The Doors Open Again

by Jason Walsh

(published in Ninevolt Magazine, August 2003)

There will never be another Elvis, there will never be another Jimi Hendrix, and there certainly won’t ever be another Jim Morrison.

But former Cult frontman, Ian Astbury, is giving a stirring effort in bringing the haunting music of the Doors back to the stage with two of the band’s original members, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger. Fans in the Hampton Roads region will have an opportunity to see “An Evening with the Doors 21st Century” at the NTELOS Pavillion at Harbor Center in Portsmouth on Friday, August 22.

Following a sound check at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando, Florida, Manzarek spoke about how the current tour of The Doors 21st Century has rekindled the fires of a journey that began for him nearly forty years ago.

“It’s incredible and amazing,” said Manzarek. “The power and passion is still there.”

The initial spark for the Doors ignited in 1965 when a young film student from UCLA read the words to a composition entitled “Moonlight Drive” to then veteran musician Ray Manzarek. That student was Jim Morrison, now one of the most recognizable rock icons of the last half century. After his untimely death in 1971, the band attempted to keep the music of the Doors alive, with the releases of Other Voices and Full Circle, but the fire could not remain lit without the presence of the “Lizard King.”.

But now, in age of reunion tours and classic-rock bands that refuse to call it quits, The Doors 21st Century have thrust themselves into an international adventure. This tour will not only bring the sounds of the sixties to a generation who were never able to see the music of the Doors live, but also to the children of the “flower age” who are now the parents and grandparents of Generation X.

Manzarek reflected that the current music scene lacks the energy and spirit of his generation.

“There is no rebellion,” he said. “People are content with the status quo.”

However, he does feel that the significant advances in technology have made the music “sound better” and is, nonetheless, ecstatic about bringing their blend of dark music to the people.

“It feels great…exciting. We’re trying to change the mindset of America in our own small way.”

The concern of many diehard fans has been the selection of Ian Astbury as the frontman for the songs that made Jim Morrison a legend. Manzarek believes the choice of Astbury has been a welcome addition to the group’s success.

“Ian is a fabulous singer and his own man,” said Manzarek. “He’s Celtic, Christian, Native American…everything that is shamanistic.”

Manzarek also refutes that Astbury is not merely a Morrison clone but a significant piece in the band’s future.

“He’s not doing a Jim Morrison imitation,” said Manzarek, “but he comes from the same psychic space that Jim came from.”

There has been a great deal of controversy since the tour’s inception. Initially, Stewart Copeland of Police fame was touring as the band’s drummer, but was let go due to extenuating circumstances. Following his dismissal, Copeland filed a $1-million breach-of-contract suit with the band that was settled “amicably” in June. Morrison’s surviving family and former Doors drummer John Densmore have also filed lawsuits against the group’s use of the Doors name, music, and logo. These suits are still pending at this time. Aside from Astbury, the new lineup also includes session drummer Ty Dennis and bassist Angelo Barbera, former components in The Robby Krieger Band. For the first time in the group’s history, the Doors have a bass player, which Manzarek says has made his role easier.

“It’s working out great having someone playing bass,” said Manzarek. “It frees my right hand for things besides being a metronome.”

The Doors 21st Century plan to record an upcoming release with all-new material. During their Orlando concert, Manzarek stated future collaborations with punk legends and Generation X songwriters like Henry Rollins, Jello Biafra, and Jim Carroll of The Basketball Diaries fame. For now, the band plans to take the world by storm, playing the music that incited chaos and disorder in a time of peace and love. And when does Manzarek plan to end the band’s current run?

“Until we drop,” Manzarek answered. “It’s open-ended. You continue as long as you can.”

WANT TO GO? An Evening with the Doors 21st Century, Friday, August 22, NTELOS Pavillion at Harbor Center in Portsmouth.