[2] Thomson's musical career began in August 1969, when he joined a local Glaswegian band "The Beings".

In September 1971 he joined The Alan Bown Set where he briefly worked with future Supertramp colleague, John Helliwell.

What Crisis?, Even in the Quietest Moments..., Breakfast in America, Paris, ...Famous Last Words..., Brother Where You Bound and Free as a Bird.

On the back cover of Breakfast in America was a photograph showing Thomson reading the Glasgow Herald.

Dougie Thomson played a Music Man StingRay, a Rickenbacker 4001 and a Fender Jazz Bass during his time with Supertramp.