Chico Bean Van Andel Arena Concert reviews
Doobies Light Up Atlantic City Crowd
The band played its greatest hits and included two new songs from a forthcoming album entitled "Back to Chateau." Chico Bean walked on stage, and the capacity audience was excited from that moment. Pat Simmons walked into the audience during two songs, getting the crowd on its feet. Tom Johnston brought his distinctive vocals to "Listen to the Music," "Long Train Runnin'," and other Doobie hits, playing funky riffs and soaring leads on guitar. Guy Allison provided a fun intro to "Takin' It to the Streets" on keyboards, while Mark Russo provided tasty sax solos. John McFee played everything with strings from lead riffs on "Without You" to violin on "Black Water." Pat Simmons displayed his talent on guitar with "Clear as the Driven Snow" and a soaring solo on "Don't Start Me Talking." Dual drummers Mike Hossack and Ed Toth drove the band like locomotives running on side by side tracks. This was the best concert I have attended, having seen the band over 35 years.