The Doobie Brothers brought their classic rock energy to NPR's Tiny Desk series with a set featuring hits and a new track from their recent reunion album. Performing live at NPR headquarters, the band highlighted their enduring appeal after more than 50 years in the music industry. Frontman Tom Johnston praised the intimate crowd's enthusiasm, comparing it favorably to their recent large-scale gig.
Performance Highlights
The Doobie Brothers' Tiny Desk Concert, aired on November 5, 2025, captured the band's vibrant stage presence in the cozy confines of NPR's office space. Kicking off with the 1976 hit 'Takin' It to the Streets,' the performance maintained high energy throughout. Tom Johnston, one of the band's founding members, shared his appreciation for the audience, stating, 'It's not like this at gigs. We just played up in New York at Jones Beach last night and y'all are outdoing them. It's pretty cool.' This moment underscored the unique intimacy of the Tiny Desk format, even for a group with a storied history including inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Reunion and New Music
The living members of The Doobie Brothers—Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and John McFee—reunited in 2025 to release their album Walk This Road. To promote it, they included the new song 'Angels & Mercy' in the set, blending it seamlessly with fan favorites. The performance concluded with crowd-pleasing renditions of 'Black Water' and 'Listen to the Music,' drawing sing-alongs from attendees and viewers alike. This appearance marks a celebratory chapter for the band, showcasing their ability to connect across generations despite decades in the spotlight.
Set List
- 'Takin' It to the Streets'
- 'Black Water'
- 'Angels & Mercy'
- 'Listen to the Music'
Musicians
- Michael McDonald: vocals, keys, mandolin
- Tom Johnston: vocals, guitar
- Patrick Simmons: vocals, guitar
- John McFee: vocals, guitar, violin
- John Cowan: bass, background vocals
- Marc Russo: sax
- Marc Quiñones: conga, percussion, background vocals
- Ed Toth: drums
The concert was produced by Bobby Carter, with direction and editing by Joshua Bryant, highlighting NPR's ongoing commitment to showcasing live music in unconventional settings.