The Emotional Fan Letter That Made The Doobie Brothers Add “Black Water” Back Into Their Setlist

April 2, 2025

The concert hall buzzed with excitement as fans eagerly awaited The Doobie Brothers to take the stage. It had been years since the legendary band had performed their classic hit “Black Water,” a soulful song that had resonated with many throughout the decades. As the lights dimmed and the band members stepped onto the stage, the cheers grew louder. Among those cheering was a young woman named Sarah, clutching a worn-out old album that had been passed down through generations. “Black Water” held a special place in her heart, and she hoped tonight would be the night the band would play it again.

But as the night went on, the setlist seemed to skip over the beloved tune. Sarah felt a pang of disappointment as she watched the band play their newer songs, ones she admired but didn’t connect with as deeply. As the concert concluded, she made her way home, her heart heavy. That night, she decided to pour her emotions into a heartfelt letter to the band. In her letter, she shared how “Black Water” had been a source of comfort during tough times, from listening to it during long road trips with her family to singing it at her grandmother’s funeral. The song had become a bridge connecting different generations, and she believed it deserved a place in their setlist once more.

Days turned into weeks, but Sarah refused to let go of hope. She addressed her letter to the band and sent it off, unsure of what would happen next. To her surprise, a few weeks later, she received a response. The band’s manager wrote back, expressing gratitude for her heartfelt message and how it touched the band members. He informed her that they would be gearing up for a new tour and would consider her request. Sarah’s heart soared with joy; she couldn’t believe her words had reached them.

In the weeks leading up to the tour, the band members discussed Sarah’s letter during rehearsals. They spoke of the power of music, how it could evoke emotions, bridge gaps, and inspire people like Sarah. This emotional connection pushed them to rethink their setlist. When opening night arrived, the crowd was electric, and the band was ready to surprise their fans. Just as they reached the mid-point of the concert, the familiar opening notes of “Black Water” rang out. The audience erupted, and Sarah stood in awe, tears streaming down her face.

When the last notes faded into silence, a wave of applause swept through the hall. Sarah felt a profound sense of connection not only with the band but with everyone around her. In that moment, she realized that music truly had the power to heal and unite. As the band members took their bows, they knew they had made the right decision. Resurrecting “Black Water” not only reignited their passion for their classic songs but also reminded them of the deep connections their music created.

From that night on, “Black Water” became a staple in their performances once again. Sarah’s emotional letter had not only brought back a cherished song but also reignited a sense of purpose in the band. They continued to tour, sharing stories of how powerful their music could be—not just for them as artists, but for fans like Sarah who found solace in their melodies. In a world that often felt disconnected, they realized that a simple letter could remind them of their mission: to inspire, to heal, and to create moments that last a lifetime.