a beautiful blessing for them to have worked together ❤❤❤❤.

[@georgemorris4727]

Memories of being a 10 yr old boy hearing China Grove ect in the early 70s the last of the hippie era that is still special.

[@dustincoy243]

The early years they were a kick ass rock band and their concerts were epic. McDonald turned them into a piano bar band. I still can’t stand to hear his high pitched wail and have change the radio station any time his songs come on. China Grove will always be one of my favorite rock songs. I just have to turn up the radio full blast every time it comes on.

[@RyneMurray23]

I want tom johnston every day and twice on Sunday🔥👍🏼

[@michaellombard894]

Tom Johnston is definitely my favorite. The original guys for sure. Mikes a great musician but I prefer the original sounds.

[@budster111]

Even though Tom Johnston left the band he started and didn't feel they were playing his style of music when he returned from his illness, he has never held a grudge against Michael McDonald and the rest of the Doobies and has even called it a "blessing" for the band. Both Tom and Michael are class acts and very good friends and you can tell the admiration they have for each other whenever they are together for interviews. I can't find the video on KZbin anymore, but Pat, John, Tom and Michael were being interviewed together. While the interviewer was talking to Pat Simmons and John McFee, Tom and Michael were chatting with each other and were so engrossed in their own side conversation, Tom missed hearing the question the interviewer had asked him.

[@johnnybrace]

agreeing with most who say Tommy Johnston era is the best. Mike Macdonald had some great Mike Macdonald tunes and was a record labels dream for $ success.

[@jessesingersongwriter]

Michael McDonald has one of the best voices around. Doobies were always great, he came on board at the perfect time and brought them more success by modernizing their sound. Great songs and recordings from that period, the Doobie's background vocals on his songs are insanely good. These are all cool people and top notch musicians, there's no animosity at all about the changes they went through.

[@deecook8393]

McDonald SUCKS!!

[@tiki_trash]

I HATE Michael McDonald's voice. He's the worst thing that ever happened to any band he sang in, just my arrogant opinion.

[@Donkeybone10]

No way

[@voxac30withstrat]

The Doobies just became his middle of the road backing band and lost their rocky edge. The songs changed and got limp.

[@361vr9]

I like how he speaks of him. It made me want to listen to both now.

[@IceManLikeGervin]

Michael McDonald extended the group's career and broadened The Doobie Brothers audience with his soulful addition to the group...they all are touring together in 2023, in fact they have had to add 35 additional dates due to the vast popularity of the tour. Prior to resuming their US run, The Doobie Brothers will take their 50th Anniversary Tour to Australia, Japan & Singapore. Also, Tiran Porter is a certified Doobie Brother as well!!!

[@suzietroia1087]

I'm going to that very show this month and Michael will be with since TJ is recouping from back surgery.

[@jonthomas8569]

I have to say Tom Johnston is incredibly gracious where Michael McDonald is concerned. The band went in a new direction without him, and he has nothing but kind words for him. I appreciate both incarnations of the group. Different sounds, but they all work for me.

[@zapwatt]

I really respect how gently Pat was able to correct and disagree with Tom's narrative without being course about it. Tommy saying "who knew" that Mike had a "trove" of killer material is almost. . .I dunno, like dismissive. Kind of suggests that the increased popularity was undeserved, like Mike brought a bag of magic beans. No, Mike is just that good that he supercharged an already good band and they created great material together for as long as they stayed together. I respect that Tom was polite and tried to not disparage Mike but the jealousy is still clearly there below the surface.

[@christopherrichardson5352]

The Doobie Brothers are by far and above my favorite band. Fantastic song writing, singing and musicianship. There really isn't another group that I think comes close other than the Rolling Stones. I'd have to say that the Stones are right there with the Doobies. Still the Doobies are my fave.

[@brettthebassist]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I like both eras!

[@JK-yu7hj]

Been a follower of the Doobies since the easy 1970’s when I recall listening to them on my transistor radio, to me the original lineup with Tom is the best. That said, I like Michael McDonald, and he seems like a good guy to boot. Patrick Simmons is just timeless, and the musicians in the band, Jeff Baxter, John McFee, and too many others to list, these people have been phenomenal musicians, all A-listers. Love these guys, God Bless them all!

