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
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.
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
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