History & Gallery 2012

An American Musical Institution

The Doobies have rung up a glittering track record that would be the envy of any band. Beginning with their multi-million-selling sophomore collection Toulouse Street (1972), the Doobies have 3 multi-platinum, 7 platinum and 14 gold albums. Their best of the Doobies (1976) has sold more than 11 million copies – a rare “diamond record.” The Doobies propulsive roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven style has sold more than 30 million albums.

Their No. 1 singles “Black Water” (1974) and “What a Fool Believes” (1979), both gold, lead a catalog of indelible songs that include “Jesus is Just All Right”, “Rockin’ Down the Highway”, “Long Train Runnin’”, “China Grove”, “Take Me in Your Arms”, “Takin’ it to the Streets”, “Minute By Minute”, “You Belong to Me,” “The Doctor” and more. In all, the Doobies have tallied up five Top 10 singles and 16 Top 40 hits.

Formed in 1969 by Simmons, singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom Johnston, founding drummer John Hartman, and bassist Dave Shogren, the Doobies made their mark with a run of punchy, melodic hits on Warner Bros. Records. They attained radio and chart ubiquity in the late ‘70s, when the group’s expanded lineup was augmented by Michael Mcdonald, whose soaring lead vocals pushed the band to new commercial and critical heights.

The Doobies’ familiar and inimitable sound effortlessly draws from virtually every imaginable tributary of American music.

Little River Band was formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975. It was originally a blend of musicians who had enjoyed success in other Australian acts. Their new focus was to get airplay on American radio, and they achieved that goal with good songwriting, powerful vocals, and guitar harmonies. They immediately claimed their place as one of the great vocal bands of the ‘70s and the ‘80s.

Between 1976 and 1983, chart success in America includes the following singles: It’s a Long Way There, Help is on its Way, Happy Anniversary, Reminiscing, Lady, Cool Change, Lonesome Loser, The Night Owls, Take it Easy on Me, Man on Your Mind, We Two, and The Other Guy.

Little River Band is considered to be one of Australia’s most significant bands. Worldwide album and CD sales now top 30 million. They also set a record for having top 10 hits for 6 consecutive years…the first band to achieve that mark. And according to BMI, reminiscing has garnered rare status with over 5 million airplays on American radio…and lady is close behind with over 4 million airplays. Little River Band was rightfully inducted into the Australian recording industry association (Aria) hall of fame at the 18th Annual Aria Music Awards of 2004.

The current lineup brings new energy and arrangements to the classic hits, making new memories for the audience out of each live performance. It’s always fun to watch as people are swept up by the show’s vitality and the volume of hits from LRB’s history. You’ll see plenty of people mouthing the words…”love this song…I forgot it was one of Little River Band’s hits!”

Following on from the successful qualities that made the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert such a success there was a desire to add a further show to the Tour. Taupo offered up similarities to Queenstown and had a site that was unique. A Purpose built Amphitheatre, positioned within walking distance from the Centre of town and with sufficient accommodation and infrastructure needed to run these big shows, made Taupo an obvious choice. The Inaugural Taupo Summer Concert featured two of the greatest classic rock bands.. The Doobie Brothers and Little River Band. The concert was embraced by the locals and had over 14,000 attendees, with 10,000 of those from outside the region. The show went off with a bang and had established itself as one of the most significant annual events for Taupo.

By the time the second Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert came around any problems that were experienced with the first had well and truly been ironed out, and the concert ran extremely smoothly. Little River Band and The Doobies Brothers played to a 13,000 strong crowd who sat back and enjoyed the magnificent day and the beautiful surroundings. The song lists were great with the crowd dancing for most of the afternoon.

This was the smoothest running concert we had been involved in.