[@bernlin2000]

He's been an incredible asset to the band, and kept them viable in the 1980s. They accidentally "fell in" with one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the 1980s before the 1980s occurred. I like that the interviewer tries to make this out to be a tense thing, and it probably was in the late 1970s 🤣. Tom's health problems needed time to resolve themselves and something amazing happened while they did. And now the two musical traditions blend together beautifully!

[@MapleJames76]

Same as Van Halen and Van Hagar, the band went in different directions, and back to where it started, and it was ALL excellent music.

[@dalerogers4323]

Mike was my next door neighbor and the Doobies played in his basement. This would have been in mid to late 70’s.

[@DoofsterDan]

Ok, everybody points to the McDonald period with rolled eyes. I saw it as not a new direction but an EXTENSION… their virtuosity, and how well they could pull it off.

[@dextergelfand7465]

I loved the original fresh and happy rock sound of the Doobies. Hearing the McDonald version of the band was a loss for me. Not because he isn't or wasn't very good in his way, but because the spirit, identity and feeling of the Doobie Brothers that I loved was turned onto something with an entirely different feel.

[@johnk-ht4yj]

Tom Johnston was more like John Fogerty.....pure original Americana. Michael McDonald is pure R&B sprinkled with subtle genius of 'Steely Dan ' harmonies. "Taking It to the Streets" is a brilliant album but a different sound.But that Doobie Bros. original rhythm section? the best....next to the original Allman Bros. (Live at Fillmore).

[@markeelyons8060]

Yes!!

[@salvadorl354]

Man, as a young man I hated that move. Later I accepted it, but I missed Tom's voice and songs😢. Needles to say , I was fortunate to experience the various stages of this peerless band!❤

[@cmarie6157]

Michael took the band to another level.

[@andrewmair7371]

A different one… neither better nor worse - More a TJ fan myself 🤷🏻 but happy to see them evolve together &, as ever, rockin’ many houses -🏘️🔥🎸🥁🥁

[@bristleconepinus2378]

a much more musically sophisticated level that I prefer, apart from the original boogie band sound...to world class music.

[@jamesarnette1394]

A much lower and much more dispensable level, yes.

[@muffs55mercury61]

McDonald was ok but it changed the band's direction and not to everyone's liking. They went from a rock and roll band in 1972 to a soft pop band in 1976. When Tom rejoined the band it seemed like old times again.

[@milt6208]

Don't forget Skunk Baxter was with them too.

[@racketman2u]

agree, I didn't like "Minute By Minute" when it came out, thought it had gone too far in the wrong direction, though I can't deny Michael probably saved the band when Tom fell ill.

[@michaelperkins6747]

While I love a lot of the Tom Johnston albums from the 70s, to me after 50 listens of all their albums up to the last one with Michael Mac, these days it’s only the Michael Mac ones that I play. He wrote so many great songs that just melt you when you hear them. His voice was a one in a generation voice along with Steve Perry and Steve Walsh. These guys could take you on an emotional charged ride with their singing.

[@belindamcbride1]

Whoa. Uncomfortable, much? The McDonald era was "Michael McDonald with his backing band, the Doobie Brothers."

[@alexgallardo9149]

Tom Johnston is the man behind that group that group was his baby. He left the band kn 1975 due to illness but mow he is back with the guys. Michael was I. The band from 1975 until the group broke up in 1982. Tom is the one leading the group although Michael rejoined them g or the 60th anniversary tour. It is temporary this reunion.

[@imkerrusin]

What a fool believes was written by both Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. Kenny also recorded the tune on his Night Watch Album

[@TheX-3d]

The day Michael McDonald joined the Doobies was the saddest day of my music fan life. The earlier shows at Winterland were some of my best high school era concert memories.

[@kb9788]

Anyone that believes the plaintive wail from McDonald is lead singer rock, has tin ears. Cocktail white R&B pop at best.

[@donanderson8145]

McDonald totally sucked!

[@milt6208]

Navy ones for me too.

[@hotlanta35]

Millennials worship the ground he walks on

[@robmorrison1043]

@@kb9788 Anyone who makes an imbicilic comment like yours, is a musical novice. Amateurish at best!

