The Doobie Brothers’ performance at Blossom Music Center was a night to remember, filled with the band’s trademark talent and timeless stage presence. Calling them “popular” in the Akron/Cleveland area hardly does it justice—according to The Chronicle-Telegram in Elyria, the Doobies have played Blossom more than 20 times. This year’s “Walk the Road Tour” featured two of the founding members, Tom Johnston (guitar, vocals, songwriter) and Patrick Simmons (guitar, vocals, songwriter). Joining them was another pivotal member, Michael McDonald (keyboards, vocals, songwriter), who first joined the band in 1975 and remains one of its defining voices. Rounding out the core lineup was John McFee (co-lead guitar, vocals), who has been with the group since 1979.
The Doobies opened with high energy, immediately engaging the audience with hits like “Take Me in Your Arms” and “Rockin’ Down the Highway.” In addition to the Doobies’ hit songs, music from their current release, ‘Walk This Road’ (2025), was also introduced. The title track and others were intermixed with the hits.
The energy never dipped. Patrick Simmons, sporting his signature French beret, was everywhere on stage, matched by the lively presence of John McFee and saxophonist Marc Russo. At times, all four guitarists lined up together for a jam session, a sight and sound that electrified the crowd. Each member showcased strong vocals, while McDonald’s soulful delivery and flawless keyboard work gave extra depth to the band’s classic sound.
One of the several standout moments of the night was their soulful rendition of Michael McDonald’s take on Kenny Loggins’ “What a Fool Believes.” The band’s tight harmonies were spot-on, the impressive instrumental solos were sharp, and McDonald’s voice—still smooth and expressive, with just a touch of deeper resonance—had the audience captivated.
The stage setup was relatively simple, relying on excellent lighting to set the mood for each song without becoming overwhelming or distracting. Audience lighting was also used effectively to draw fans into the performance, especially during sing-alongs—like the crowd joining in on “Long Train Runnin’” with a booming chorus of “Love.” A single, oversized LCD screen spanned the back of the stage, often displaying static theme images such as the cover of the latest album, adding just the right touch of visual interest without overshadowing the music.
Bits of video of the musicians performing live was shown but mostly either theme-based videos (for example an old movie scene where a damsel in distress was tied to railroad tracks to get rescued by a dog) and actual old videos of very young Doobie Brothers from past concerts. The band’s remarkable chemistry and musicianship benefit from having such a long, successful history. They have good stage presence and are a pleasure to see live. Tom Johnston, with his signature guitar riffs and warm delivery, stood out as a driving force throughout the night.
The lawn may not have been completely sold out, but the pavilion was packed with fans filling nearly every seat. Throughout the show, the crowd’s excitement was undeniable, rising to their feet time and again—especially during the final songs leading into the encore. At times, the boosted volume allowed the instruments to overshadow the singing, but the energy and enthusiasm of the performance carried the night.
They closed with a rousing encore of “Takin’ It to the Streets” and “Listen to the Music,” the perfect finale to a powerhouse set. After more than 50 years, the Doobie Brothers continue to prove they’re as dynamic and enduring as ever—still rocking the stage and leaving audiences wanting more.
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