The Doobie Brothers kicked off their highly anticipated Walk This Road Tour at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in suburban Detroit on Monday night, marking the beginning of the North American leg of their tour. This leg features a remarkable collaboration with the Coral Reefer Band, honoring the legacy of the late Jimmy Buffett during their first national tour since his passing in 2023.

For those interested, you can view photos and fan-shot video highlights below.

This pairing of two iconic bands represents a spectacular amphitheater touring package, one that would have been ideal for a stadium setting some decades ago. On Monday night, both bands showcased their exceptional musicianship, with each member shining brightly during their performance. Their sets were broadcast live via Radio Margaritaville, ensuring that the audience of approximately 9,000 fans enjoyed a night filled with numerous hits, making every minute memorable.

The Doobie Brothers had just returned from a successful tour in Europe. The only challenge on the opening night of their 90-minute, 17-song set was a slight sound mix issue that was quickly resolved after the first six songs. This adjustment came just in time for an electrifying rendition of Tom Johnston‘s soulful hit “Call Me.”

This song was among four tracks featured from the Doobies‘ latest album, Walk This Road, which received a warm reception at Pine Knob. The band played McDonald’s groovy “Learn to Let Go” along with the socially aware title track, which was visually enhanced by powerful Civil Rights photographs displayed on the video screen. Another standout was Patrick Simmons‘ Southern rock anthem “Angels & Mercy.”

Read More: The Doobie Brothers, ‘Walk This Road’ Album Review

The inclusion of new material injected fresh energy into their performance of classic favorites. The setlist predominantly featured songs from the diamond-certified Best of the Doobies compilation and singles from the 1978 Grammy Award-winning album Minute By Minute.

During the performance of “Dependin’ on You,” the Doobie Brothers delivered an intense extended version that showcased the talents of McDonald on keyboards, Johnston, Simmons, and multi-instrumentalist John McFee on guitars, along with saxophonist Marc Russo.

The ensemble continued this dynamic energy with “Without You,” maintaining their signature high-pitched vocal harmonies, and “Long Train Runnin’.” Additionally, Minute By Minute‘s “Here To Love You” was a delightful surprise amidst their barrage of hits, adding depth to the concert experience.

Fans were not disappointed as the Doobie Brothers delivered their renditions of Eddie Holland‘s upbeat Motown classic “Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While),” alongside other favorites like “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” “Minute By Minute,” “What a Fool Believes,” and “China Grove.”

The encore was a mini-set of greatest hits, starting with “Black Water.” Following an instrumental version of “Amazing Grace” by McDonald and Russo, the group played “Takin’ It to the Streets” and the ever-joyful “Listen to the Music.”

Throughout the performance, the current Doobie Brothers reminded the audience of their rich history, filling the screens with vintage footage from the 70s and early 80s that occasionally synced with the live performance. For instance, during “China Grove,” fans witnessed Johnston on screen repairing a broken guitar while simultaneously singing along with his present-day counterpart. The good news is that today’s Doobie Brothers still hold their own and remain vital to their legacy.

The Coral Reefer Band faced a unique challenge: to continue the joyous atmosphere that Jimmy Buffett created over the years. Emcee and longtime collaborator Mac McAnally addressed the crowd, which included many Parrotheads adorned in tropical attire and even a full pirate’s outfit. He made it clear that “nobody in the world’s gonna replace Jimmy Buffett. We’re just gonna honor him.”

With an empty guitar stand symbolizing Buffett’s absence at center stage, the 13 members of the Coral Reefer Band honored him by performing a 70-minute set that featured 15 of Buffett’s beloved songs, played with the authenticity and spirit that fans have come to expect from his long-time collaborators.

Among the performers, hit songwriter Scotty Emerick was the only new addition, sharing lead vocals with McAnally, Will Kimbrough, Nadirah Shakoor, and guitarist Peter Mayer, who took the lead on Crosby, Stills & Nash‘s “Southern Cross.”

Mick Utley stepped in for his retired father Mike on keyboards, while Robert Greenidge showcased his mastery of the steelpan drum throughout several songs. At one point, a video of Buffett appeared, conversing with McAnally during a concert, but the band kept the tone uplifting and avoided any overly sentimental tributes.

Although they performed “Bubbles Up,” a collaboration between Buffett and Kimbrough from the posthumous album Equal Strain on All Parts, the majority of the show focused on the crowd’s favorites. They opened with “License to Chill” and continued with all the biggest hits, ensuring crowd participation during “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Fins,” and “Margaritaville.”

While Buffett’s absence added emotional weight to softer ballads like “Come Monday,” “Son of a Son of a Sailor,” and “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” the tempo consistently picked up again. This included Kimbrough delivering a powerful rendition of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” a staple in the Buffett repertoire.

The Doobie Brothers Aug. 4, 2025 Pine Knob Set List:
1. “Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)”
2. “Here to Love You”
3. “Dependin’ on You”
4. “Walk This Road”
5. “Rockin’ Down the Highway”
6. “It Keeps You Runnin'”
7. “Call Me”
8. “Minute By Minute”
9. “Learn to Let Go”
10. “Angels & Mercy”
11. “Without You”
12. “Jesus Is Just Alright”
13. “What a Fool Believes”
14. “Long Train Runnin'”
15. “China Grove”

Encore:
16. “Black Water”
17. “Amazing Grace” (instrumental)/ “Takin’ It to the Streets”
18. “Listen to the Music”

Coral Reefer Band Aug. 4, 2025 Pine Knob Set List:
1. “License to Chill”
2. “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”
3. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”
4. “One Particular Harbour”
5. “Come Monday”
6. “Volcano”
7. “Son of a Son of a Sailor”
8. “Pencil Thin Mustache”
9. “Bubbles Up”
10. “Cheeseburger in Paradise”
11. “Southern Cross”
12. “Fins”
13. “A Pirate Looks at Forty”
14. “Brown Eyed Girl”
15. “Margaritaville”

Upcoming Tour Dates for The Doobie Brothers and Coral Reefer Band in 2025:
8.6.25 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
8.7.25 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
8.9.25 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8.10.25 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach
8.12.25 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre
8.13.25 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
8.15.25 – Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
8.17.25 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
8.18.25 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC

9.4.25 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
9.5.25 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
9.9.25 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheatre
9.10.25 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheater
9.12.25 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
9.13.25 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
9.15.25 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheatre
9.17.25 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
9.18.25 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage