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Doobie Brothers' Pat Simmons Reflects on '82 Farewell, 'Personal' Rock Hall Snub

Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images for Esquire House LA

The year was 1982. Berkeley, Calif.'s famed Greek Theater was treated to the final date of the final tour of hometown heroes the Doobie Brothers, an event that brought many in the crowd that night to tears.

This was it for guitarist/vocalist Pat Simmons, keyboardist/vocalist Michael McDonald, drummer Keith Knudson, guitarist/violinist/harmonica player John McFee, saxophonist/keyboardist/flautist Cornelius Bumpus, drummer/percussionist Chet McCracken, bassist Willie Weeks and conga player Bob LaKind. The incredible night also included the surprise return of band co-founder Tom Johnston for the final two numbers. On their biggest hit, 'Listen to the Music,' original member John Hartman also joined the band as did former members Tiran Porter and Michael Hossack. This would prove to be the last onstage Doobie Brothers music for five years.

Recently, 'Doobie Brothers Live at the Greek Theatre 1982' was released on CD and DVD through Eagle Rock Entertainment. The two-hour, 21-track DVD includes five bonus songs cut from the original film of the event as well as interviews with the band and its manager. Spinner recently caught up with original (and current) Doobie Brother Pat Simmons about that memorable night and the band's legacy.

What do you remember the mood being like that final night back in 1982?

Well, it was celebratory, but it was bittersweet, too. We'd had a long run. At that point, it was as if we'd completed a cycle. We felt good about where we were as a band and about where we had been. It was a good time to go out. Plus, music was changing so much by then with the introduction of MTV and the importance of how a band "looked."

At one point in music, it was all about performance, the discourse or the buzz that came out of that, what people said after they saw you play. All of a sudden, it was, "Have you seen the video?" It was a good time to get out as a band, though we all kept involved in music. We all stayed friends, of course. I had a solo record most of the guys played on. But that was a special night for us and truly the end of an era.

The music industry has changed, but musicians are still musicians, right?

Absolutely. I don't think that will lever change -- at least I hope not. How the music gets made, sold and channeled, that of course is another animal. But musicians? It will always just come down to someone with a guitar or drums or keyboards.

Touring in the Doobie Brothers today, does it feel kind of like it did back in 1982?

To a degree, sure. We have a great love affair with our fans. Our audience never seemed to go away. They stayed up on everything we did, and today more than ever, there's a real appreciation for our kind of roots rock. It's simple, basic and there's lot of good memories in it. I hear from so many people. Veterans who played our stuff overseas, people that had us on as the soundtracks to their lives. I'm very proud of our legacy.

As is the case with many classic 1970s rock bands, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has not seen fit to include the Doobie Brothers. Do you care?

It doesn't make much difference to me one way or the other. I don't chart my course based on any of that. But I'll tell you, on the other hand, you'd have to think it must be something personal. I mean, when you look at some of the ones that get in. No offense to them, but we brought a lot -- and still bring a lot -- to the party.

The Doobie Brothers Perform 'Long Train Runnin'' at the Greek Theater


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Blackledge's

There were without question one of the best concerts I have ever attended.... And this was in 2003... They played a date with Huey Lewis and the News and blew them out of the water... Seems to me not being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame means you are an accomplished band and have nothing to prove...

March 13 2012 at 7:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Charles Consaul

If the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame want to diminish their own credibility by ignoring the obvious, all it really means is that it will fail to become the mecca, the destination, or even a footnote in any serious conversation about this phenomenon. Maybe they should rename themselves "the pop show!" Rock ain't about history anyway. As soon as they put the walls up, they shut themselves off from what really matters anyway.

August 25 2011 at 7:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tripnic

Lets Name the Bands not in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's a Joke! Doobies, Grand Funk, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick,Styx, Journey, Joe Walsh, James Gang, Edgar Winter, Rare Earth, Uriah Heep, and Many More ****Rock Bands*** Feel Free to Add!!!

August 25 2011 at 6:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tripnic

Lets Name the Bands not in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's a Joke! Doobies, Grand Funk, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick,Styx, Journey, Joe Walsh, James Gang, Edgar Winter, Rare Earth, Uriah Heep, and Many More ****Rock Bands*** Feel Free to Add!!!

August 25 2011 at 6:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tina McNabb

The Doobie Brothers are, were and always will be one of the best bands ever. Nothing beats being in the car on a beautiful day with the sunroof open and some Doobies playing! As for the R&R Hall of Fame- that name is misleading anyways.. C'mon- how many people and groups are in there that have no business being in there? The Doobie Brothers are what R&R is all about! The band not only are incredible song writers/singer'/musicians, but their music is timeless! Best Concert I have seen is a Doobie show!

August 25 2011 at 3:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply