The return of Michael McDonald to the Doobie Brothers for a celebratory tour marking the band’s 50th anniversary has created a bucket list experience for countless music enthusiasts. This moment resonated deeply with fans who have followed the band throughout their illustrious career.

Nearly four years have passed since the group embarked on their first significant tour in decades, with McDonald rejoining the lineup. He expresses his joy, stating, “I always missed being a Doobie Brother during all those years [I was gone],” as he shares with UCR. “I was fortunate as a solo artist to have some of my songs grace the radio waves and to tour with my own band across the globe. Although I cherished every moment of that experience and the remarkable musicians I played with, I always felt a longing to be a part of the Doobie Brothers again.”

McDonald elaborates, “I have always found immense joy in performing Doobie Brothers songs, perhaps even more so than my own music. I missed the thrill of playing classics like ‘Long Train Runnin” and ‘Black Water.’ Our diverse and eclectic songbook set us apart as a band, offering our audience a unique musical experience that was distinctly ours.”

READ MORE: Discover the Top 10 Doobie Brothers Songs

Taking their musical journey a step further, the Doobie Brothers have released Walk This Road, their latest studio album, which debuted earlier this summer. This album features collaborations with legends like Mick Fleetwood and Mavis Staples. Remarkably, it marks the first true studio album with McDonald since 1980. For Patrick Simmons, the collaborative process was a profound experience, revealing deeper insights. This evolution is evident in tracks such as McDonald’s “Learn to Let Go” and Simmons’ own “Angels & Mercy.” “With age, I don’t know if we become wiser, but we certainly accumulate more knowledge to draw from,” the guitarist shares during a conversation with UCR. “My guiding principle is to not sweat the small stuff. We often let trivial issues consume our time and energy, which is something we really shouldn’t focus on in the first place.”

Watch the Doobie Brothers Perform ‘Learn to Let Go’

He continues, “While it’s true that pettiness can creep in, I remind myself to take a step back, breathe, and count to ten when needed. It’s essential to focus on what truly matters in life and in the moment. When we discuss Mike’s ‘Learn to Let Go’ and [also] ‘State of Grace’ [a Simmons co-write], I observe a shared theme of redemption woven throughout these songs. This was not a deliberate plan, yet I noticed a common thread in the lyrical content and overall vibe of the music.”

Is Michael McDonald Set to Become a Permanent Member of the Doobie Brothers?

This question lingers in the minds of fans after each tour leg concludes. The release of Walk This Road has made the reunion feel more substantial. But what are McDonald’s thoughts on this? “I knew resisting the next chapter would be difficult for me,” he admits. “They are even discussing tour dates for 2026, and my only concern is whether I will still be around. I sincerely hope so. Our job involves long bus rides, enduring mediocre breakfasts at the Hampton Inn, yet what we truly live for is that hour and a half on stage. Engaging with an audience that, in some cases, has been with us for 50 years is unparalleled. Each performance of these songs, which we might have grown weary of 30 years ago, feels fresh and exhilarating when we are sharing it with our audience in that moment. It’s a feeling that never gets old, and we are truly grateful for it.”

Listen to Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons on the ‘UCR Podcast’