Message from Skylark
Doobie Brothers bassist Skylark has issued the following message to his fans:
First, I want to thank everyone that took time to reach out to me. Some were friends I’ve known for fifteen years, some are friends I’ve never met, and your wishes have all touched me deeply at a time I seemed to need it most.
I apologize for not writing sooner. Cris Simmons has been kind enough to forward the emails to me (and I was planning to write weeks ago) but I managed to accidentally delete all of the emails. Definitely operator headspace…
As for what’s been going on with me… Well, I had to go on and have a stroke. The good news is that I’m still here to talk about it, the bad news is that among other things I missed my first show in fifteen years. So, yeah… It’s a tad more involved than a sore throat.
But every day has been a good day, filled with signs of recovery. I’ve been working hard, doing all kinds of exercises, feeling real good about my progress, and I’m really looking forward to the day I can join my brothers onstage. That is going to be a night of special celebration for me, I guarantee you. I cannot thank the guys enough for their support. It’s a feeling I’ll carry for the rest of my days.
So, for right now, I’ve got lots of work to do. Back to the workout machines, the healing power of music [Doobie Brothers music!], and my basses. Thanks again for all the warming wishes. I hope to send a few more words every so often.
Love and gratitude… [And a bear hug to Big Mike, who’s also missin’ out on the fun with the guys!]
-Skylark
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Comments
Comment from Perry
Time: July 12, 2010, 1:28 pm
You are such a big part of The Doobie Brothers. The energy you bring on stage is very contagious.
Get well soon, the onstage stuff can wait. Get healthy first !!
Comment from Tom
Time: July 12, 2010, 7:29 pm
Get Well.We all send encouragement.Hope to see you again.Keep Rockin’.
Comment from Bob Kenny
Time: July 12, 2010, 7:43 pm
Skylark – Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Your health comes first, and I think the fans understand that. So take the time you need to take, to do the things you need to do, to get back to what you love to do. Look forward to seeing you back on stage one day soon.
Comment from Bill
Time: July 12, 2010, 7:52 pm
Skylark, missed seeing your energy behind the bass Saturday at Jones Beach. You were missed. I met you at Atlantic City boardwalk a few years back and you took the time out to chat and also the night of the show you got me a drumstick from Keith which I will always cherish. You made that show so special and I will never forget. Get well soon and hope you will be rockin down the highway with the doobs soon.
Comment from Angela “RoadAngel” Moraglia
Time: July 13, 2010, 6:21 am
Dear Skylark – it is nice to finally have an update on your condition. Although your presense is missed your health is more important right now. I was at Jones Beach on Sat. 7/10 and the show was “Rockin”. The Doobies never fail to deliver. However, not seeing you and Big Mike up there with your Brothers – not the same : ( Get well soon and do what you have to do to speed up your recovery. From Brooklyn, NY I’m sending lots of love and good wishes that we will see you both on stage soon. Angela “RoadAngel” xoxoxo
Comment from Dave
Time: July 13, 2010, 12:57 pm
Skylark,
Happy to hear that you’re improving and will be rejoining your bandmates someday soon! I sure would love to be at the show when you make your return. The vibe will be electric! Stay strong.
P.S. Thanks John Cowan for stepping in! You’re one kick ass musician too!
Comment from tom san jose
Time: July 13, 2010, 2:46 pm
luv ya
Comment from Dave in CO
Time: July 13, 2010, 4:28 pm
Skylark,
Just got done writing a note to Mike and read yours. We missed YOU in Denver as well. You are my wifes biggest fan! 
You will rememebr this I know….in Springfield, MO many years ago before the show, at the hotel, I walked you to our room and we surprised the crap out of my wife. She loves your enthusiasm and excellent musical talent. Take care and work hard!
Best wishes and prayers,
Dave
Comment from Bruce Greene
Time: July 13, 2010, 7:14 pm
Skylark – thanks for sharing the information concerning your stroke. Selfish as it may sound, we’ve (your fans) been worried and waiting with concern to learn what medical issue you were dealing with – wondering what, if anything, we wished we could do to help. Now that you’ve provided that information, we know what we need to do … and that’s simply offering our heartfelt best and our prayers to you and your family for your complete recovery. We’ve missed you on the tour – your dynamic contributions to “The Doobie Brothers” sound and tour experience are incomparable.
So, as you pointed out, your physical and mental recovery will come from workout machines, your basses, and your music which serve as the focus of your current recovery emphasis. “Music Is The Doctor”, Skylark … you’ve helped make it so. Immerse yourself in those attributes. Do take good care of Skylark … you mean a lot to a lot of people. We earnestly look forward to seeing you and the emotion and power you bring to the group’s music and the tour stage.
