Photos by Andy Argyrakis

A golden anniversary celebration initially got most of The Doobie Brothers back together for a string of immensely anticipated shows, but vocalists/guitarists Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons and John McFee, plus singer/keyboardist McDonald, just upped the ante with the release of a new studio album together.

“Walk This Road” comes on the heels of 2021’s trio release Liberté, yet marks the first original release since 1980’s “One Step Closer” with McDonald, who otherwise has only intermittently appeared on collaboration and concert collections in between solo commitments.

In any case, The Doobie Brothers’ chemistry remained unbreakable as they debuted the title track (with guest Nadirah Shakoor ably subbing for the recording’s Mavis Staples), “Call Me,” “Learn To Let Go” and “Angels & Mercy” in front of an appreciative audience at Milwaukee’s American Family Insurance Amphitheater.

Though the seasons are shifting, it nonetheless felt like a bonus mini-Summerfest as the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers brought 95 minutes of more southern meets soulful rockers, alongside a tribute to the tropical tunes of Jimmy Buffett by his very own Coral Reefer Band.

When it came to the headliners, the principle players took turns on lead vocals throughout “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While),” “Rockin’ Down The Highway,” “Here To Love You” and “It Keeps You Runnin’,” coming across impressively close to the records, especially considering everyone is in their 70s, and in the terms of McFee specifically, celebrating his 75th birthday on this very date.

The hits kept coming “Minute By Minute,” such as the grittier likes of “Jesus Is Just Alright,” the smoother grooves of “What A Fool Believes,” the locomotive-like delivery of “Long Train Runnin’” and a rollicking “China Grove,” each evolving into extended jam sessions.

The super tight harmonies of “Black Water” paved the way for the anthems “Takin’ It To The Streets” and “Listen To The Music,” giving fans of almost all ages another enduring ear full of iconic memories.

To get the party started, the Coral Reefer Band fired up a 70-minute retrospective of their late leader, including “License To Chill,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Volcano,”“Son Of A Son Of A Sailor” and the yet-to-be-released reflective gem “Bubbles Up,” sung primarily by multiple members including the aforementioned Shakoor and longtime collaborator Mac McAnally.

Even without the fearless front man, Parrotheads and curious onlookers alike bit into a “Cheeseburger In Paradise,” waved their “Fins” to the right or left and raised a toast to “Margaritaville” as the man who made them pop culture phenomenons surely beamed down approval from above.

For additional information on The Doobie Brothers and Coral Reefer Band, visit TheDoobieBrothers.com and JimmyBuffett.com/Coral-Reefer-Band.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater include Twenty One Pilots (Sept. 23) and Pierce The Veil (Oct. 17). For additional details, visit AmFamAmp.com.

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