THE DOOBIE BROTHERS RETURN WITH WALK THIS ROAD, OUT JUNE 6, 2025
Few bands can boast a legacy as enduring as The Doobie Brothers. With an extraordinary track record of Grammy® Awards, multi-platinum sales, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, they’ve carved out an indelible place in popular music history. Now, the reunited lineup of Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee, and Michael McDonald will release a brand-new studio album, WALK THIS ROAD, on June 6, 2025, via Rhino Records.
A Reunited Lineup And A Shared Vision
The Doobie Brothers’ signature blend of rootsy rock, soul, and pop has always leaned on collaboration. This time around, original member Michael McDonald rejoins the group, writing and recording alongside his longtime bandmates. Produced by John Shanks, the 10-track album is said to reflect both the band’s classic trademark sound and an evolving creative spirit—one that thrives on “doing things you haven’t done before,” as Tom Johnston remarks.
Recorded in the winter of 2024, WALK THIS ROAD showcases an open, team-oriented writing process. Each songwriter—Johnston, McDonald, and Simmons—worked individually with Shanks before bringing their ideas together to shape the final album. The result merges distinct elements of folk-rock, R&B, and classic Doobie Brothers hooks into one cohesive statement. The title track, “Walk This Road,” features a special guest performance by Mavis Staples, an emblem of hope and shared understanding—key themes running throughout the record.
“We all sang on ‘Walk This Road,’ that’s a different kind of track for us to do,”
—Tom Johnston
Songwriters Hall of Fame Recognition
Further underscoring the band’s lifetime contribution to popular music, The Doobie Brothers have also been announced as 2025 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Michael McDonald, Tom Johnston, and Patrick Simmons will be honoured in the Performing Songwriters category, paying tribute to the profound impact their compositions have had over decades of chart-topping hits, from “Listen to the Music” and “Black Water” to “What a Fool Believes.”
A Look Back, A Leap Forward
It’s been 50-plus years since The Doobie Brothers first lit up radio airwaves with their unique fusion of rock, soul, and memorable choruses. Through numerous tours and an evolving lineup, the camaraderie among the band’s members has remained a hallmark of their success. McDonald notes:
“Getting back in with the guys and playing again is great… We’ve all been enjoying it tremendously, even more than we thought we would.”
That sense of friendship and collaboration continues to drive the band forward—whether in the studio or on the road. Fans can look forward to a 2025 global tour in support of WALK THIS ROAD, where they’ll hear both fresh material and timeless favourites.
New Tracks & Pre-Order
As a preview of the album, The Doobie Brothers have released two new tracks—“Walk This Road” and “Call Me”—along with the previously unveiled “Lahaina.” Each offers a glimpse of what’s in store: an invigorating mix of classic Doobies songwriting wrapped in the warmth of studio innovation. Pre-orders for the new album are now available HERE.
For those of us who’ve loved The Doobie Brothers from the start, WALK THIS ROAD represents an exciting new chapter in an already storied career. The continued collaboration of these talented musicians—whose careers have intertwined and diverged over decades—reminds us just how impactful teamwork and shared history can be. In true Doobie Brothers fashion, the music aims to bring people together, celebrating the roads we’ve traveled and offering hope for whatever paths lie ahead.
TRACKLISTING:
“Walk this Road” Featuring Mavis Staples
“Angels & Mercy”
“Call Me”
“Learn to Let Go”
“State of Grace”
“Here to Stay”
“The Kind That Lasts”
“New Orleans”
“Speed of Pain”
“Lahaina”
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine