Away Team

DOOBIE BROTHERS

Live At The Greek Theatre

Eagle Vision

10 out of 10

For the DOOBIE BROTHERS last show on their Farewell Tour, the band performed at their hometown of Oakland, California’s Greek Theatre in 1982.

The over two hour show tracks every era of the DOOBIE BROTHERS, from classics like Listen To The Music, Minute By Minute, Jesus Is Just Alright, I Keep Forgettin’, What A Fool Believes, Takin’ It To The Streets, to Sweet Maxine, You Belong To Me, Out On The Streets,Long Train Runnin’ Black Water, Take Me In Your Arms, and China Grove.

The DVD also restores five songs not released on the original film, Little Darling, One Step Closer, Dependin’ On You, Real Love, and No Stoppin’ Us Now. And if two hours of live DOOBIE BROTHERS aren’t enough for you there are interviews with the band to round out this great tribute to a band that you still hear in heavy rotation on classic rock stations, but forget exactly how many hits they had until they’re all together in one package.

1982 was still pre-MTV days as is very evident in this concert film. From sweat bands and short shorts, to fedora’s and skinny neck ties, suits on stage, and Michael McDonald’s helmet hair. The DOOBIE BROTHERS were one of the many many 70s bands that would never have survived in the post MTV music era, because they were a rock band, not an image band. And that is very self evident in this monster of a concert film.

The band rolls through 15 minutes of hits before stopping to take a break and address the crowd. Acknowledging the special night, their last show, and many surprises to be had that evening. The band is tight, the sound is phenomenal, and the reproduction on the DVD is flawless. On the Michael McDonald lead songs, it sounds as if it could be pulled right off a CD; where the rockier songs, the faster paced and lively songs led by Pat Simmons definitely have that ‘live’ feel to them. This doesn’t take away from the songs at all, in fact, as all live music should do; it adds energy to the songs.

The fans know it’s the last show and they pretty much stay standing throughout the entire event. The band knows it’s their last show, and they are playing like it is. A very special night indeed, and a great show was captured for us all to witness and share in the magic that was made that night in 1982.

There are times where I find it very difficult to explain what watching or listening to a band does to me. I sometimes struggle with the words to express how impressive a song, album, or a show is. This is one of those times. I cannot overstate how amazing this massive concert film is. I was never a big DOOBIE BROTHERS fan, mainly I because I was too young, and because you ALWAYS hear them to this day on the radio. Their massive legacy still stands as a testament to their musicianship. And this concert is a beautiful monument to the sound, the band, and the members of the DOOBIE BROTHERS: Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald, Keith Knudson, John McFee, Chet McCracken, Cornelius Bumpus, Willie Weeks, Bob LaKind, and original members Tom Johnston, John Hartman, Tiran Porter, and Michael Hossack.

Sure, you THINK you know the DOOBIE BROTHERS, but until you’ve SEEN the DOOBIE BROTHERS perform live, you simply do not know. So go ahead, pick up Live At The Greek Theatre, you’ll thank me later.









You can purchase DOOBIE BROTHERS Live at the Greek Theatre right here.