The Doobie Brothers recently honored Walter Parazaider, a founding member of Chicago, who passed away last week at the age of 81.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the band expressed their wish to “bid farewell to our good friend.” They noted that their friendship with the band Chicago began in the early 1970s when they performed numerous shows together.
“We became good friends with all the members, exchanging phone numbers, addresses, and emails,” the message read. They recalled how Parazaider was often the first to greet everyone warmly at venues, offering a smile and a hug.
The Doobie Brothers shared fond memories of Parazaider, describing him as a joyful presence. “He always picked up the phone when you called and made you feel like he was genuinely happy to hear from you,” they mentioned. “Occasionally, you might receive a call from him, just checking in to let you know he was thinking of you.”
They described Parazaider as “a truly authentic, warm person with a heart as big as the ocean.” The band expressed gratitude for the precious memories and the musical legacy he left behind.
The message concluded with “sincere condolences to his wife and family, and of course, to all his bandmates. He blessed us all with his presence and is forever in our hearts.”
It’s evident that Parazaider made a lasting impact on the Doobie Brothers, and their tribute reflects the deep friendship they shared.