John news only   

 August 24, 2010       John in Huxley DVD
John Densmore is one of the contributors
to 'Huxley On Huxley', a new DVD about Aldous Huxley which I reported on back in July.  The L.A. Times has a story about the DVD today.  Read it at:  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-huxley-20100824,0,258781.story

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 August 15, 2010       John appearance in L.A.
John Densmore is appearing
tonight in L.A. (at least, I think this means he is there for all appearances). Sorry for the late notice, I was finally catching up on reading last Thursday's L.A. Weekly and just spotted it, and notice this has been going on since Friday evening.  In the Poetry section under the headline 'Drumming Up Dead Beats':  Don't be expecting Doors drummer John Densmore to regale you with stories about who he and the Lizard King shtupped back in the '60s. Instead, like waiting for Elijah,he'll be trying to conjure Jack Kerouac in Waiting For Jack, a 90-minute, partly scripted, partly improvised re-creation of the historic 1955 Six Gallery poetry reading, along with other readings of the Beat era.  Kerouac may indeed be roused from the dead as Densmore reads from the works of Gary Snyder.  If that doesn't do it, noted L.A. poets will try to take on the personae of the Beat icons. (Does that mean drunk and depressed?)  Readers including Sarah Maclay, Bill Duke, Stephen J. Kalinich, Eve Brandstein, S.A. Griffin, John Harris, Jerry Garcia, Cyril O'Reilly, Michael C. Ford, Rex Weiner, Gail Wronsky and Chuck Rosenthal will speak the words of Denise Levertov, Kenneth Rexroth, Charles Bukowski, Philomene Long, Philip Whalen, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, William Carlos Williams, Allen Ginsberg, Henry Miller, Philip Lamantia, LeRoi Jones, William Burroughs and others.  Fittingly, the action takes place in a bar, so perhaps Kerouac will at least stop by for a drink.  Poets and readings change nightly.  The Short Stop, 1455 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., Fri-Sun., Aug. 13-15, 7-9:30 p.m.  $5 donation.  (213) 482-4942, waitingforjackshow@blogspot.com      

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 August 1, 2010       John's book troubles
John Densmore has another legal
battle on his hands, as I first reported on July 15 based on a story posted on http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/07/15/New_Complaints.htm.  John has recently posted a statement about this on his website forum at:   Hello friends. I just want to catch you up on a recent development.  You may have heard about my new book project.  Yes, I have written a book about some recent experiences of mine in the Doors, including the actual experience of the trial with my band-mates.  It is titled “The Doors: Unhinged – Rock n’ Roll Goes Up On Trial.”  Unfortunately, without a written agreement or my authorization, a publisher announced the forthcoming publication of the book as part of its catalog, and pre-orders were even being taken on-line.  The book is basically finished, but there is no written publishing agreement.  The premature announcement of publication forced me to file a suit to prevent the unauthorized release of the book.  I am hopeful that the matter will be resolved soon, which seems to be the case, and that my literary agent will soon reach an agreement with a new publisher.  I am as excited about getting the book published and “out there” as are you to read it, but all these legal issues about publication now have to be “cleaned up”.  I’ll keep you posted, and thanks for all your continued support,  john d.  (thanks, Jim)

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 July 15, 2010        John's new book in legal battle
John Densmore may be gearing up
for another legal battle, if I interpret the following news item correctly.  A website called CourthouseNews.com reported today that John claimed in Los Angeles Federal Court that a company in Canada is publishing his book, "The Doors: Unhinged.  Rock N' Roll Goes Up On Trial" without his permission, and that the publisher made him an offer that he never accepted.  The full summary can be found at the bottom of this link:  http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/07/15/New_Complaints.htm.  The last info I had on this book was that its release was planned for October 1.  For awhile it was even listed on Amazon.com as forthcoming but without showing any cover art ...  now that link is dead and the book title does not appear in search results.  As the saying goes: stay tuned!

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 July 6, 2010        Ray & John on the Admiral
Ray Manzarek and John Densmore both
"reflect on Jim Morrison's father" in the music news of Philly station WMMR today.  Check their comments out at: http://www.wmmr.com/music/news/story.aspx?ID=1249235

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 July 3, 2010        John mag interview
John Densmore is interviewed
in Modern Drummer magazine (June 2010).  Check it out at: http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001904/Exclusive%20ModernDrummer.com%20Interview  (thanks, Michael)

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July 1, 2010       John in Huxley DVD
John Densmore will be in the
upcoming DVD release "HuxleyonHuxley" available July 27.  Laura Archera, violinist turned psychotherapist, married Aldous Huxley in 1956.  Their Hollywood home became a hotspot for west coast artistic and intellectual avant-garde.  Huxley was the author of Brave New World and a literary giant of the 20th century.  As pioneers in psychedelic experimentation, their lives and work greatly influenced generations of American cultural history.  The DVD can be pre-ordered at: www.huxleyonhuxley.com.  (thanks, Jim)

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 June 28, 2010        John interview
John Densmore's interview
in yesterday's Scotsman can be found on-line at:  http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/Interview-John-Densmore-former-drummer.6386544.jp

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 June 26, 2010        WYS UK coverage
'When You're Strange' coverage in the UK
is in full swing!  A short interview with John Densmore ran on the Today programme Radio 4 at about 8:30 yesterday (June 25), and is available on BBC i player to listen to.  There is an interview with Ray in Saturday's (June 26) Times in the magazine, with a picture on the cover.  It also mentions the new exhibition.  Last, there is an article in the June 26 Guardian in the Guide.  (thanks, Adrian)

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 June 23, 2010        Unhinged on Amazon
John Densmore's forthcoming book
'The Doors  Unhinged' is now listed on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1926745906/mojosdoorspage.  The book cannot be pre-ordered yet, but you can sign up to be notified when that option is available.  (thanks, George)

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 June 16, 2010        John interview in Greek
John Densmore's interview
for a Greek radio show earlier this month at: www.xlr8net.com was linked yesterday to the website but alas, it is in Greek.  The interviewer has now shared the original text of the e-mailed exchange, which is in English.  It's a brief interview, but we do finally learn the title of John's upcoming non-fiction book to be:  "The Doors: Unhinged  Rock n' Roll Goes Up On Trial."  To read the full content, go here  (thanks, Thodoris)

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 June 15, 2010        John interview in Greek
John Densmore did an interview
via e-mailed questions for a Greek radio show at: www.xlr8net.com.  The entire interview is in Greek, but the interviewer did share that John rules out a reunion by saying, 'No reunion, unless Jim comes back.'   If you are Greek fluent, check it out at: http://www.xlr8net.com/news/1148.html  (thanks, Thodoris)

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 June 11, 2010        John in t.v. re-run
John Densmore
appeared in an
episode of 'Beverly Hills 90210' in 1992.  The series is currently in re-runs on SOAP channel.  Episode #2.23 is titled 'Cardio-Funk' and was first broadcast February 27, 1992.  John plays Ben, Dylan's sponsor.  This episode is scheduled to air at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (west coast time).  Check local listings.

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 June 10, 2010         John on tribute CD
John Densmore will be featured
in a tribute CD to Peter La Farge called 'Rare Breed: The Songs of Peter La Farge'.  The CD is a companion piece to a 40-minute documentary called 'The Ballad of Peter La Farge.'  Read the whole story on John's website forum "news" at:  http://forum.johndensmore.com/index.php?showtopic=4112&pid=44285&st=0&#entry44285.

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 June 2, 2010       pix of John & DiCillo at WYS premiere <> WYS video
To see a string of pix of
John Densmore and Tom DiCillo posing for photographers at the 'When You're Strange' premiere in Paris on Tuesday evening, go to this WireImage website: http://www1.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls=1=4==435497&nbc1=1.  It looks like the rumored Johnny Depp appearance fizzled; he was a no-show.

A five-minute YouTube video shot inside the theater shows the introduction of John Densmore and Tom DiCillo to the audience at the premiere of 'When You're Strange' last evening in Paris.  There are remarks by DiCillo including appreciation for the promotion done by MK2.  There will probably be another YT video surfacing with remarks by Densmore.  Check this one out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy3N9ENf_XI.

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 June 1, 2010       John in Paris <> John & DiCillo at premiere <> pix from premiere
John Densmore's appearance last night
at the WYS preview in Paris is discussed by several different posters in the "comments" section of Tom DiCillo's blog #76: Strange In Paris at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/.  My understand is that DiCillo should also be in Paris by now, and tonight is the 'proper' premiere there which the film never got in the band's own hometown of Los Angeles.  Stay tuned for more tales of the Paris film event on the blog as attendees share remarks and/or DiCillo blogs about it himself!

John Densmore and Tom DiCillo appearing this evening at the 'When You're Strange' premiere in Paris, are playing "footsie" in this photo: http://www.life.com/image/101477876.  I'm sure there's a logical explanation!  Here's another photo from the event: http://www.life.com/image/101500681

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 May 29, 2010       new DiCillo blog
'When You're Strange' Writer & Director
Tom DiCillo has added new blog #76:  "Strange In Paris".  DiCillo arrives in Paris on Tuesday morning and joins John Densmore for the premiere that evening and a day of press.  The blog features a photo of the film's poster which is being seen all over Paris.  Check it out at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/

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 May 27, 2010       date for John's book <> John at Paris WYS premiere <> John honored at SMC
John Densmore's long-awaited next book
now has a release date of October 5, 2010 according to an e-mail blast last evening from his webmaster.  We can expect book promotional appearances from John in the fall in support of the book.

John Densmore will attend the June 1 premiere of 'When You're Strange' in Paris.  WYS narrator and France resident Johnny Depp is rumored as a possible attendee at this event, as well, according to John's webmaster's e-mail blast.

John Densmore has been named a winner of the Santa Monica College Alumni Recognition Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement.  John and another couple will be recognized at the SMC commencement on June 15 in Santa Monica. Read the full story at: http://www.argonautnewspaper.com/articles/2010/05/27/news_-_features/santa_monica/sm4.txt

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 May 21, 2010       WYS feature in French mag
'Rock and Folk' is a French rock
magazine.  The June 2010 issue devotes six pages to 'When You're Strange' including an interview with John Densmore and Tom DiCillo.  Although The Doors get mentioned on the cover, they did not get cover photo honors.  (thanks, Gilles)

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 May 19, 2010       new DiCillo blog
"Flown" is blog #75 from 'When You're Strange'
writer & director Tom DiCillo.  This blog marks a transition:  the banner has been changed from the WYS graphic, and DiCillo reflects on the wind-down of theatrical screenings in the U.S.   While many fans missed out on the chance to see this on a big screen, DiCillo reminds us that many of us did have that opportunity, and appreciates the fact that it did not end up as a straight-to-DVD product.  DiCillo and John Densmore will fly over the Big Pond in early June and again in early July to help promote the openings in Paris and London.  He sounds freshly enthused about those promotional campaigns.  DiCillo assures us he will still discuss WYS but also reminds us that he does not have the info on DVD releases or foreign releases which he often gets questions about.  I shyly acknowledge and thank DiCillo for the specific mention, as he recommends this website to readers who want to stay abreast of news about the film.  Maybe best of all is that he will be focusing  more on his latest film project.  The lengthy process of watching this film come to fruition has made me a card-carrying Fan Of DiCillo.  I know I'm not alone in that sentiment, so we'll look forward to his future projects.  I have been paraphrasing his blog too much ... read it for yourself at:  http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=296

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 May 6, 2010       Doors on VH1 radio show
"VH1 Classic Rock Nights" is the name
of a new nightly radio show that debuts next Monday, May 17 from VH1 Classic and Westwood One and will be hosted by classic rock radio veteran Eddie Webb.  This story says that during the first week, guests will include Ray Manzarek and John Densmore.  My educated guess is that either they will be appearing on different shows, or it will instead be Ray & Robby, or John alone.  At any rate, tune in weeknights from 7 p.m. to midnight (eastern time) to find out.  Read more at:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/vh1-classic-and-westwood-one-to-launch-live-syndicated-nightly-radio-show-vh1-classic-rock-nights-beginning-may-17-2010-05-06?reflink=MW_news_stmp

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 May 4, 2010       John video interview
John Densmore discussing 'When You're Strange'
for American Masters can be seen at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki12lABeH-w.  The PBS broadcast of the film is one week from tomorrow, on May 12 at 9:00 p.m. (east) and 6:00 p.m. (west).

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 April 27, 2010      John PBS video
A John Densmore 2-minute video
on PBS discussing 'When You're Strange' and more can be seen at: http://video.pbs.org/video/1479089671

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 April 16, 2010     new DiCillo blog  
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo has posted new blog #72: 'Streets Are Uneven': http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/.  He is stranded in Paris along with John Densmore and his girlfriend.  Give it a read!

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 April 13, 2010     John & DiCillo in Paris
John Densmore and Tom DiCillo
are now in Paris for two days of early promotion for 'When You're Strange', which opens there in June.  This info is contained in DiCillo's replies to comments on his blog #70, 'For The Fans' which can be read at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=252#comments.

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 April 11, 2010     John at Grammy Museum video <> John's Laemmle intro
John Densmore was interviewed
at the Grammy Museum last Wednesday evening prior to the When You're Strange screening there.  A two-minute clip can be seen at this link, but you need to search on Hendrix Joplin Morrison to get to the exact clip:  http://cbs2.com/video/?cid=73  (thanks, Cheri)

John Densmore's intro to 'When You're Strange' at Hollywood's Laemmle Sunset 5 on Friday evening was videotaped by a fan who shared it with me via YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXbl7GA7xrg He missed catching Jeff Jampol's first intro and apologizes for the dark video, but at least you get to hear John's story. (thanks, Doug)

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 April 10, 2010    John at Hollywood screening
9:30 a.m.  John Densmore was introduced to the packed house at Hollywood's Laemmle Sunset 5 7:30 p.m. screening last night by The Doors manager (and one of the film's producers) Jeff Jampol.  John told the story of when he and Robby lived up on Lookout Drive in Laurel Canyon, and were visited by a 'down' Jim Morrison.  They sent him off to walk further up the mountain and when he returned, he had penned 'When You're Strange.'  John also told that story at the Grammy Museum screening on Wednesday night, which I forgot to include in my write-up.  John left the theater after his intro, but Jeff Jampol stayed throughout ... I can't begin to guess how many times HE has seen this film.  This was my seventh viewing, and I can't wait for the next time.  There is so much to see and digest.  Every viewing reveals something missed before.  While waiting in line outside to go in, someone distributed the double-sided 'Light My Fire' 45 rpm promo to movie-goers that I mentioned in my April 8 news.  In line I ran into a friend, another huge Doors fan, who is visiting from Pennsylvania!  Other friends came from San Diego, which turned into a 4-hour road trip due to hellish traffic.  Many of those same fans are heading to the Grammy Museum today, to take in Strange Kozmic Experience.  Sounds like a perfect weekend! As a Doors fan, it was gratifying to sit in that theater and hear the laughter, cheers, and applause at various scenes in the film.  It made me think 'these are my kind of people' ... LOL.  After the film ended, seven of us adjourned a mile away to Mexico Restaurante y Barra, in the former Doors office and rehearsal space, where we enjoyed chips & salsa & good food and great conversation. 

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 April 8, 2010     WYS at Grammy Museum <> John on radio this morning <> John at Grammy Museum <> John interview
'When You're Strange' screened to a packed house last night at the Grammy Museum's Sound Stage theater.  John Densmore introduced the film and spoke for a few minutes.  After the film ended, John returned to the stage along with Grammy Foundation and MusiCares VP Scott Goldman for discussion, which included taking questions from the audience.  Attendees not only left with a copy of the WYS soundtrack CD, but also an 11x17 poster and a 45 rpm promo of Light My Fire: mono side at 2:52, stereo side at 6:52 long.  Both Jeff Jampol and Cory Lashever from The Doors management were in attendance, along with engineer Bruce Botnick.  Before the film attendees were admitted up to the second floor where both the theater and the Strange Kozmic Experience exhibit is, John was being filmed and interviewed for a TV news station (I think, KCBS/KCAL) with the stunning wall of framed posters behind him.  Later on today I'll write about the WYS merchandise that is being sold at the Grammy Museum.

John Densmore will be on The Bob Rivers Show at 6:40 a.m. on 102.5 KZOK today to talk about the film, according to the following story.  Another option is to log on to www.bobrivers.com for the live streaming video:   http://kzok.radio.com/2010/04/07/when-youre-strange-opens-the-doors-of-perception/

John Densmore's appearance and Q&A remarks at last night's Grammy Museum screening of 'When You're Strange' are discussed in this story: http://www.read-news.info/tag/guitarist-robby-krieger/

A John Densmore interview that covers also covers topics besides the film, can be read at:  http://www.examiner.com/x-3767-Celebrity-QA-Examiner~y2010m4d8-John-Densmore-speaks-out-on-the-legacy-of-the-Doors

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 April 5, 2010     John interview
John Densmore reminisces about
Jim Morrison in an interview at:  http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/densmore-locked-out-of-morrisons-world_1137912

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 April 1, 2010     WYS Berlin Q&A <> John & DiCillo at Apple store
John Densmore, Tom DiCillo and
Dick Wolf did a post-screening Q&A session following the 'When You're Strange' showing at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2009.  That Q&A can be seen on YouTube in two parts at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THa9C-gntok&feature=youtube_gdata  and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joVvJTjuc2I&feature=related.

John Densmore and Tom DiCillo did a "Meet The Filmmaker" event today at the Apple Store in Santa Monica from 5 to 6 p.m.  The event was moderated by legendary L.A. deejay (and Doors fan) Jim Ladd, whose voice can be heard in the movie several times.  During the course of the interview, we learned that it was DiCillo's idea to use Ladd's distinctive voice in the scene which hopefully many of you will get to see a week from tomorrow, or soon thereafter!  Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman was there, sitting directly in front of me, and Bruce Botnick.  The discussions touched on how DiCillo got involved in the project; Johnny Depp's narration; DiCillo's decision to use only vintage footage instead of new interviews with the band; kudos for the amazing footage shot by Paul Ferrara which is the basis of the film; John's legal action to prevent the band's music from being used for commercials; the story about Morrison refusing to take the stage when they were introduced as Jim Morrison & The Doors and insisting on a re-introduction as The Doors; Robby's songwriting contributions; and more.  At 5:30, Bruce Botnick was invited to join them on the stage, and he talked about his role on L.A. Woman after Paul Rothchild quit, and how he achieved the sound on 'Horse Latitudes' (tape hiss into an echo chamber, looped).  This was not an audience Q&A event, and audience photography was not allowed, but the entire program was filmed for a podcast which should be available in about two weeks on iTunes under 'Meet The Filmmaker'.  When I see that on-line, I'll share it here.  Reminder:  Tom DiCillo will be doing a similar event on Monday, April 5 at the NYC's Apple store in Soho: http://www.apple.com/retail/soho/ 

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 March 29, 2010     John & DiCillo appearance
John Densmore and '
When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo will appear this Thursday, April 1 at the Apple Store in Santa Monica at 1248 Third Street between 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. to discuss the film, according to a post this afternoon on The Doors' Facebook page.  Well, this is way cool.

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 March 22, 2010     new DiCillo blog
'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has posted new blog #66 Hey Y'All today at:  http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/.  Besides today's great news about the SXSW award, he also provides an updated listing of dates and cities, and added a few more cities for April 16: Albuquerque, Athens GA, and Santa Monica.  It looks like Athens, GA is moved back a week to April 16th.  DiCillo and John Densmore will be traveling to Europe a few times in coming months, too.  Best of all,  DiCillo provided an email addy for screening inquiries to go directly to the distributor Abramorama at:  richard@abramorama.com.   Why not let Abramorama know where you want to see the film screened!

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 March 19, 2010     John to intro WYS
John Densmore will introduce
'When You're Strange' when it screens at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live on Wednesday, April 7.  This is two days after the Strange Kozmic Experience exhibit honoring The Doors, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix opens there, and two days before the film opens in theaters.  This info came from a KLOS radio promotion I heard today.  Legendary KLOS deejay Jim Ladd's voice has a small but significant part in the film.

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 March 11, 2010        Grammy Museum to screen 'WYS'  correction
The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live
is going to screen 'When You're Strange' in their intimate, 200-seat theater on Wednesday, April 7.  The film will be introduced by John Densmore, and each guest will receive a copy of the film soundtrack.  If you are already a Grammy Museum member or are an American Express cardholder, then you got an email today notifying you of a pre-sale that starts tomorrow (Friday) morning at 10:00 a.m.  The pre-sale runs through March 31 at 10:00 p.m., but it'll be solidly sold out long before that ending date.  If you want to become a member (and supporter) of the Grammy Museum so you can get in on this intimate screening, go to the Grammy Museum's membership page at: http://www.grammymuseum.org/interior.php?section=support&page=membership

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 February 27, 2010       John to read poetry tomorrow
John Densmore will be reading poetry
at 3:30 tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon at UCLA's Fowler Museum as part of their Art, Activism, Access event's opening day.  John will be in the 1st Floor Deutsch Seminar room.  For more details, see the attached .pdf file or go to:  http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/incEngine/  (thanks, Jim)   

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 February 20, 2010       John's book expected next month
John Densmore's long-anticipated next book
has a tentative release date of April 2010.  This news comes via the Webmaster's occasional newsletter which was sent out earlier today.  If you do not already receive it, go to:  http://forum.johndensmore.com/index.php?act=idx  and register for the Forum.  The newsletter also advises about John's appearance on March 20 at The Family Music Festival & Expo in Culver City which I shared in news last week.  Details are in the home page calendar below.

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 February 17, 2010        Record Collector mag
Last week I finally located
a copy of the January 2010 issue of 'Record Collector' which features The Doors on the cover.  It seems to take a month or more for those U.K. magazines to reach U.S. bookstores.  The John Densmore interview titled 'Rider On The Storm' begins on page 54.  This is the cover you are looking for:  Record Collector Jan. 2010

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February 12, 2010        John performs in March
John Densmore performs live on Saturday,
March 20 when New Roads School celebrates 15 years of educational excellence at SmashBox Studios in Culver City (LA).  The Family Music Festival & Expo runs from 12noon to 4pm, with food and expo vendors and a silent auction.  Live performances with featured artists also include Stewart Copeland of The Police (yes, it IS ironic!), Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers, John Taylor of Duran Duran, Raul Pacheco of Ozomatli, and others.  All proceeds benefit the financial aid program at New Roads School.  For more info, go to: http://www.newroads.org/explore/15th_anniversary_bash.php   (thanks, Roxanne)

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 February 7, 2010        Santa Barbara screening feedback
'When You're Strange' played to a full
or very near-full 680 capacity on Friday night at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, according to an attendee.  John Densmore was there, as already reported.  John introduced Pam's mother and the siblings, nieces and nephews of both Jim and Pam, as well as Bruce Botnick and his wife.  John told the story of when he and Robby were living up on Wonderland Avenue when a depressed Jim dropped by; they told him to take a walk to the top of the hill and he returned with the lyrics of 'People Are Strange', which John recited.  There was huge applause at the end and everyone stayed and sat through the credits.  (thanks, P & G)

