Doobie Brothers celebrate new album with intimate, feel-good concert
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Doobie Brothers' founding drummer dies more than 50 years after band started
John Hartman, the founding drummer of 70's rock band the Dobbie Brothers, has died at 72.
Associated Press
NEW YORK — The Doobie Brothers haven't lost their stride.
The genre-melting rock 'n' rollers released new album 'Walk This Road' June 6, which they toasted with an intimate, sold-out concert at Irving Plaza that evening. Playing to a raucous crowd of just over 1,000 people, the jazz- and soul-infused band debuted a smattering of fresh tunes, from the breezy, good-natured 'Call Me,' to the bluesy 'Learn to Let Go,' a silky showcase for singer/keyboardist Michael McDonald's inimitable vocals.
'This is kind of our record release party, so we're celebrating and we're so glad you're here with us,' cofounder Patrick Simmons said, noting the challenge of swapping in a multitude of instruments between songs in such a tiny venue. 'We're moving slow up here, because everything's coming from that corner up there. But you know, we're just having fun.'
Highlights of the roughly hour-and-a-half-long set included 'Without You,' featuring a scorching guitar break as Simmons, Tom Johnston and John McFee all jammed and swayed in sync at the lip of the stage. Marc Russo's swirling saxophone enraptured the audience on 'Here to Love You' and 'Long Train Runnin',' while Ed Toth's dexterous drums helped propel country-fried fan favorites 'Black Water' and 'Jesus is Just Alright With Me.'
'We thank you all for coming down here,' Johnston said, before launching into familiar hit 'Listen to the Music' to close out the night. 'You sound so good and we appreciate it. We're going to sing one last song, and if you'd like to sing along, we've love to have you, alright?'
Interview: Doobie Brothers on new album, tour, hall of fame: 'You have to think beyond your age'
The Doobie Brothers' Manhattan stop was an appetizer before their upcoming North American tour, which kicks off Aug. 4 in Detroit. The Coral Reefer Band, who toured and recorded with the late Jimmy Buffett, will join the grizzled foursome on their six-week trek.
'We're all in our 70's now,' Simmons told USA TODAY in a recent interview. 'I used to think that was old. I do feel it, but it's hard to believe we're out here doing it at this age, and in my head I'm still 16. You have to think beyond your age. It's a life adventure.
The Doobie Brothers 2025 setlist
'Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)' 'Here to Love You' 'Dependin' on You' 'Walk This Road' 'Rockin' Down the Highway' 'It Keeps You Runnin'' 'Call Me' 'Minute by Minute' 'Learn to Let Go' 'Angels & Mercy' 'Without You' 'Jesus is Just Alright' 'What a Fool Believes' 'Long Train Runnin'' 'China Grove' 'Black Water' 'Amazing Grace' 'Takin' It to the Streets' 'Listen to the Music'
Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri
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