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Today for Off the Road, guitarist and vocalist Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brothers is our guest, as HPR All Things Considered Host Dave Lawrence concludes two days with the Maui-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist.
Pat joins us as the band get ready to release a new album, a book and embark on their first tour since the pandemic.
In part one of our feature from yesterday, Pat shared advance details on the upcoming new Doobie Brothers album, their delayed 50th Anniversary road outing and book Pat worked on with Doobie Brothers lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Johnston. He also offered some fun stories of his musical background, taking us all the way back to the beginnings in Washington State and northern California with tales of early exposure to music and performing. Pat broke out his guitar to offer a sample of one of the earliest songs he ever learned to play as a little boy. In addition to being extremely kind, gentle and welcoming, Pat’s talents extend beyond his stellar musicianship, and into his storytelling. Make no mistake, Pat Simmons is one truly gifted storyteller! His fun stories he generously shared with us in part one included connections to the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers Band, and legendary promoter Bill Graham.
Today, we’ll hear how the late publicist David Gest had a huge impact on the band, from getting them onto the TV show What’s Happening, to linking the Doobies and Pat to Michael Jackson, Al Green and several other iconic performers. He’ll also explain the origins of one of the Doobie Brothers’ biggest ever songs, that Pat wrote, and as a bonus, he’ll even play some of it for us.
Pat has been a guest of Dave’s over the years since 2003. He is an original member of the Doobie Brothers and a longtime resident of the Valley Isle.
Hear several interviews with Pat and Dave: the complete 2021 interview, a phoner in 2003, a 2011 phoner, at the 2011 Kokua For Japan Benefit, at the Blaisdell Arena in 2011, and a 2018 phoner that also included his son Pat Simmons Jr.
Off the Road is a series of interviews with musicians that began as a way to connect remotely during the pandemic, and evolved over time to be an outlet for discussing their latest projects, hearing some classic storytelling, and offering intimate musical performances. The archive includes many hours of conversation and exclusive musical performances, speaking to artists across the musical spectrum.
Highlight guests Off the Road has welcomed include Heart, Jack Johnson, Carlos Santana, Linda Ronstadt, System of a Down, America, Jimmy Webb, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Peter Frampton, William Shatner and The Doors.
Artists who have offered different kinds of intimate, impromptu musical performances along the way include Randy Brecker, Stray Cats, Dave Mason, Soul Asylum, Deep Purple, George Benson, Joe Satriani, 10,000 Maniacs, Herb Alpert and Al Di Meola.
