Our good musicologist buddy Chris Epting was back this morning, with another story about classic rock that we’d never heard before! It’s from his new book he co-authored with Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons (of the Doobies), called “Long Train Runnin’: Our Story of The Doobie Brothers.”
Today’s tale revolved around the house the Doobies lived in at the corner of a neighborhood, and you won’t believe the other future classic rock stars who lived at the opposite end of the block!
Here’s what to expect in the book:
For the first time, the incredible true story of the legendary band, The Doobie Brothers, written by founding members Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston.
Only a very few rock bands have had the longevity, success, and drama of The Doobie Brothers. Born out of late 1960s NorCal, and led by Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston, they stood alongside their contemporaries The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, and many others as an iconic American rock band. The train was rolling along, hits were flowing like wine, and arenas were packed with fans who wanted to see them live…then Tom Johnston, the band’s front man and lead guitarist, became ill and had to leave.
The Doobies’ train came to a screeching halt. All of a sudden the band started contemplating the end of the road only seven years into their career, just as things were taking off. But Pat Simmons made sure they were far from the end and began the process of keeping the band together through most of the next decade.
A soul-steeped backup singer for Steely Dan named Michael McDonald took a shot at singing some of the Doobies’ songs on tour, and all of a sudden a new chapter in the Doobie Brothers’ story began. The band expanded their sound and had even more hits with their new front addition. Tom recovered from his health issues, but the band had moved on. When it came time for a reunion concert in the ’80s, Tom got the call and was back in the mix. Led once again by Pat and Tom, The Doobie Brothers have been touring ever since and maintain a massive fan base the world over.
Never before have Pat and Tom shared their story, in their own words. In Long Train Runnin’ they’ll change that.