Our very best wishes and our prayers are with you and your family as you continue on the road to a thorough and speedy recovery.
Comment from Holly
Time: July 13, 2010, 10:00 pm
{{{{Skylark}}}}
You work so hard on stage, so we can only imagine the work you are putting into getting back on your feet and well again. Take care of yourself and hurry back to us. God speed.
Peace, Holly
Comment from Andrew
Time: July 14, 2010, 9:18 am
SkyLark let me start off by glad to hear your on the mend .
I was very fortunate to have seen you play and let me tell you i am captivated watching you play you bring alot of excitement for the fans to watch.
I want you to know that i look forward to seeing you back on stage again your excitment goes unmatched.
All the best keep us up to date please.
Remember with out your health theres nothing.
Andrew
Comment from Larry Lee
Time: July 14, 2010, 11:23 am
Skylark, I am glad to hear you are doing well and recovering from your stroke! I was totally unaware of your illness and was a tad bit upset when you were not on stage with the band in Atlanta, GA July 12th. I was so pumped to actually watch you in a live setting, but I guess I will have to enjoy the DVD from a few years back! Being a brother bassist, I know the comfort one gets from just sitting and playing, but also enjoy the band gig. Anyway, best wishes for a speedy recovery and I look forward to seeing you and The Doobie Brothers in Atlanta next year!! Keep on getting stronger and keep us posted as to your progress…..Regards, Larry
Comment from Terry Patilla
Time: July 15, 2010, 11:48 am
Take care of yourself! I saw you in Birmingham, Al. last year and had a spot right at the stage in front of you. I really enjoyed watching you play! I loved the beautiful bass guitar with the lights!
Comment from Mary-Lou
Time: July 15, 2010, 5:21 pm
I was disappointed at the DTE show last night when you weren’t there. I went looking to see if I could find out where you were, and happened to see this update. I’m so very sorry to hear of your stroke, but it’s encouraging to hear you speak about your progess and the likelihood of returning to the stage. Keep up the hard work and you’ll be there in no time. Will continue to keep you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery and look forward to the day that you return to the stage. You were missed!!
Comment from Tom Negle
Time: July 15, 2010, 7:08 pm
Well a travellin man’s affliction makes it hard to settle down.
Doobie fans want to see Big Mike and Skylark back in town !
Goin back to see the show, when will you be back we want to know.
Singin’ nothin but the truth, helps us all relive our youth.
Papa don’t you worry now and mama don’t you cry
Skylark and Big Mike will soon be coming by !
Get well guys and put Pittsburgh on the schedule !
Comment from Kay
Time: July 16, 2010, 7:43 pm
Skylark, I met you in CalifornIA. My wishes and prayers are with you and yours. I wish to see you back on stage again. Genie says I still have 1 wish left after this. Start writing……. C
Comment from Brian
Time: July 17, 2010, 8:50 am
We certainly missed you when the guys stopped in Lancaster, PA. Thank you for sharing with us the nature of your absence. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. I look forward to seeing you on the road when the time is right. God bless!
Comment from Chris Stobart
Time: July 17, 2010, 4:52 pm
Hey Skylark what wretched luck. I pray for your swift recovery. Take things a day at a time and concentrate on getting better and enjoying the love of those around you and the comfort of home.
Comment from Pearl and Blaise Russo
Time: July 17, 2010, 7:12 pm
Skylark, miss your energy on stage. You always get the audience dancin’. Take good care of yourself. Look forward to your return. Best regards, Blaise and Pearl
Comment from Annie & Randy
Time: July 19, 2010, 4:32 pm
We immediately missed your presence at the concert last night, and are sorry to discover you have been ill. Love the Doobies — love Skylark! Wishing you the best, and hope to see you in concert again soon:)
Comment from Dennis
Time: July 20, 2010, 6:25 am
sending all good vibes and prayers your way for a speedy recovery.
Comment from Tod kilgore
Time: July 20, 2010, 9:02 am
Skylark,
I will always cherish the time you spent with me at ” The Hard Rock ‘ in disney a few years back. Me and my buddy were throwing down shots a few shots tequila before the show when you walked in. I yelled across the bar , and you came over , we spoke for a few minutes and you signed The Doobies brothers T-Shirt..That was adressed to my wife…Lisa you always curl my toes..Thanks for the memories my friend…GodSpeed !!!!