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 February 6, 2010        John at Santa Barbara film festival <> WYS film review <> Lisciandro website
John Densmore, Doors manager Jeff Jampol
and Dick Wolf were all in attendance at last night's screening of 'When You're Strange' at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.  According to the photos on the http://www.apimages.com/Search.aspx?st=det&sort=date&id=25th%20Santa%20Barbara%20International%20Film%20Festival%20-%20%22When%20You%27re%20Strange%22%20Screening&showact=events&prds=10002&intv=3d&sh=10002&kwstyle=and&adte=1265496910&pagez=60&cfasstyle=AND&    'When You're Strange' gets screened once more at this film festival on Sunday night.  Details are in the calendar on the home page. 

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 January 14, 2010         John at American Masters program
John Densmore answered questions
at an interview session yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon that was tied to 'When You're Strange' and its May 26th broadcast on PBS during "sweeps week" as part of their American Masters series.  Read the full story at:  http://www.locatetv.com/blog/doors-will-be-reopened-in-new-pbs-american-masters-film/

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 December 31, 2009         John 'first person' story
John Densmore wrote a 'First Person' piece that appears in tomorrow's L.A. Times Calendar section.  In an interesting twist, John's story is from the perspective of being the fan; in this case, of L.A. Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel.  It is insightful into many of John's influences.  Titled The rocker and 'The Dude', you can read it at:   http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-densmore1-2010jan01,0,7423002.story

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 December 18, 2009          John in Record Collector Mag
A John Densmore interview appears in the
January 2010 issue (#371) of Record Collector Magazine.  It looks like The Doors got the cover!  Check that out at:  http://www.recordcollectormag.com/issues/issue-detail/371.   Only subscribers can read it on-line, but here is a sample of the story:   http://www.recordcollectormag.com/articles/article-detail/614  (thanks, Gilles)

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 December 16, 2009          John in magazine story 
John Densmore is featured in the
January 2010 issue of 'Modern Drummer.'  The story title is '14 Reasons To Love John Densmore.'  The story can be read on the home page at www.johndensmore.com  and/or downloaded from a link there.  (thanks, Jim)

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 December 1, 2009          HB to JD 
Happy birthday wishes today to John Densmore,
who is celebrating his 65th.   John's birthday kicks off the 10-week period in which all members of The Doors AND their #1 Fan AND Jim and Dave (the Webmasters of John's, Ray's and Robby's websites) celebrate (or, maybe not so much anymore) turning another year older.  Freaky, eh?

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 November 12, 2009         John at UCLA
John Densmore closed out a program
on Tuesday night at UCLA that celebrated 40 years of ethnic studies with poetry and drum music.  The story linked here says that since 1991, John has funded a scholarship program through the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies.  Read full story at:  http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/ethnic-studies-40th-anniversary-112272.aspx

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 October 21, 2009         A Shot of Whisky
'A Shot of Whisky' is the title of
a forthcoming 90-minute film documentary about the Whisky-a-Go-Go.  It will be supplemented by a CD that highlights artists who played there.  There is a 7-minute film clip about the film on YoutTube which includes John Densmore reminiscing, but I'm having trouble linking directly to it ... so just search on A Shot of Whisky trailer.  (thanks, Gigi and Stuart).  To read a press release about the film, go here

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 October 16, 2009         John not going to London <> WYS picked up for UK distribution
John Densmore has had a change
of plans and will NOT be attending 'When You're Strange' screenings at the BFI London Film Festival.  However, expect a probable appearance when the film premieres in theaters in Europe sometime in the first half of 2010.

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 October 9, 2009        John at London WYS screening
John Densmore will be attending
the October 18th screening of 'When You're Strange' at the London Film Festival.  That festival also screens the film on October 16th.  The screening dates are now scheduled for the Viennale (Austria) Film Festival:  October 23 and 24.  See calendar for more information and links.

