RIP Michael Hossack: Doobie Brothers’ Drummer Dies At 65
Members of the rock group the Doobie Brothers (L-R) Pat Simmons,Tom Johnston, Mike Hossack and John McFee are shown in this undated publicity photograph released to Reuters March 13, 2012. Doobie Brothers drummer Hossack,65, died March 12 at his home in Dubois, Wyoming after a long battle with cancer, according to Doobie Brothers manager Bruce Cohn March 13. REUTERS/Courtesy d. baron medi

Michael Hossack, the famous rock drummer of Doobie Brothers, died of cancer at his home in Dubois, Wyoming. He was 65 and is survived by a son and daughter .

Hossack served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was an early member of the Doobie Brothers and played for the rock band between 1971 and 1973. After leaving the Doobie Brothers in 1973, he played with two other bands - Bonaroo and DFK - and was a partner at a Southern California recording studio.

In 1987, he returned to the band when they reunited for a concert to benefit veterans' causes. He stopped performing with the band two years ago while struggling with cancer.

The Doobie Brothers posted an official statement on their Web site, paying tribute to Hossack.

We're posting this to confirm the sad news that's been circulating very quickly.

Doobie Brothers' drummer Michael Hossack passed away yesterday in Dubois, Wyoming, at the age of 65. His family was by his side. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones. We will miss him greatly.

Mike has always been a part of my musical life and the life of the Doobie Brothers; from our earliest singles, like 'China Grove' and 'Blackwater' to our most recent single 'Brighter Day, Tom Johnston, Doobie Brothers' vocalist and guitarist, said in a statement to Reuters.

He was an incredible musician, 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.

Here are some tweets by the Twitter fans, who got saddened to hear about Hossaik's death:

-- RIP Michael Hossack ...doobie bros drummer. You helped create a backbeat for my youth -- Paul Scrimale

-- RIP Michael Hossack, the big band in the sky has just got a lot funkier --Tom Vincent

-- RIP Michael Hossack. Drummer 4 Doobie Brothers. My very 1st rock concert in'76 at Ole Miss. Amazing! Love them still! -- Karin Randolph

-- RIP Michael Hossack - He was drummer for the Doobie Brothers who showed us one hell of a good time for one hell of a long time. -- Silas Scarborough

-- RIP Michael Hossack, another great musician to pass away :( -- Dennis Vlaanderen ‏

-- RIP Michael Hossack. One of the original drummers for the Doobie Brothers. Keep Rockin' Down The Highway. -- Michael McGauley'

-- RIP Michael Hossack, Doobie Brothers Drummer. Such talent! I heard them perform twice. -- Lisa E. Papp

-- Sorry to find out that Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack died. RIP. -- Josh Terry

-- RIP michael hossack. i will now commence with the listening of the doobie brothers for the rest of the day. - gina

Here is one of the famous tracks from Doobie Brothers', featuring Hossack:

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