The Doobie Brothers, one of the legendary rock bands of the 70s, took the stage at Wells Fargo Arena Sunday night for their highly anticipated 50th Anniversary Tour. The original lineup of Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons, and John McFee reunited to deliver a memorable night of music, celebrating their long and influential career.
As the band kicked off the show, there was an overwhelming sense of nostalgia in the air. The Doobies wasted no time in expressing their gratitude to the audience for their unwavering support, especially in helping them secure a spot in the prestigious Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. The crowd erupted in cheers, acknowledging the band’s significant achievement.
PHOTOS: The Doobie Brothers at Wells Fargo Arena
Despite the passage of time, the Doobie Brothers proved they still had the energy and charisma of their early days. At 74 years old, Pat Simmons showcased his enduring rock ‘n’ roll spirit by executing the iconic jump at the end of “Clear As the Driven Snow,” a true testament to his enduring stage presence.
The audience at Wells Fargo Arena was of varied generations, evident by both the relentless filming on phones to the occasional shouts of “Freebird” between songs. However, the band effortlessly connected with the crowd, bridging the generation gap. Michael McDonald, renowned for his soulful voice, delighted fans by delivering a captivating cover of Gladys Knight’s version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” a track he previously released on his Grammy-nominated album “Motown” in 2003. It was a cool moment that showcased his versatility and deep understanding of soul music.
Throughout the concert, the Doobie Brothers maintained a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with minimal crowd interaction beyond song introductions, light banter, and shout-outs to one another after great performances. Yet, it was during their performance of “Black Water” that they truly won the crowd’s affection. Ad-libbing the line, “Iowa, won’t you keep on shining for me,” the band created a special moment that resonated with the fans, emphasizing their appreciation for the city and its enthusiastic crowd.
As the night neared its end, lead singer Pat Simmons expressed his gratitude, exclaiming, “You’ve been a great audience, we’re definitely coming back to Des Moines.” The crowd threw back the adoration, thrilled at the prospect of getting another performance down the road from the band.
Throughout the concert, the band delivered a stellar setlist, featuring some of their biggest hits. Songs like “Minute By Minute,” “What a Fool Believes,” “China Grove,” and “Listen to the Music” had the entire arena singing along in unison, transporting everyone back to the heyday of classic rock.
However, one of the most energetic moments of the night came during the encore performance of “Takin’ It to the Streets.” The infectious rhythm and catchy chorus had the entire audience, who had spent much of the night in their seats, on their feet, dancing and singing along with enthusiasm. It was a testament to the timeless appeal of the Doobie Brothers’ music and their ability to create an unforgettable live experience.
The band’s most famous lineup delivered a performance filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and the timeless magic of their music. It really was a celebration of five decades of rock ‘n’ roll excellence. The Doobie Brothers once again proved why they remain beloved by fans across generations and ensured that their return to Des Moines will be eagerly awaited.
