Classic rock band The Doobie Brothers rocked The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on Friday night, and I’d like to think I had a part in bringing them here. Yes, I’d like to think that, but of course, I didn’t. I was at a concert at the WFCU Centre in December, and while talking with my photographer friends Charlie O’Brien and Gene Schilling, I lamented that my beloved Doobie Brothers had not yet come to our fair city to play at Caesars.

PHOTO CREDIT - Charlie O'Brien

Windsor - March 31, 2013 - Classic rock band The Doobie Brothers rocked The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on Friday night, and I’d like to think I had a part in bringing them here. Yes, I’d like to think that, but of course, I didn’t. I was at a concert at the WFCU Centre in December, and while talking with my photographer friends Charlie O’Brien and Gene Schilling, I lamented that my beloved Doobie Brothers had not yet come to our fair city to play at Caesars. Lo and behold, a day or two later I received an e-mail from Gene saying that they must have heard us talking, because they announced a show there. Now, if that’s not the power of positive thinking I don’t know what is! The Doobie Brothers - my favourite band of all time - coming to my city for what I believe to be the first time. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure they’ve never played Windsor before.

The current line-up still boasts two founding members, Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston, as well as long time guitarist John McFee. Rounding out the eight piece band are sax player Marc Russo, keyboardist Guy Allison, drummers Ed Toth and Tony Pia, and bassist John Cowan. From the opening number, Jesus Is Just Alright, the boys showed why they have been able to soldier on for over forty years. They are masters of their craft, and led the audience through a set list of twenty plus songs. There was the bluesy Takin’ It To The Streets, with Simmons and Cowan trading off the vocals, and the instrumental Slack Key Soquel Rag, where Simmons and McFee picked away on acoustic guitars. Other highlights included Black Water (Ontario moon won’t you keep on shinin’ on me), Long Train Runnin’, China Grove, and the show ending Listen To The Music, where Tom Johnston had led the crowd in a sing-a-long.

On this night, they played for almost two hours to a sold out house. Two magical hours of hit after hit, proving that classic rock is alive and well. Thanks guys, come back and see us again. You’re welcome anytime.