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Telegraph
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The Doobie Brothers can still stir up a bit of naughtiness
If a concert can be measured by how quickly a seated audience rises as one to dance, at the O2 Arena on Saturday night, The Doobie Brothers left things a little late. The crowd that more-or-less filled the venue's lower bowl – the top deck was curtained off – responded with only warm applause to the first dozen songs of a 19-song set. But as keyboardist and co-vocalist Michael McDonald struck up What A Fool Believes, a US number one in 1979, the atmosphere changed in an instant. Suddenly, the crowd were up and at 'em. Half an hour later, as the eight-piece band closed their account with Takin' It to the Streets and Listen to the Music, in section 112, I even detected the distinctive aroma of marijuana. The scene may not have rivalled the days in the early 1970s when The Doobie Brothers were beloved of North Californian chapters of the Hells Angels, but at least they can still inspire a little bit of misbehaviour. Melding hard-rock riffs, Latin rhythms, blue-eyed soul, and the musicianship of a great jam-band, their music defies categorisation. For this final date on the Doobie Brothers' UK tour, even the visuals were rather odd: a static stage backdrop featuring trees and fields and mountains made them look as though there were performing in front of a box containing the world's biggest jigsaw puzzle. The production, with its minimalist lighting rig, was easily the smallest I've ever seen at the O2. Nevertheless, the songs filled the room with unerring ease. As befits a group bearing two members who look like wizards, when it comes to superlative musical alchemy, the Doobie Brothers are in a league with Steely Dan, Little Feat and The Allman Brothers Band. Somehow, they manage to combine three lead guitarists and four lead vocalists without once stepping on each other's toes. They can sing five -part harmonies. Watching in wonder as they swerved from Bossa Nova (Dependin' on You) to American roots rock (Rockin' Down the Highway) to light jazz (a tastefully stripped-down version of Amazing Grace), I could only marvel at the virtuosity of it all. With the music doing all the talking, between songs, the group's rapport with the room stuttered like a nervous teenager on a first date. Time and again, the audience at the O2 were told how much their attendance was appreciated and how, you know, amazing it was for the band to be playing in London once more. For an outfit that has been performing live, off and on, for more than half a century, the almost total absence of quality chat was so inexplicable as to be strangely charming. As the night entered its final throw, however, The Doobie Brothers at last found their speaking voice. In a summer in which British audiences have already seen Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Green Day all publicly address the goings on in the United States, Patrick Simmons, one of the band's founding members, spoke of his pleasure that the international tour 'had got us the hell out of' America. 'We believe in inclusivity, we believe in NATO, we believe in all of that stuff,' he said. Faint though it may have been, for a moment at least, 'the Doobies' showed just a glimpse of their old countercultural edge. Evidently, there's life in the old gods yet.
Wall Street Journal
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
The National Garden of American Heroes: A Folly in Three Dimensions
Next Tuesday, July 1, is the deadline for artists to submit applications to contribute to the National Garden of American Heroes, a joint venture of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. The project, proposed during the first Trump administration and revived this year, would create an outdoor display, in an as yet undetermined location, of 250 life-size statues of individuals 'who have contributed to our cultural, scientific, economic and political heritage,' as the NEH's April 24 press release states. Grants of up to $200,000 per statue are available, with the subjects drawn from a wide-ranging list contained in President Trump's Jan. 18, 2021, Executive Order 13978. Applicants must 'submit a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic representation of the preliminary concepts for up to three statues of selected individuals, accompanied by a description of the proposed project and workplan.' Successful applicants will be notified by Sept. 25 and must deliver their finished statue(s) by June 1 of next year. According to Acting NEH Chairman Michael McDonald, 'The projected unveiling date for the Garden is on or about July 4, 2026.'
