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After 50 years, The Doobie Brothers are still rocking

The band is marking its anniversary with a new album and tour

Updated:

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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.
doobie brothers

Source: TheDoobieBrothers.com

Key Insights

  • The Doobie Brothers announce their first new studio album in over a decade, WALK THIS ROAD, releasing June 6 via Rhino Records.
  • Michael McDonald rejoins the band, marking a major reunion with Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, and John McFee.
  • The band will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June 2025, honoring their enduring legacy.

After more than half a century of legendary songwriting, relentless touring, and chart-topping hits, The Doobie Brothers are set to embark on a new chapter. The iconic band released its studio album WALK THIS ROAD on June 6 on Rhino Records. It also marks a historic reunion with longtime collaborator and former band member Michael McDonald.

This 10-track album reunites McDonald with founding members Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, and John McFee—not just in the recording studio, but also on a planned global tour. It’s a heartfelt return for McDonald, who said, “In my heart I’ve always been a Doobie Brother… We’ve all been enjoying it tremendously, even more than we thought we would.”

In early 2025, the band released two new tracks – “Walk This Road” (featuring soul legend Mavis Staples) and “Call Me” – adding to the anticipation already stirred by the earlier release of “Lahaina.” These songs showcase the band’s classic harmonies and genre-blending style, with lyrical themes centered around reflection, healing, and rediscovery. 

“Walk This Road” in particular embodies the spirit of moving forward and finding hope, a message echoed by Simmons, who said the album speaks to “waking up to see the important things you’ve been missing.”

Producer John Shanks, known for his genre-defying collaborations, worked closely with each of the three principal songwriters to bring their unique voices into a unified musical experience. The band credits this individually collaborative approach for achieving the seamless balance that has defined their music for decades.

Songwriters Hall of Fame

Earlier this year, the Songwriters Hall of Fame announced that Simmons, Johnston, and McDonald will be inducted into the prestigious Performing Songwriters category, occurring later this month. This honor highlights the band’s lasting influence and cultural resonance, from their GRAMMY-winning hits to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The full tracklist for WALK THIS ROAD promises a mix of soul, rock, and Americana, with titles like “State of Grace,” “New Orleans,” and “Speed of Pain.” As Johnston aptly put it, “I think it’s good to try to do things you haven’t done before—that’s the way it should be.”

With decades of musical camaraderie and a fresh wave of inspiration, The Doobie Brothers are walking a new road together—one paved with nostalgia, renewed creativity, and enduring brotherhood.

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