Doobie Brothers drummer Hossack dies

DUBOIS, Wyo., March 13 (UPI) -- Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack has died of cancer at his home in Dubois, Wyo., his band said on its Web site Tuesday. He was 65.

The New Jersey-born performer known as "Big Mike" was surrounded by his family when he died Monday. The type of cancer he had battled was not specified.

Doobie Brothers manager Bruce Cohn described Hossack as "a one-of-a kind guy."

"He was a fighter and fought the big battle with cancer and he was a close personal friend of mine and I speak for Mike's family and the entire band when I say he will be greatly missed," Cohn said in a statement posted on the band's Web site.

Doobie Brothers member Tom Johnston said: "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.' 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."

Hossack started drumming when he was 12 and joined the Doobie Brothers in 1971. He left the band in 1973 and became a partner in the Chateau Recorders studio in North Hollywood, while continuing to perform with other bands. He and the Doobie Brothers reunited in 1987 and played together until 2010 when Hossack's failing health forced him to leave the group, the Lake County [Calif.] News said.

He is survived by a son and daughter, the newspaper said.