Cision Canada
23-06-2025
- Cision Canada
BAFFIN AND BRUCE TRAIL CONSERVANCY CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF TRAIL CONSERVANCY PROJECT
ONE HUNDRED BOOT BRUSH STATIONS BUILT TO PROTECT AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES STONEY CREEK, ON, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian footwear brand Baffin is proud to announce the successful completion of the Trail Conservancy Project in partnership with the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Launched in 2023 with the goal to build and install 100 co-branded boot brush stations by 2025, the project aimed to help stop the spread of invasive species on the Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath. The initiative reached its final chapter this Earth Day, when the final 40 stations were constructed at Baffin's Stoney Creek, Ontario headquarters by employees, community members and representatives from the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Invasive species are one of the most pressing threats to the biodiversity of the Niagara Escarpment, often introduced unknowingly by hikers' footwear. Boot brush stations encourage trail users to clean their boots before and after their hikes, a simple act that has proven to significantly reduce the transfer of non-native species. When the Trail Conservancy Project launched in 2023 there were only 35 stations located throughout over 900 km of trail. "At Baffin, we have always believed that adventure begins with your footwear, but it doesn't end there. As explorers, hikers, and nature loves, we know that every step we take leaves a mark. With the completion of the Trail Conservancy Project, we are proud to be leaving behind something meaningful on the Bruce Trail: not just footprints, but 100 boot brush stations," says Baffin's Brand Director, Jessica Liut. "This project demonstrates the power of community and the collective responsibility we all share in protecting and preserving natural spaces. We are honoured to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy and their work in safeguarding the trail, so that future generations can continue to explore, challenge themselves, and find peace in the same wild places we cherish today." Over the past three years, Baffin employees have hand-built each station, donating time and energy to a cause close to home. The Hamilton-based brand is committed to Real-World Testing™, putting products to the test in a wide range of climates to ensure they deliver on quality and protection. From the harshest environments on Earth to the trails close to home, Baffin depends on the preservation of local landscapes and the vital work of organizations like the Bruce Trail Conservancy to help protect nature. "The Bruce Trail Conservancy is thrilled with the results of our partnership with Baffin, a Canadian company that balances exploration with a desire to care for the natural world," says Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. "With 100 boot brush stations now installed along the Bruce Trail, we are mitigating the spread of invasive species while educating the public on which species threaten the incredible biodiversity that makes the Bruce Trail such a special place to explore and preserve. With the continued support of dedicated Canadian conservation champions like Baffin, we are protecting our ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever, together." Crafted from durable cedar and standing approximately three feet tall, each boot brush station features a rugged plastic scrubber base and an informative display panel. These displays educate hikers about the dangers of invasive species and promote trail-friendly habits. With a design rooted in purpose, the stations blend function and form to deliver real environmental impact. Turkstra Lumber, a family-owned Ontario business, played a crucial role by generously donating materials throughout the project's duration. Baffin has proudly supported the Bruce Trail Conservancy for over a decade, contributing to conservation programming that protects, restores, and manages land along the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere. The completion of the Trail Conservancy Project marks a milestone in this partnership, but not the end to Baffin's commitment. As supporters of the wild spaces that inspire exploration and innovation, Baffin will continue to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy's ongoing efforts to preserve natural lands and ensure the trail remains a thriving biodiverse corridor. To learn more about the Bruce Trail Conservancy and how you can support their mission visit About Baffin Baffin Ltd. is an innovative, leading outerwear company based in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada with a core focus on technically advanced footwear and high-performance apparel. Baffin designs, develops, and field tests footwear in the most demanding environments on the planet and is focused on being a global leader in footwear within the Outdoor, Industrial and Hunt and Fish categories. Baffin Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Goose Holdings Inc. About The Bruce Trail Conservancy Bruce Trail Conservancy is one of Ontario's largest land trusts that secures, protects and restores the vulnerable habitat and biodiversity of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. For more than 50 years, we have responsibly connected people to nature through the Bruce Trail. We are a member-driven, volunteer-based, charitable organization, governed by a 19-member Board of Directors. Working with each of the nine Bruce Trail Clubs, we are committed to caring for the Bruce Trail and to preserving land along its route.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'70s Rock Royalty, Known for Their Harmonies and Dual Drummers, Get Their Due: 'It's About Time'
'70s Rock Royalty, Known for Their Harmonies and Dual Drummers, Get Their Due: 'It's About Time' originally appeared on Parade. , the iconic voices behind a generation's soundtrack, officially received one of music's highest honors on Thursday, cementing their legacy at the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. While the night in New York City was a long-overdue industry acknowledgment, for fans, it was a moment of celebration and vindication that flooded social media with resounding approval. