Long Train Runnin': Our Story of the Doobie Brothers

For the first time, the incredible true story of the legendary band, the Doobie Brothers, written by founding members Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston.

Only a very few rock bands have had the longevity, success, and drama of the Doobie Brothers. Born out of late 1960s NorCal, and led by Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston, they stood alongside their contemporaries the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers, and many others as an iconic American rock band. The train was rolling along, hits were flowing like wine, and arenas were packed with fans who wanted to see them live...then Tom Johnston, the band's front man and lead guitarist, became ill and had to leave.

The Doobies' train came to a screeching halt. All of a sudden the band started contemplating the end of the road only seven years into their career, just as things were taking off. But Pat Simmons made sure they were far from the end and began the process of keeping the band together through most of the next decade.

A soul-steeped backup singer for Steely Dan named Michael McDonald took a shot at singing some of the Doobies' songs on tour, and just like that a new chapter in the Doobie Brothers' story began. The band expanded their sound and had even more hits with their new front addition. Tom recovered from his health issues, but the band had moved on. When it came time for a reunion concert in the '80s, Tom got the call and was back in the mix. Led once again by Pat and Tom, the Doobie Brothers have been touring ever since and maintain a massive fan base the world over.

Never before have Pat and Tom shared their story, in their own words. In Long Train Runnin' they'll change that.


About the Author

PAT SIMMONS and TOM JOHNSTON are founding members of the Doobie Brothers. The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, they've won four Grammy Awards and have sold nearly 50 million records. Their 1976 album Best of the Doobies has sold more than 12 million copies, achieving the rare Diamond Certification by the RIAA (fewer than a hundred albums in the history of modern music, across all genres, have done this). All in all, they've tallied five Top 10 singles and sixteen Top 40 hits.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of many books including the music memoirs Adrenalized (with Phil Collen) and Change of Seasons (with John Oates). As a music journalist he has written extensively for the Huffington Post, Ultimate Classic Rock, and many others.