Mark Batchelor and I met up at the O2 Arena this evening for a step into 1970s and 1980s nostalgia courtesy of the Doobie Brothers, who are celebrating their 50 years as purveyors of classy West Coast harmonic rock with a world tour and, happily, a handful of UK gigs.
The band took to the stage at exactly 8 o’clock with guitarists Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston alongside Michael McDonald on various keyboards and vocals, plus Nashville bassist and vocalist John Cowan, Marc Russo on saxophones, Ed Toth on drums, percussionist Marc Quiñones and multi-instrumentalist John McFee.
The eight-piece appeared to be in fine form, with the five voices combining superbly to present the FM radio classics we had come to hear. I must admit I preferred the guitar-led tracks in which founding members Simmons and Johnston were the focus. China Grove, for example, was excellent and immediately raised energy levels in keeping with expectations. While Angels & Mercy proved to be the best of the new tracks from their latest release ‘Walk this road.’
Pat Simmons introduced echoes of their hippy foundations, both with his joyous singing and playing, plus a between-song patter which reflected roots in 1960s peace and love philosophy. Clearly in contrast to the current Stateside administration.
Sadly, I found the sax parts overplayed and unnecessary throughout. For some reason McFee’s guitar sounded tinny too, but these were minor gripes and perhaps just a question of personal taste. Of more importance was the overall sound quality, which was extremely treble orientated and lacking punch in the lower registers. This took away from the vital bass contributions of Cowan in particular.
A couple of other pointers: the number of audience members who kept leaving their seats (for presumably either drinks or comfort breaks) were annoying in an all-seater venue. It was a ninety-minute show, hardly a Springsteen-style opus. In addition, why pay good money for tickets and then talk loudly at length through so many songs? Beats me.
Setlist:
Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)
Here to Love You
Dependin’ on You
Walk This Road
Rockin’ Down the Highway
It Keeps You Runnin’
Call Me
Minute by Minute
Learn to Let Go
Angels & Mercy
Without You
Jesus Is Just Alright
What a Fool Believes
Long Train Runnin’
China Grove
Encore:
Black Water
Takin’ It to the Streets
Listen to the Music