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 For decades, devoted followers of the band have championed their songwriting prowess, and their reactions to the induction were swift and emotional. Across Instagram, fans declared the honor was "so well deserved" and "about time." Some also shared personal anecdotes of attending the band's concerts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Doobie Brothers (@doobiebrothersofficial) The evening saw the band's core architects—Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and Michael McDonald—attend the prestigious event. The Doobie Brothers' career saw two distinct, yet equally successful, eras. The first, led by Johnston's gritty, rock-infused vocals, produced timeless anthems like "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove." When Michael McDonald joined in the mid-70s, his smooth, soulful voice and sophisticated keyboard work ushered in a new chapter of success with Grammy-winning hits that defined the California sound, including "Takin' It to the Streets." The band's ability to not only survive but thrive through such a significant musical evolution is a testament to the strength of their songwriting. Their induction places them among the pantheon of the world's most legendary songwriters. Sharing the honor at the 2025 ceremony were fellow inductees whose contributions have profoundly shaped the musical landscape: funk music icon George Clinton, prolific country songwriter Ashley Gorley, Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, co-founder and chief lyricist of the Beach Boys Mike Love, and acclaimed British songwriter Tony Macaulay. The evening celebrated the diverse and enduring legacies of these artists, whose work has left an indelible mark on popular music. '70s Rock Royalty, Known for Their Harmonies and Dual Drummers, Get Their Due: 'It's About Time' first appeared on Parade on Jun 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
CBS News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The Doobie Brothers on songwriting
In a Nashville rehearsal studio, the Doobie Brothers are getting ready for another summer tour, playing "Long Train Runnin'." More than 50 years in, and 48 million albums sold, they still want to be sure they sound sharp, even on hits they've played thousands of times. It was 1973, when co-founder Tom Johnston wrote down words for a riff they'd been jamming to for years in bars and clubs. Down around the corner Half a mile from here See them long trains runnin' And you watch 'em disappear Without love Where would you be now? (Without lo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ve) How long did it take for him to come up with the words? "I would like to say it was a labor of love, but it wasn't; it was about 20 minutes in the bathroom using the tile to sing with," Johnston said. The Doobie Brothers in rehearsal for their latest tour, which was launched this week. CBS News Which tells us something when it comes to the Doobie Brothers' songwriting: As much as their hits are a triumph of technique and theory (as Michael McDonald shared with "Sunday Morning" a few years back, detailing the writing of "Takin' It to the Streets"), sometimes, says Patrick Simmons (who wrote the band's first #1 hit, "Black Water"), it's a lot less complicated. "Accidents happened," Simmons laughed. "A lot of things kind of fall out of the sky and hit you on the head, you know?" The Doobie Brothers sing "Long Train Runnin'": But you can't argue with their methods. This week, Johnston, McDonald and Simmons will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. John McFee has been a member of the Doobies for the last 38 years. Asked about Johnston, McDonald and Simmons' songwriting, McFee laughed, "There's a reason for the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction. I'm a writer, and I've had songs nominated for Grammys. I'm a member of the band. I'm not included in the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction. That's how good these guys are!" The Doobie Brothers: John McFee, Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons. CBS News The Doobie members are joining such legendary songwriting teams as Lennon and McCartney, John and Taupin, and Holland-Dozier-Holland. "I think we all feel honored by it," said Johnston. "When we started doing this many years ago, nobody was thinking about anything like that." Does recognition like this matter? "To be in the company of those people," said McDonald, "is what matters. To think that you would ever, you know, be counted among them in any category is just too much to wish for." The Songwriters Hall of Fame is a long way from the house on 12th Street in San Jose, California, where Simmons and Johnston started the band. "When we started out doing this, we were just trying to pay rent and put gas in your Volkswagen and get around, you know?" said Johnston. At biker bars like the Chateau Liberté, they honed their hard-driving Southern rock sound … a style that softened when Johnston left the band in the late '70s, and McDonald joined, bringing with him a more mellow feel that propelled the band to their multi-platinum selling album "Minute By Minute" in 1978. "What a Fool Believes," from the Doobie Brothers' album "Minute By Minute": If the changes in personnel, sound and style created strains and rifts among some of the Doobies as younger men, a historic 50th anniversary tour in 2021, when these four united to play together for the first time, seemed to melt them away. Simmons said, "Michael came to do a few shows with us, and stuck around!" I asked, "Somebody told me … 'They're getting along as well as ever. They're enjoying being together as much as they ever have.'" "I think they said they were getting along in age or something!" Simmons laughed. McFee said, "We all appreciate it more as time goes by, how lucky we are and all the good things that are a part of the band, you know?" "And you suddenly realize, 'I just gotta keep doing this as long as I can keep doing this,'" McDonald added. Because it's still the most joyful thing you can do? "Absolutely," Johnston said. "And it's that hour or two hours that we get on stage where we actually feel like we're in our 20s again," McDonald said. "The rest of the day, we pretty much feel 75!" That feeling sparked a new studio album, "Walk This Road," and another Doobies milestone: Simmons, Johnston and McDonald all recording together in the studio for the first time ever. McDonald said, "Originally it was kind of like, 'Hey, you guys are doing this first album together in a long time. You've been together over the years, 50 years. And you've walked this road together, you know? Let's write a song about that.'" 'We've all made mistakes," Simmons laughed. "We all have things that we wish we'd made some different choices at times. And the choices we made, and you look back on that, and you go, 'Oh gosh, hopefully I learned something!'" Redemption, unity, cohesion – not just good themes, but Hall-of-Fame-worthy ones, relevant for the Doobie Brothers, and for all of us. McDonald said, "We all live on this one tiny, little blue ball. We're all walking down the same road. Just by virtue of that, you know? And we're gonna have to learn to get along with each other and listen to each other, you know?" Simmons, 76 years young remarked, "This could be the start of something really great!" Worth a chuckle perhaps – as the Doobie Brothers ponder more than 50 years together. Asked how long this will go on, McDonald replied, "That's anybody's guess." "We're a Seventies band in a whole different sense now!" laughed McFee. To hear the title track "Walk This Road" by the Doobie Brothers (featuring Mavis Staples), click on the video player below: For more info: Story produced by Gabriel Falcon. Editor: Joseph Frandino. See also:
