Posted on 03/13/2012 12:20:47 PM PDT by My Favorite Headache
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A much-loved musician who for years was part of the famed rock act the Doobie Brothers has died.
Michael Hossack died Monday at his home in Dubois, Wyo., according to friends and family. He was 65 years old.
Hossack had battled cancer and finally succumbed to the disease with family by his side.
Known to friends as “Big Mike,” Hossack had local connections, having lived for many years in Lake County, where his children attended school.
Hossack was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on Oct. 17, 1946, and began playing the drums at age 12, according to his biography on the Doobie Brothers Web page, www.doobiebrothers.net .
He would go on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, and upon returning home to New Jersey in 1969 was set to pursue a law enforcement career when a friend convinced him to audition for Mourning Reign, a California-based band.
He got the job and would move to California with the band. Mourning Reign would fold but a new opportunity arose when in 1971 the Doobie Brothers invited Hossack to join them, drumming alongside founding drummer John Hartman.
His work can be heard on the Doobie Brothers classics like “Listen to The Music,” “Rockin’ Down The Highway,” “Jesus Is Just Alright,” “China Grove,” “Long Train Runnin” and “Blackwater,” the band's first No. 1 single.
Hossack left the band in 1973, drumming with other bands and becoming a partner of the North Hollywood recording studio Chateau Recorders.
He and the Doobie Brothers reunited in 1987 for a series of concerns benefiting Vietnam War veterans, which led eventually to the band reforming.
Due to his health, Hossack had been on leave from the group since 2010.
In July of that year, Hossack had posted a message to fans thanking them for their support and messages. “It certainly helps to keep my spirits up during my time away.”
He had looked forward to returning to playing with the band. “It’s been hard not touring with the band but I have incredible support from my family, the Doobie Brothers, and all my friends out there. I can’t thank you enough for everything. All my best wishes to you all, and thanks for thinking of me.”
In late January, the Doobie Brothers – which have kept up a busy touring schedule – released a statement on Hossack, saying he was improving slowly. “He sends his regards to all our fans.”
A lover of the outdoors, motorcycle riding and hunting, Hossack had spent his final years based in Wyoming.
He leaves behind son Mike Jr., daughter Eric Rose Oliver, and friends and fans the world over.
See Hossack and the Doobie Brothers performing “Listen to the Music” at Wolf Trap in 2004 in the clip below (Hossack is on the drum set at the far right).
http://youtu.be/l3saQwN8o98
loved that song Blackwater.
RIP
And it wasn’t that long ago with Keith Knudsen.
I thought Hossack left before “Blackwater” and Knudsen played on that.
RIP. 1990 Live version of China Grove where he was on drums.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hnPlSQWcxE
You don’t see a lot of bands with two drummers anymore.
Oops 2005 - further back than I thought
Two lucky guys at 1:35
Me too!
They were just in Orlando at “Orlando Calling” concert in November:
Long Train Runn’in-Orlando Calling Festival 11-13-2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXeVxVYnLxc
Used to be that when a rock star died, we'd lament over how young he or she was. Now they are dying off in their 60s and 70s and we can't say that no more.
It's actually a sign of my own mortality. For decades, I've read about the deaths of jazz and big-band recording artists who had their heyday in the 1930s and 1940s. I had never heard their music and their names did not register with me.
Now it seems that everytime I turn around, somebody who contributed to the music that I grew up with has kicked the bucket in some manner. And it's not the "death by misadventure" that it used to be like drug overdose or driving a car too fast. Now it's heart attacks and other natural causes.
This is getting kind of depressing. I wish I could turn the clock back to say, 1972, and live this life all over again - knowing what I know now.
One thing I would do different, I would not buy a house with such a big lawn to mow.
Never heard of him.
Should I care?
IPOD engaged, earbuds in.
Let's Rock!!!
Yes we are. But doing so beats the alternative, doesn't it?
The Doobie Brothers bring back memories of high school for me. So long ago but it seems like just yesterday.
Doobie Brothers - Rock’in Down The Highway-Orlando Calling Festival 11-13-2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YJTSc3fLrc&list=UUPJy1dZVc09Dpie5gC7AreA&index=4&feature=plcp
You should care that you’re apparently an ass clown.
Aw man. My first and second concerts.
Doobie Brothers - Jesus Is Just Alright-Orlando Calling Festival 11-13-2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiOV8DXBIZA&feature=related
I saw them one in Long Beach, Ca in the early ‘70s. Probably ‘72 or ‘73. So very long ago.
I guess I’ve become “My Parents”.
Back in the “Golden Age of Rock and Roll” it took actual talent to get on top, and stay on top. Back in the 70’s - 90’s the competition was fierce, over 300% more fierce than what is found today - and those who made it - flourished. Beatles, Chicago, Supertramp, Doobies, Fleetwood Mac, Alan Parsons, Styx, Queen, The Who, ABBA, Bob Seger, ELO, Elton John, Beach Boys and many more. Back when there were ‘real’ drummers, ‘real’ harmony and you couldn’t get rich by showing a video with a artificial booming base with scantily clad women with big ‘attributes’ as the only thing to sell your song.
The Doobies had hit after hit, album after album; and they sold their music without the need for a video. I mourn the passing of a great artist; but moreso, I miss the fact that there are entire generations of people who have no clue as to what musical artistry is, what a real harmony sounds like, what a counter-melody is and how it interplays with a melody; and moreso - that you don’t need pornography set to music, in order to be enjoyable.
True. The only other one that comes to mind is/was the Allman Brothers.
I think maybe the Dead carried two drummers from time to time as well.
They played in Spokane in 73/74 (74/75?) on their "What Were Once Vices" tour. I may not remember the date, but I remember it was a helluva show.
My dorm would rock when someone put Black Water on the turntable.
I remember Baxter more from Steely Dan than from the Doobies.
But yeah, he’s a pretty versatile fellow.
Doobie Brothers Take Me In Your Arms (HD)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLsjaSLWfwQ&feature=related
I can relate. I wish I could turn back the clock to 1969, when I greduated from High School and start over knowing what I know about life now. I think Keith Richards will outlive all of us.
I first heard Black Water in summer of 1974 when a friend wanted to demonstrate his new quadraphonic stereo system. He had the quadraphonic pressing of the record and the ‘70s version of “surround sound” was really cool. That song was MADE for quadraphonic.
Love his pedal steel solo on, "Pearl of the Quarter." I think he also played it on the Doobies' "South City Midnight Lady", before he was even an official member. And "Slat Key Soquel Rag", is probably the greatest guitar duet song, ever.
Me three!
I’m wondering if there isn’t some subtle wordplay going on. Michael Hossack having his picture taken with a hassock as a prop?
Should I care?
Then why did you click on this thread? People like you are just plain odd.
Neal's Fandango is my all-time favorite Doobies' song, just listen to that driving bass on that. Tiran Porter is probably the most underrated bassist, ever....he was a HUGE part of their sound.
Sad to hear this... RIP
Doobie Bros - “Nobody”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldia5_N4IJA&feature=related
Doobie Bros - It Keeps You Running
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZqY75WQeNM
DOOBIE BROTHERS - DARK EYED CAJUN WOMAN (LIVE 1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF6vl8mP2Ic&feature=related
Musicians we have lost in 2012 ALONE:
Whitney Houston
Ronnie Montrose - Montrose
Davy Jones - The Monkees
Billy Strange - (guitarist) - The Beach Boys, Nat King Cole, Nancy Sinatra
Michael Davis - (bassist) - MC5
Andrew MacNaughtan - (Music video producer/music photographer) - Rush, Michael Buble, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams
Dick Kniss - (bassist) Peter, Paul, and Mary
Mark Reale - (guitarist) - Riot
Robbie France - (drummer) - UFO, Diamond Head, Wishbone Ash
Tom Ardolino - (drummer) - NRBQ
Bob Weston - (guitarist) - Fleetwood Mac
Larry Reinhardt - (guitarist) - Iron Butterfly
.38 Special would often tour w two drummers.
... I couldn't understand the rest ...
Me, too. I think of Blackwater as so genuinely American.
And such high quality. I can listen to the different voices and instruments and get something interesting out of it every time I hear it.
That song has really stayed with me my whole life.
RIP.
Holy Crap!!! Now that's sad...
RIP.
Yup, the “Once Were Vices” tour, 1974 I think. Roanoke, Virginia.
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