Rockin’ Down Memory Lane with the Doobie Brothers on Tour

In August 2024, I had the absolute thrill of seeing the Doobie Brothers on tour at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Thanks to my husband’s workplace, we enjoyed the show from box seats – an incredible experience that made us feel so close to the band! The concert was amazing, but the Waning Gibbous Supermoon made the night truly unforgettable. As the colossal moon rose over the amphitheater, it felt like it was perfectly synced with the music. It created a magical vibe I’ll never forget. It was like the universe joined in on the performance!

Me and the Doobie Brothers Go Way Back

Growing up, I was always the pesky little sister, with a seven-year gap between me and my brother Scott and eight years between me and my brother Tim. Our modest house in the metro-east suburbs of St. Louis (the Illinois side) became the ultimate hangout spot for my brothers and their crew. And the heart of it all? Our finished basement—a paradise of far-out 70s vibes with a wild orange shag carpet, lava lamps, wood paneling, and of course, a killer sound system. The tunes that drifted up from that basement were iconic—Boston, Styx, Queen, ELO, Aerosmith, and, of course, the Doobie Brothers.

It was a hub of music, laughter, and teenage shenanigans. Too young to join the action, I’d often sneak to the top of the stairs, listening to these rock anthems and the goofy banter of my brothers and their friends. Even now, hearing those songs takes me right back to that basement, where the 70s never stopped playing.

My brother Scott always had a natural talent for music. Singing and playing guitar were his thing. I vividly remember him and his friends working tirelessly to perfect the a cappella section of “Black Water.”

Over and over and over. I am not sure they ever quite got it down, but it was fun to hear them try.

I still can’t resist catching these bands live. The Doobie Brothers are often on tour, and I’ve been lucky enough to see them in concert more than a few times. Every show is a memorable experience. However, this one was truly exceptional because it featured St. Louis’ own Michael McDonald as part of the band’s lineup. While they’ve toured both with and without him in the past, I was thrilled to have the chance to see him perform this time around.

Setlist Analysis

The setlist was a perfect mix of the classics. From “Rockin’ Down the Highway” to “China Grove,” and each song sent me rockin’ down memory lane. One of the standout moments for me was the electrifying performance of “Jesus Is Just Alright.” It indeed took you to church. They even provided the stained glass windows in the background! As someone who sings “Long Train Runnin'” in my own band, I found it fascinating to watch how they extended the song. It got the entire crowd dancing in the aisles.

Michael McDonald’s lead vocals on “What a Fool Believes” was also a standout, reminding us why his voice is so legendary. “Black Water” brought the house down as the crowd sang along with unbridled energy. It was similar to my brothers and their friends back in the basement! The Doobies closed the show with “Listen to the Music,” a feel-good anthem that left everyone buzzing. It perfectly capped off an unforgettable evening.

Venue and Atmosphere

The Hollywood Casino Amphitheater offered a perfect backdrop for the concert. This open-air venue near the Missouri River (not far from St. Louis and St. Charles) provided an inviting atmosphere on a breezy, low-humidity St. Louis evening. Anyone who’s survived an August in St. Louis knows the humidity can be oppressive to say the least. But this time, it gave us a break for once!

After the concert, my husband and I had a 40-minute drive back home to Illinois. As we crossed the Mississippi River, the supermoon lit up the water, making it shimmer like something out of a dream. It was such a stunning sight I couldn’t help but start singing the lyrics to “Black Water,”

Final thoughts of the Doobie Brothers on tour

For me, that August Doobie Brothers concert was more than just a night of great music—it was a celebration of their songs’ enduring impact on my life. With every chord and harmony, they brought back memories of my brothers and that funky 70s basement. Their passion for performance was unmistakable, reminding everyone in the audience why they’ve remained icons for decades. If you ever get to see the Doobie Brothers on tour, don’t miss it. Their songs are timeless, and their live performance is a powerful testament to their lasting legacy in rock music. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the final encore.

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