On Monday, the music world was saddened to hear that Michael “Big Mike” Hossack, famous drummer of The Doobie Brothers died from his long battle with cancer at 65. Hossack was a member of The Doobie Brothers from 1971-1973, and then reunited in 1987.
“Big Mike” Hossack was the percussive beat behind many hit songs that The Doobie Brothers performed, such as Listen To The Music and Jesus Is Just Alright.
Prior to Hossack’s involvement with the well-known band, the New Jersey native was active in the Vietnam War, serving with the U.S. Navy. After his service, Hossack actively pursued a career in law enforcement well before joining The Doobie Brothers.
According to Reuters, Tom Johnston, the founder of The Doobie Brothers and its lead guitarist, stated the following remarks about Hossack:
“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.”
The Twitter community has also been active in saying their goodbyes to this talented musician:
We just lost one of the best drummers on the planet….so long Michael Hossack, see you on the other side…may… http://t.co/xcYCh7Nx
Rest in Peace Michael Hossack (Doobie Brothers drummer) – Thanks for all the years of great music http://t.co/5KJrDgxm
Where are my #DoobieBrothers peeps at? We had a GREAT LOSS today of Michael Hossack from that evil sickness cancer
Sad news about the death of Doobie bros drummer Mick Hossack
The golden age of rockers are getting to that age l guess.
Rest in Peace Michael Hossack ….. Thx for sharing the Doobie Brothers with us!!
Two Doobies down…both percussionists. First Knudsen in 2005 and now Hossack. These guys were good. As a bass… http://t.co/jZZty7eG
We lost another great drummer. Doobie Brothers Drummer Michael Hossack Dies http://t.co/ZOtn2j0r
RIP Michael Hossack, drummer for the Doobie Brothers, died at age 65 from cancer. Will be missed.