Doobie Brothers

LP will feature Michael McDonald, his first original studio release with the band since 1980.

Latest trek with Michael McDonald kicked off in Los Angeles.

It will be their first original album together in over 40 years.

Robert Cray is also a special guest on the trek, which begins in June.

Patrick Simmons talks to UCR about how Tom Johnston's absence has impacted their set list.

Singer and guitarist is scheduled to undergo surgery as tour continues without him.

Band has added more than 30 new shows that will run from June through October.

"John was a wild spirit, great drummer, and showman during his time in the Doobies," the band wrote.

"It was completely out of left field, to be honest with you," singer says of appearing on soundtrack to 1987 film.

They suddenly had a blank canvas, with none of the biker-boogie band constraints from their early years.

Check out UCR's exclusive photos from the night.

Playing with Michael McDonald again is "certainly something I'll carry with me forever," he tells UCR.