The Doobie Brothers Play Michael McDonald Solo Hit For 1st Time Since 1982

1982 was a wild year for Michael McDonald as The Doobie Brothers embarked on a farewell tour ahead of their initial dissolution and the keyboardist-vocalist scored a massive solo hit with “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near).” McDonald performed the song with The Doobies for the first time since that fateful year last night at Pine Knob Music Theatre near Detroit.

When The Doobie Brothers returned to touring continuously in 1993, McDonald did not come along. In 2021, Michael McDonald reunited with his old band and has been a key member ever since.

Last night, The Doobies dusted off their rendition of “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” early in their set at the Clarkston, Michigan stop of the band’s Oneness Tour 2026 with Santana. McDonald expertly belted out the song from his first solo studio album, If That’s What It Takes. All previous plays by The Doobie Brothers came during the 1982 Farewell Tour.

“I Keep Forgettin'” peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Singles chart in 1982. The song received a major second life in 1994, when Warren G sampled “I Keep Forgettin'” on his hit single “Regulate” featuring Nate Dogg.

Later in the night, The Doobie Brothers shared the stage with Santana for the second show in a row. The two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame acts joined forces for the same two covers they played one night earlier in Cincinnati: Dino Valenti’s “Get Together” and The O’Jays’ “I Love Music.” Carlos Santana hosted the extended collaboration during his closing set at Pine Knob.

Santana and The Doobie Brothers bring their Oneness Tour 2026 to the St. Louis area tonight for a concert at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. The bands will be on the road together through August 27.

Watch The Doobie Brothers break out “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” below: