from  Classic Rock (cover:  Joe Elliot of Def Leppard)

   September 2002 - Page 11

Light my firewoman

IAN ASTBURY joins surviving Doors for California show

The Cult's singer Ian Astbury is to perform again with the surviving members of The Doors at the California Motor Speedway just outside LA County.  Astbury will take the place of the late Jim Morrison when he joins keyboard player Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and possibly drummer John Densmore as part of the Harley-Davidson Open Road Tour on September 7.   At press time it seemed likely that Densmore would participate despite less than perfect health, though rehearsals also took place with a replacement percussionist.

Apart from an induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1972 (sic .. correct induction date was January 12, 1993) and last year's (sic .. show was in 2000)  VH1 Storytellers special -- the latter also featuring Astbury -- The Doors haven't played live since disbanding in 1973.  In fact, the original band's last concert took place on September 2, 1972, almost 30 years ago to the day.

Astbury is to perform most of the set, but it's likely that, as with the VH1 show, Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots and Creed's Scott Stapp will also participate.  Other vocalists being linked with the show include Perry Farrell of the re-formed Jane's Addiction, Pat Monaghan from Train and Travis Meeks of Days Of The new.   Not only that, but Journey and the Doobie Brothers will also be on the bill at this historic gig.

Manzarek, Krieger and Densmore have been writing material for a new studio album, but are likely to use this one-off show to evaluate their fortunes.  Full US and European tours are also being considered for 2003.

Accompanying the story is an old photo of Ian Astbury with "hair down to there", wearing sunglasses & a hat.

  return to Ida's LA Woman Confidential home page   

 for more Doors news and reviews