Doobie Brothers Drummer Michael Hossack Dies at 65

BY Alex HudsonPublished Mar 13, 2012

Michael Hossack, who was mostly widely known as the drummer of the classic rock band the Doobie Brothers, died yesterday (March 12) after losing his battle with cancer. He was 65.

Hossack had reportedly been fighting the disease for a couple of years, and eventually passed away while surrounded by his family in Dubois, WY.

Hossack served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and, once he returned home, joined a band called Mourning Reign. He eventually joined the Doobie Brothers as their second drummer in 1971. He only remained with the group until 1974, but in that time played on the albums Toulouse Street, The Captain and Me and What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. These collections featured some of the Doobies' signature hits, including "Black Water," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

The drummer once again joined the Doobie Brothers after they reunited in 1987. He continued to play with the group until he developed cancer and had to drop out in 2010.

The band wrote on their official website, "We're posting this to confirm the sad news that's been circulating very quickly. Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack passed away yesterday in Dubois, Wyoming, at the age of 65. His family was by his side. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones. We will miss him greatly."

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