Bass/Vocals

Skylark, in his own words:

“Stop the bus, gimme my bass, and count to four.” That’s my motto as The Doobie Brothers’ bassist. One of the questions I’m most often asked by people at our concerts is, “Where’s your next show?” and they seem to think I’m kidding when I say, “I don’t know.” Truth is that, on most nights, I won’t know where our next stop is. I don’t care where it is. I’m just out there, trying to give 100% every night, whether we’re playing a cozy theater or a huge outdoor event. I try to approach it the same way, to see to it that we leave the people feeling like they’ve just felt the earth move. Or at least had a raucous, rockin’ time…

I like to play many different types of venues but my favorite is probably the concert club, with a standing audience of around a thousand. I like the nearness of the audience, the heat generated by having so many people in close quarters, and the sound being confined under the low ceiling. And, though I enjoy performing for everyone, it’s the kids who can steal my attention. I love playing to young children, the wonderment in their eyes. I remember my own fascination when, as a youngster, I would press up against the stage in awe at all the equipment, the glowing lights, the precision with which the musicians seemed to play together, and the ease with which they seemed to be able to do it.

Whether listening to records, taking in a concert, jammin’ with some friends, or spending time alone with a piano, music has consistently provided wonderful moments in my life and, for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to have a hand in giving those moments to others. The Doobie Brothers are out there trying to do it every night, so… Stop the bus, gimme my bass, and count to four!