The Doobie Brothers Honor Walter Parazaider

The Doobie Brothers have paid tribute to Walter Parazaider, a founding member of Chicago, who passed away last week at the age of 81.

In a heartfelt social media post, the band expressed a desire to “bid farewell to our good friend.” They highlighted that their friendship with the band Chicago began in the early 1970s when both groups performed numerous shows together. During this time, they exchanged contact information and established strong bonds.

The post mentioned, “Walt was always among the first people to greet everyone when we walked into a venue. Always wearing a warm smile as he reached out to embrace you with a hug.”

The Doobie Brothers recalled personal memories of Parazaider, characterizing him as a joyful presence. His warmth extended to conversations as well, as he consistently answered phone calls with genuine happiness. Sometimes, he would reach out himself, simply to connect and show care.

They described him as “a truly authentic, warm person with a heart as big as the ocean.” The group expressed gratitude for the memories they shared and the musical legacy he helped to create.

Finally, the Doobie Brothers offered sincere condolences to his wife, family, and bandmates, emphasizing that his presence was a blessing and that he remains in their hearts.

It’s evident that Parazaider made a significant impact on the Doobie Brothers, and their public tribute underscores the depth of their connection.