As unlikely as it may have once seemed, the Doobie Brothers once again returned to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, this time in support of a brand new album, “Walk This Road.” Jimmy Buffett’s outfit, the Coral Reefer Band, continuing on in his absence, opened the show.

Review by Cheryl Bielli / Photos by Tom Bielli for NYS Music

The Doobie Brothers at SPAC (August 18, 2025) – photo by Tom Bielli

In “Taking It to the Streets,” McDonald, now with a full head of white hair and a white beard, crooned, “You don’t know me but I’m your brother…You tell me the things you’re gonna do for me,” and the backdrop featured a shifting montage of street scenes, protests and old footage of the band.

– Cheryl Bielli for NYS Music