Long Train Runnin’ (Live 1996)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a classic for you today—Long Train Runnin’ (Live 1996) by The Doobie Brothers, straight from their double live album Rockin’ Down The Highway: The Wildlife Concert Disc 2. This track’s got that funky, jammy vibe we all love, and it’s got a story that’s pure rock ‘n’ roll. Written by Tom Johnston, the song first appeared on the band’s 1973 album The Captain and Me, but this 1996 live version captures the band at a special moment. The Wildlife Concert was a benefit for the Wildlife Conservation Society, and it brought together all three of the band’s lead vocalists—Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, and Patrick Simmons—for the first time in their history. That’s some serious Doobie magic right there, Zoo Freaks!

Now, let’s talk trivia. Did you know Long Train Runnin’ started as an ad-libbed jam? Tom Johnston called it “Rosie Pig Moseley” or “Osborn” in its early days, just a bar song he didn’t think had much potential. But when the band laid it down for The Captain and Me, it became a Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Johnston’s punchy guitar riffs and those jammy polyrhythms from the bass and drums made it a fan favorite. In a 1993 interview, Johnston admitted he was hesitant to record it, thinking it was just a throwaway tune. Boy, was he wrong! The song’s been covered by everyone from Italian band Traks in 1982 to Bananarama in 1991, and the Doobies’ own remixed version hit No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart in ’93. This 1996 live cut? It’s got that raw, electric energy, with Johnston’s harmonica solo and the crowd’s love pushing it to another level.

Another cool tidbit: the 1996 Wildlife Concert wasn’t just a nostalgic trip. The band introduced two new tracks, Slow Burn and Wild Ride, the latter from Patrick Simmons’ solo work. Fans on The Doobie Brothers’ Facebook still rave about this show, with some calling it a “perfect blend of the band’s boogie rock roots and soulful McDonald era.” Posts on X from fans like @crockpics highlight the album’s impact, noting how The Captain and Me hit No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and went double platinum. The concert also marked the return of guitarist John McFee and drummer Keith Knudsen after an 11-year absence, adding to the reunion vibe. You can feel the band’s joy in this performance, Zoo Freaks—it’s like they’re rediscovering their own songs.

So, how did The Doobie Brothers get their start? Picture San Jose, California, in 1970, where a group of musicians came together with a shared love for rock, blues, and a certain herbal inspiration—hence the name, a nod to a slang term for marijuana. Tom Johnston (guitar/vocals), Patrick Simmons (guitar/vocals), Dave Shogren (bass), and John Hartman (drums) formed the core, jamming in local clubs and building a following among Hell’s Angels and Southern California rock fans. Their 1971 self-titled debut flopped, but they hit their stride with 1972’s Toulouse Street, driven by hits like Listen to the Music and Jesus Is Just Alright. Adding drummer Michael Hossack and later Tiran Porter on bass, the band honed their signature sound—gritty guitars, tight harmonies, and a laid-back groove. By 1973, The Captain and Me cemented their status with Long Train Runnin’ and China Grove. Over the years, the lineup evolved, with Michael McDonald’s soulful voice steering them to hits like What a Fool Believes in the late ’70s. Despite breakups and reunions, the Doobies’ chemistry and versatility kept them rockin’ for decades.

Wanna connect with the band and fellow fans? Check out The Doobie Brothers’ official website for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for throwback photos and updates, or join the conversation on X. For the die-hard Zoo Freaks, dive into fan communities like the Doobie Brothers Fan Group on Facebook, where fans share concert memories and vinyl finds. You can also explore fan sites like doobiebros.com for discographies and tour stories. Keep the good vibes rollin’, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep this train a-runnin’!