The Doobie Brothers are gearing up for their long awaited induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday night (November 7th). The festivities, which will be broadcast on HBO at 8 p.m. ET, marks the first time the ceremony has taken place virtually.
Doobies co-founder Tom Johnston talked about how he feels about finally entering the Hall, telling Parade.com, "(It's) truly humbling and we’re deeply appreciative of the honor. I think it’s important to note that so many artists I listened to and admired coming up are in the Rock Hall. People like Little Richard, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, James Brown, Ray Charles, (Bob) Dylan, the Beatles, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers, the Who — it just goes on and on, and I’m just scratching the surface here. To think that we are going to be in the company of those artists is a little daunting!"
Keyboardist Michael McDonald, who had signed on for the band's now-postponed 50th anniversary tour went on to say, "We have to constantly remember that without the support of the folks who come out to hear us year after year, I doubt we would have been in the running at all."
Guitarist John McFee said that he feels a certain amount of pride that the band made it through induction hurdles, explaining, "As with any award presentation in the arts, there’s an inevitable subjectivity to the process. Knowing that heightens my feeling of gratitude… knowing that there is such an appreciation for the band’s music.
We caught up with guitarist Pat Simmons — the only group member to perform in every lineup of the Doobies — and pressed him on how it felt to finally get inducted in such a weird time: ["It is what it is. I think the main thing for us is we enjoy playin' so much, and it being specifically targeted as a musical presentation that we were looking forward to playing — and having other artists sit in and stuff — but, it is what it is. At least it's something that no one will ever forget: 'Hey — remember that Covid (laughs) Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (laughs)?'"] SOUNDCUE (:22 OC: . . . of Fame induction (laughs))
In addition to the Doobie Brothers, others set to enter the Rock Hall this year are T. Rex, Whitney Houston, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and the Notorious B.I.G. Jon Landau — Bruce Springsteen's manager and producer, along with music mogul and Eagles manager Irving Azoff, will be both receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.