doobie brothers

Tom Johnston thought he was writing about a fictional town until he remembered a little place in South Texas.

Patrick Simmons talks to UCR about how Tom Johnston's absence has impacted their set list.

Singer and guitarist is scheduled to undergo surgery as tour continues without him.

Band has added more than 30 new shows that will run from June through October.

"John was a wild spirit, great drummer, and showman during his time in the Doobies," the band wrote.

"It was completely out of left field, to be honest with you," singer says of appearing on soundtrack to 1987 film.

They suddenly had a blank canvas, with none of the biker-boogie band constraints from their early years.

Check out UCR's exclusive photos from the night.

Playing with Michael McDonald again is "certainly something I'll carry with me forever," he tells UCR.

They resumed their 50th anniversary trek with Michael McDonald.

Several major cities are now included in the trek.

Prize includes roundtrip airfare and two-night accommodation.