[@lonewave1]

Not too many bands I know of can change directions with musical styles and bring their past and new fans along. When Tom Johnston had to leave, they were lucky to have McDonald come into the void and give them a newer sound and style of music. Naturally when Johnston got his health back I was wondering when he would get back with the group, he did, and the group was even better than ever!

[@petertrotman7708]

The early DB sound was relevant to a time but when the late 70's early 80's kicked in Michael's songs fit more with those times. I think the Doobies would've been considered old hat if it wasn't for the change. A lot of other bands didn't adapt then faded, even ZZ Top adapted. I like both the older & newer versions of DB because they were great written songs.

[@rickmontgomery3037]

Well said and totally agree...

[@bernlin2000]

Yep, they would have been nothing more than a throw-back band if they continued with the same sound into the 1980s. It was simply unavoidable, the two decades had a very rapid shift in musical direction (which can't be said about the 1990s or 2000s). And people seem to think Michael "took over" the band. No, he was invited and brought the creative energies the band needed at the time. And the band were incredible enough to see the raw musical talent, even if it didn't perfectly fit their early sound. Sometimes just have great talent is more important than the perfect image of what the band is. The Doobie Brothers took a chance and it paid off big time (it oftentimes doesn't, however...see the band Chicago).

[@dannytse8767]

Have you heard Pat Simmon's only top 40 solo hit, "So Wrong", from his first solo album from 1983? It peaked at #8 on the Billboard Dance/Disco chart if that's any indication. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIKbiXeapc-Cg8U

[@markfuentez1543]

MONSENSE !!😅😅😅😅

[@BigInTheBurgh1]

Their entire body of work was great. 👏👏👏

[@annettesjoy]

I am truly a Michael fan. He has a terrific voice with some great songs. He is beyond outstanding.

[@mountainsage100]

Michael expanded their sound...the Doobies have such a well rounded sound, and both Michael and Tom are responsible for that...Pat and John too..

[@phildirt3]

It was all good !

[@Mike-ky9jz]

The Captain and Me is one of the 25 greatest albums ever recorded.

[@Sammy_019]

Good for you, Mr. Rather was trying to bait you lol. But you’re right things do happen for a reason. I can’t wait to see all of you in Edmonton.

[@billholdensaunt4086]

that's brother dan's thing and thank you for noting that. not a fan of him since his supposed take on the zapruder film in the jfk assassination era. also heard a somewhat recent low key college kid interviewing him in a long form interview so like 30 plus minutes. he's over the top pompous. however, back to the point the guys handled him and were at the same time cordial. good old country charm!

[@brianallen8091]

The McD years worked out because his crazy good vocals went along with the really popular R&B at the time. If you didn’t know it, you would think Micheal was African American, like a Jeffrey Osborne or someone with a similar vocal style. Not many bands outside of Van Halen or AC/DC had that kind of success with a drastic change in vocals. Just a great band, period.

[@mkl62]

Chicago, too when Jason Scheff replaced Peter Cetera.

[@MrJsfingers]

@@mkl62vocally, Peter was irreplaceable. I’m a huge Chi fan. Jason was an amazing bassist but unfortunately, the direction of the band didn’t hear towards his playing.

[@mkl62]

@@MrJsfingers Peter had run=ins with Gene (threw his drumstick at him, the spotlight catching him making an obscene gesture as "Beth" was starting up). 1986 was a series of "firsts" for me. April 16, 1986, I saw Van Halen in Columbia, SC on Sammy Hagar's first time out with them. One week later, I entered the Navy. Then, on November 2, after reporting for duty, I saw Chicago in Norfolk, VA with Jason on his first time out with them. I was unaware that Peter Cetera had left them.

[@willobendorf6356]

I saw the Doobie Brothers in 1972 as the lead-on band for Rare Earth. I was a Doobies fan from then on...and a fan of Ted Templeman's production skills! When Michael McDonald joined, it was still a good band, but some years later I heard Savannah Nights on the radio, and just knew that was Tom Johnston! I called the radio station and confirmed it, and then went to buy the album - glad he was back in the game!

