Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack dies

Lake County News ^ | 3/13/2012

[My Favorite Headache]

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A much-loved musician who for years was part of the famed rock act the Doobie Brothers has died.

Michael Hossack died Monday at his home in Dubois, Wyo., according to friends and family. He was 65 years old.

Hossack had battled cancer and finally succumbed to the disease with family by his side.

Known to friends as “Big Mike,” Hossack had local connections, having lived for many years in Lake County, where his children attended school.

Hossack was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on Oct. 17, 1946, and began playing the drums at age 12, according to his biography on the Doobie Brothers Web page, www.doobiebrothers.net .

He would go on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, and upon returning home to New Jersey in 1969 was set to pursue a law enforcement career when a friend convinced him to audition for Mourning Reign, a California-based band.

He got the job and would move to California with the band. Mourning Reign would fold but a new opportunity arose when in 1971 the Doobie Brothers invited Hossack to join them, drumming alongside founding drummer John Hartman.

His work can be heard on the Doobie Brothers classics like “Listen to The Music,” “Rockin’ Down The Highway,” “Jesus Is Just Alright,” “China Grove,” “Long Train Runnin” and “Blackwater,” the band's first No. 1 single.

Hossack left the band in 1973, drumming with other bands and becoming a partner of the North Hollywood recording studio Chateau Recorders.

He and the Doobie Brothers reunited in 1987 for a series of concerns benefiting Vietnam War veterans, which led eventually to the band reforming.

Due to his health, Hossack had been on leave from the group since 2010.

In July of that year, Hossack had posted a message to fans thanking them for their support and messages. “It certainly helps to keep my spirits up during my time away.”

He had looked forward to returning to playing with the band. “It’s been hard not touring with the band but I have incredible support from my family, the Doobie Brothers, and all my friends out there. I can’t thank you enough for everything. All my best wishes to you all, and thanks for thinking of me.”

In late January, the Doobie Brothers – which have kept up a busy touring schedule – released a statement on Hossack, saying he was improving slowly. “He sends his regards to all our fans.”

A lover of the outdoors, motorcycle riding and hunting, Hossack had spent his final years based in Wyoming.

He leaves behind son Mike Jr., daughter Eric Rose Oliver, and friends and fans the world over.

See Hossack and the Doobie Brothers performing “Listen to the Music” at Wolf Trap in 2004 in the clip below (Hossack is on the drum set at the far right).

http://youtu.be/l3saQwN8o98

[South40]

I saw them one in Long Beach, Ca in the early ‘70s. Probably ‘72 or ‘73. So very long ago.

[Hodar]

I guess I’ve become “My Parents”.

Back in the “Golden Age of Rock and Roll” it took actual talent to get on top, and stay on top. Back in the 70’s - 90’s the competition was fierce, over 300% more fierce than what is found today - and those who made it - flourished. Beatles, Chicago, Supertramp, Doobies, Fleetwood Mac, Alan Parsons, Styx, Queen, The Who, ABBA, Bob Seger, ELO, Elton John, Beach Boys and many more. Back when there were ‘real’ drummers, ‘real’ harmony and you couldn’t get rich by showing a video with a artificial booming base with scantily clad women with big ‘attributes’ as the only thing to sell your song.

The Doobies had hit after hit, album after album; and they sold their music without the need for a video. I mourn the passing of a great artist; but moreso, I miss the fact that there are entire generations of people who have no clue as to what musical artistry is, what a real harmony sounds like, what a counter-melody is and how it interplays with a melody; and moreso - that you don’t need pornography set to music, in order to be enjoyable.

[liberalh8ter]

Love the Doobie Brothers! What other band had a guitar player turned defense department security adviser with the coolest mustache on earth?

[Lancey Howard]

You don’t see a lot of bands with two drummers anymore.

True. The only other one that comes to mind is/was the Allman Brothers.
I think maybe the Dead carried two drummers from time to time as well.

[Night Hides Not]

Aw man. My first and second concerts.

They played in Spokane in 73/74 (74/75?) on their "What Were Once Vices" tour. I may not remember the date, but I remember it was a helluva show.

My dorm would rock when someone put Black Water on the turntable.

[Lancey Howard]

I remember Baxter more from Steely Dan than from the Doobies.
But yeah, he’s a pretty versatile fellow.

[sheikdetailfeather]

Doobie Brothers Take Me In Your Arms (HD)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLsjaSLWfwQ&feature=related

[liberalh8ter]

Both bands did become interchangeable at one point. I'll never forget a Saturday Night Live skit from the 80’s poking fun at Michael MacDonald. It was during the period of time he went solo, had hits and was also doing duos with others. In the skit, it showed him running from studio to studio. He'd perform for a minute and run out the door to another studio where he'd play the keyboards for a couple of notes and then run out and hail a cab for the other studio. Funny stuff!

[wjcsux]

I can relate. I wish I could turn back the clock to 1969, when I greduated from High School and start over knowing what I know about life now. I think Keith Richards will outlive all of us.

[Lancey Howard]

I first heard Black Water in summer of 1974 when a friend wanted to demonstrate his new quadraphonic stereo system. He had the quadraphonic pressing of the record and the ‘70s version of “surround sound” was really cool. That song was MADE for quadraphonic.

[dfwgator]

I remember Baxter more from Steely Dan than from the Doobies.

Love his pedal steel solo on, "Pearl of the Quarter." I think he also played it on the Doobies' "South City Midnight Lady", before he was even an official member. And "Slat Key Soquel Rag", is probably the greatest guitar duet song, ever.

[Andy'smom]

Me three!

[pa_dweller]

I’m wondering if there isn’t some subtle wordplay going on. Michael Hossack having his picture taken with a hassock as a prop?

[Isabel C.]

Never heard of him.

Should I care?

Then why did you click on this thread? People like you are just plain odd.

[dfwgator]

I first heard Black Water in summer of 1974 when a friend wanted to demonstrate his new quadraphonic stereo system. He had the quadraphonic pressing of the record and the ‘70s version of “surround sound” was really cool. That song was MADE for quadraphonic.

Neal's Fandango is my all-time favorite Doobies' song, just listen to that driving bass on that. Tiran Porter is probably the most underrated bassist, ever....he was a HUGE part of their sound.

[ScottinVA]

Sad to hear this... RIP

[sheikdetailfeather]

Doobie Bros - “Nobody”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldia5_N4IJA&feature=related

Doobie Bros - It Keeps You Running

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZqY75WQeNM

DOOBIE BROTHERS - DARK EYED CAJUN WOMAN (LIVE 1990)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF6vl8mP2Ic&feature=related

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

They were good band until they got that guy who sang like a retard and refused to shut him up.

[My Favorite Headache]

Musicians we have lost in 2012 ALONE:

Whitney Houston
Ronnie Montrose - Montrose
Davy Jones - The Monkees
Billy Strange - (guitarist) - The Beach Boys, Nat King Cole, Nancy Sinatra
Michael Davis - (bassist) - MC5
Andrew MacNaughtan - (Music video producer/music photographer) - Rush, Michael Buble, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams
Dick Kniss - (bassist) Peter, Paul, and Mary
Mark Reale - (guitarist) - Riot
Robbie France - (drummer) - UFO, Diamond Head, Wishbone Ash
Tom Ardolino - (drummer) - NRBQ
Bob Weston - (guitarist) - Fleetwood Mac
Larry Reinhardt - (guitarist) - Iron Butterfly