The Doobie Brothers opened this classic rock bill at the site that used to be “Woodstock” and really provided high energy rock and roll music for an appteciative crowd. I’m not sure why, but the sound at Bethel Woods was outstanding and the band sounded great while providing a nice mix of their greatest hits like “China Grove ” which are numerous. 

My wife who is a ridiculous Chicago fan, had a blast from the first row and was thrown a pick from the Doobie Brothers bass player John Cowan. The Doobie Brothers had the crowd on its feet and singing along by the end of their set. In a bit of a change from past tours,  the band would not return at the end of the Chicago set to play a few songs together as they have done in the past.

The big news for Chicago fans is that Peter Cetera replacement Jason Scheff is gone and the new “kid” in town is Jeff Coffey. Mr Scheff’s voice was sounding strained at times the past few years after years of constant touring so hearing a younger voice added to the band was refreshing. The band’s set list rarely varies but it is a formula that has worked for them for decades and have kept Chicago working on the road consistently for fifty years now. An intermission about 10:15 PM caused some in the crowd to hit the exits early as a passing rain showered the crowd but the band played until 11:30 PM and ptovided all the usual hits including “I’m A Man” and “25 or 6 to 4”. My wife was a big Jason Scheff fan so she did not immediately warm up to a new bass player but Mr. Coffey won her over this night and sealed the deal by handing her a pick at the end of the show.

Music is the Doctor

Rock on!

GQ