[@moraninterpretingtransla-di4er]

The Doobie brothers in my opinion wrote and played a song that should be in the top 5 songs of all time cause of it’s message a the melody and harmonies. “Listen to the music”…

[@GinaGreenlee]

It's healthy to evolve and grow as humans. Artists who do this tend to have longevity. I love all evolutions of the Doobies. I did in 1972 when I was 12 years old and as a 62-year old artist, appreciate that they could grow apart and together, apart and together and explore separate interests and directions as a sign of emotional and artistic maturation. It was the same as the Beatles. Also this handwringing about who did what and who broke up who. Paul evolved into Wings. George Harrison was doing his spiritual thing. John was experimenting in his own way. Tina Turner, as one of many examples, has eras. All were amazing. She was always growing - R&B, performing, then writing, then rock. She went global because she evolved. The only constant we can count on in life is change.

[@gordgibson6654]

I've always wondered what happened with the switch and now I know, thanks for sharing

[@SavageVoyageur]

I saw these guys 3 or 4 times. Great band

[@bluebayou4242]

Both great, just different sounds and vibes. I loved both eras.

[@paulrodberg]

All wonderful musicians giving their precious and inspiring gifts to us lucky ones. Michael’s voice, Wow!!

[@pa2camp]

for any new listener check out "cotton mouth" from their first record and then you tell me if Tom Johnston has any talent. One of the best ever. "China Groove", "Listen to the Music" are some highlights of his prowess

[@gianlucad8003]

I went to see them in the mid 70s with McDonald at the helm and Lynyrd Skynyrd open for them, I remember someone telling me that Skynyrd was gonna blow them off the stage and that's exactly what happened, they had the crowd going crazy and it was a major let down when the Doobie Brothers started.

[@suzietroia1087]

That's hard to get my head around since Michael has probably one of the most envied voices in the music field.😮

[@markeelyons8060]

Thats sad

[@milt6208]

The year that happened I saw the Doobies in Norfolk Virginia. Great show. Then later that year I was in Jacksonville Florida and saw them expecting Tom Johnston and was thouraly disappointed. So much so I left before the end of the show.

[@sunnyday3160]

I thought Michael Mcdonald brought alot to the table. Those were my favorite songs

[@jnbfrancisco]

My wife and I went to a Doobi Brothers concert in Champaign I'll around 1975. We were about to leave while the band was playing because they weren't playing any songs we recognized and they were not good. We did not know that it was the warm up band. The Doobies came out and put on the best concert I have ever seen. Almost blew it because we didn't know what they looked like when we went to their concert.

[@oldjarhead386]

The early Tom Johnston Doobie Brothers is the only Doobie Brothers! Those early albums prior to MM were incredibly deep albums. Give them a listen. They are not one or two song albums. Especially The Captain and Me and What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. Fantastic albums.

[@FBDerringer]

I never got McDonald. Hated the voice, hated the songs. Tom is the Doobie Brothers. That voice. Black Water will forever bring me to the best place in my mind I've ever been.

[@francescotrevisan4453]

people remember, the Doobies greatest success was with Michael McDonald, his voice and song writing skills. I read a lot of hate comments about the McDonald years ... hey, the guy was invited to join and he did what came naturally to him, and the Doobies gave him ample space and artistic direction, you may not like it but the McDonald years were sponsored by the Doobies that you love ... so leave the guy alone

[@jamesfarrington9030]

To brd1242, I agree. They lost something when Tom had to leave. He was going down. Big time.

[@cleanslate2004]

I loved Johnsons voice, but Mc Donald certainly didn't disappoint.

[@EdMelendez]

Damn. He didn't even mention, What's Happening!!!!

[@MarcusRefusius]

I was a hardcore Doobies fan in High School. GREAT live. I thought they jumped the Shark with MM. I did see the Vices & Habits tour in ‘76. The Outlaws opened then Frampton with Frampton comes alive, And the Doobies. That was in Dayton’s Hara Arena. Then I moved to California (Great Recession of ‘76) and saw a weird lineup on November 12th. Bob Seeger opened then Boston and Black Sabbath. Fresno’s Selland arena. Good to see Tommy cleaned up his act. Mt wife went to High School with him for a short time. Redwood High. Visalia Ca.