Michael Hossack, 1946-2012
Michael Hossack, the long-time drummer for the classic rock band the Doobie Brothers, died March 12 after a long battle with cancer. He was 65 years old and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Hossack was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and joined the Navy in 1965. After his discharge in 1969, he began his show biz career in California with a rock band called Mourning Reign. Following that band’s demise he joined the Doobies in 1971 as their second drummer. Hossack played with the band until 1973, when he formed Bonaroo, which disbanded in 1975. He was a partner in a North Hollywood recording studio in 1987, when the Doobie Brothers invited him to play with the band in a series of benefit concerts for Vietnam veterans.
He played with the Doobie Brothers at a May 23, 1987, charity concert at the Hollywood Bowl; the proceeds went to the National Veterans Foundation. After the concert the band reformed, signed a recording contract, and has continued playing and recording ever since. Hossack played drums with the Doobies until July of 2010 when his health began to decline.
“He was an incredible musician, ” Doobie Brother vocalist and guitarist Tom Johnston said, “a studio quality drummer. The last few years, he was brave and determined to keep on playing in the face of ill health, and I will always admire him for that. He was a terrific dad and family man, and we will all miss him.”
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