In 2024 the Coral Reefer Band tested the waters to see if they could still find an audience without Jimmy Buffett at the helm, and arena-filling crowds turned out. Now they’ve landed a 2025 gig opening for some classic-rock heavyweights.

Alabama musicians and longtime Buffett collaborators Mac McAnally and Will Kimbrough were among those sharing the news this week that the Coral Reefers will open for the Doobie Brothers on a run of 19 shows between early August and mid-September.

“Having The Coral Reefer Band on board with us at these shows really makes this a special experience for the audience and all of us,” founding Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons said in a band announcement. “Doobies and Reefers, hmm… sounds like a perfect match!”

According to the Doobie Brothers’ tour announcement, their North American summer tour will support the release of a new studio album, to be titled “Walk This Road.” The album is slated for release in early June.

Unfortunately for Buffett’s Gulf Coast fans, the tour dates announced so far include only one show in the Deep South, a Sept. 15 stop in Franklin, Tenn. However, the announcement said that more dates are in the works.

The Doobies’ new album features Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee and Michael McDonald, making it “the first album by the foursome in over 40 years,” according to promotional materials. The four have toured together in recent years. Two songs have been released from the collection, including the title track.