Doobie Brothers return with Steely Dan

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For Doobie Brothers guitarist Patrick Simmons, touring with other rock groups in the summer has been a delight.

“It’s nice playing with other bands whose music you admire and enjoy,” Simmons said. “To check out what they’re doing every night is a big perk for other musicians, to be able to suck in the talent and artistry.”

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From left, Doobie Brothers John McFee, Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons will perform in Noblesville. (Submitted photo)

The Doobie Brothers will join Steely Dan in a 7:30 p.m. concert June 24 at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center. The Doobie Brothers toured with Journey in 2016 and Chicago in 2017. The Doobies will join the Eagles for concerts in San Francisco and San Diego in September.

“It’s kind of standard to give concertgoers a little more bang for their buck,” Simmons said. “Our entire career we’ve performed with other bands on and off. We play some shows on our own, too. These tours are a little more upscale. The lifestyle on these bigger tours are a little better for everyone.”

Simmons, 69, couldn’t imagine being part of the Doobie Brothers this long when they started in 1970.

“I didn’t even think I’d be alive this long, to be honest with you,” Simmons said. “It’s a gift, for sure. We feel really fortunate to be able to keep doing it this long and to have songs that people really come to hear.”

Simmons said he’s been fortunate to work with great songwriters. Simmons wrote several songs for the Doobies, including the No. 1 hit “Black Water.”

Simmons has been the one constant in the band. Tom Johnston had to take a leave of absence for health reasons in 1975 and was replaced by Michael McDonald, who brought a more soulful approach. Johnston eventually quit the band in 1977. The band disbanded in 1982 with McDonald pursuing a solo career. The Doobies reformed in 1987 with Johnston back on lead vocals.

During a break in touring, Simmons and his wife, Cris, are participating in Motorcycle Cannonball, a coast-to-coast ride on antique motorcycles from Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore. in early September.

For more, visit livenation.com.


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