Tod
Comment from Harry Blue and Family
Time: July 20, 2010, 4:20 pm
Hi Skylark, This is late, but better late than never. We missed you in Phoenix at the Dodge. We Love the Doobie Brothers and wish you a speedy recovery and we wish the Goup many blessings. We will see you again soon in concert.
Comment from John Dietrich
Time: July 20, 2010, 5:13 pm
Skylark,
it was great to see your update, and may God and hard work speed your recovery. My wife and five other friends are going to Verizon Amphitheater tomorrow night to see the Doobies, and although I am sure it will be a fantastic show as always, you will be missed. Take care of yourself, and we will see you back on tour soon!
Comment from G. Thomas
Time: July 21, 2010, 2:31 pm
We will miss you. I will be at my 7th Doobie Brothers concert on August 27. You guys never disappoint! Get well soon.
Comment from Denise
Time: July 21, 2010, 5:16 pm
Upon learning of your illness I am at a loss for words and can say but this: I am wishing you buckets of vitality, love and strength in your journey back to health.
Comment from Dale from IN
Time: July 24, 2010, 6:34 pm
Skylark: My wife, family, and kids missed you on the tour this summer. Godspeed on your recovery and we look forward to seeing you back on the bass the next time around.
Comment from Jeff Lewis
Time: July 25, 2010, 9:18 pm
Hi Skylark, I was sorry not seeing you jam at the Lake Tahoe gig this year. It was wonderful seeing you play with the Roger Eddy Band at the Cibo Restaurant in Monterey to now on the big stage with one of my favorite groups. I have seen you play in Biloxi. Concord, Saratoga and was amazed of your contribution to the band.
I pray you have a speedy recovery and my God bless you on your journey . Jeff Lewis in Santa Cruz
Comment from NBT in KC
Time: July 26, 2010, 9:43 am
We missed you in Kansas City. Thanks for updating us. May your recovery be swift so you can get back where you belong…..on the road with the Doobies.
Comment from Eli
Time: August 4, 2010, 9:25 am
Skylark: H.P. RIOT iz wit you all da way!
Comment from Tina Johnson
Time: August 6, 2010, 5:14 pm
God bless you. My husband had a stroke with a miraculous recovery, and I know you will too!
Comment from DAUNA ROSS-PAQUIER
Time: August 6, 2010, 6:51 pm
Oh thank you for your health update Skylark! You’ve got a great big fan base…especially us ladies! We’ve been so worried about you! Get strong….get better…get back up on that stage and excite us! We really really miss you!
Comment from James Roscoe
Time: August 10, 2010, 4:08 pm
Skylark, best wishes and prayers on your recovery. Your onstage energy is contagious, and will be missed by the boys. When we met you years ago, you were very kind and genuine to talk to, and I never forgot that. Thanks again for the good music and hope to see back on stage one day.
Comment from Doug (DB) Mitchell
Time: August 15, 2010, 5:54 am
I am sorry for your illness. I hope you have a speedy recovery. I have been a Doobie Brothers fan ever since the first album. I have all the album’s/cd’s/single’s. I have seen you guys in concert 11 times over the years. Anytime you were close enough for me to go to. I am eagerly waiting for the new album. I will be at your concert at the casino neer Tulsa, ok just a few days before the album release. Wish you were going to be there. Get well soon! Doug
Comment from Sveinung Molde
Time: August 18, 2010, 1:16 am
Hi
Get well soon so I can experience you and rest of the “Gang” on October 23 in Oslo Norway.
Last time I saw the Doobies was at the Cow Palace in South San Francisco in the early 70`s.How bout a Back Stage Pass ? Lol .Remember Skylark; Music is the Doctor !! Get well soon.
Comment from debbie stickney
Time: August 30, 2010, 9:39 am
You were definitely missed when we went to the show in Lake Tahoe. In reading this, I just found out what happened. We’ve been worried about you and hoping you were ok. My husband and I are long time Doobie fans, and I’ve actually met you at a Doobie get together in Saratoga a few years ago. I am happy to hear you are recovering. It shows that strokes can hit anyone as you are the picture of health and energy. We pray for your strength in this time and cannot wait to see you wtih the guys again. We will definitely be there when you return and celebrate with everyone else. Much love and respect to you. Your presence on stage is electrifying and captivating. Your kind and humble spirit is even more beautiful.
Comment from Michael
Time: July 12, 2010, 1:18 pm
Get better soon Skylark. We all miss you and Big Mike on the tour and look foward to your return.