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 October 3, 2009        'When You're Strange' interview
'When You're Strange' Writer and Director
Tom DiCillo and John Densmore are featured in a nice long (2 page) interview about the film at:  http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/london_film_festival/article6852578.ece

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 September 4, 2009       John the 'quiet activist' 
John Densmore is the subject of an
on-line story with a YouTube clip about his 'quiet activism' including recent support of the Havasupai tribe of Arizona, who are battling uranium mining around the Grand Canyon.  Read full story at:  http://www.examiner.com/x-21763-The-Doors-Examiner~y2009m9d3-John-Densmore-quiet-activist

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 August 23, 2009         John in Tucson
John Densmore was
expected to join musician John Coinman and writer Michael Blake last night in Tucson, Arizona at a concert and multimedia presentation to raise awareness and money for endangered wild horses.  Read the full story here http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/305715

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 August 9, 2009         revamped website
John Densmore's revamped website
came back on-line last week.  Check that out at:   johndensmore.com

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 August 4, 2009         revamped websites
All of the official websites
have been revamped (again).   johndensmore.com is still 'under maintenance', but raymanzarek.us and  robbykrieger.com are up and running.  If you are a fan of flash websites that don't allow you to conveniently print out information, then you will still love these sites.

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 August 1, 2009         John & east L.A. mural
John Densmore is funding a portion
of the $3,000. expense to restore a mural in the Highland Park section of Los Angeles that was recently damaged by graffiti.  Refer to the July 14th news for that back story.  The restored mural will be coated with an anti-graffiti product to protect it.  Read the latest story at:   http://egpnews.com/?p=11564

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 July 14, 2009         John & community arts
John Densmore figures prominently
in a story in today's L.A. Times about the damage to a 120-foot mural that he helped fund more than 10 years ago, and generally about supporting community arts.  Read it at:  http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lopez15-2009jul15,0,6587036,full.column

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 July 7, 2009         John guest appearance
John Densmore was a special guest artist
on a Grammy-nominated CD called "Spirits In The Wind" released by native American musicians Burning Sky in 2002.  (To see 2002 website story, go here).   On Saturday July 25th, John will re-unite with Burning Sky and native American dancers from several tribes as part of a protest gathering at their sacred site Red Butte, which is threatened by uranium mining located near the south rim of the Grand Canyon.  This event is free and open to the public.  For more information and directions, refer to this press release.

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 June 13, 2009        John at Tia Chucha's
John Densmore did a poetry reading last night at Tia Chucha's Cafe
in Sylmar, CA.  His first poem was (translated) "I Am Not I" and then he recited from Morrison's 'An American Prayer'.  There was a T.V. film crew there from ABC.  I heard one of the people say that it would be seen on Sunday morning at 11am on ABC, but she was unsure if it would be as soon as tomorrow.  To see some photos, go here.

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 June 11, 2009        John appearance Friday <> John letter to R.S.
John Densmore will be at Tia Chucha's Cafe
this Friday, June 12 for Open Mic:  Night of Music & Spoken Word from 8-10 p.m.  Tia Chucha's is located at 13197-A Gladstone Avenue, Sylmar, CA.  For info, go to:  www.tiachucha.com

John Densmore wrote a letter to the Rolling Stone 'correspondence' column which appears in the June 25 issue (cover: Adam Lambert).  The letter gives high praise about a prior issue's article on 'Dr. Cornel West, Philosopher of the Blues.'

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 February 3, 2009      John's webmaster interviewed
John Densmore's webmaster Jim Southwick
was interviewed last night on a northern California radio station, KMUD at 91.1 FM.  Jim attended a screening last month in Salt Lake City of the 'When You're Strange' film, and he spoke extensively of that as well as the website and fan forum he runs at www.johndensmore.com.   The interview runs about 15 minutes and can be heard at:   http://www.johndensmore.com/humboldt.mp3  

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 January 27, 2009      John at Whisky tribute
John Densmore contributed a
'quick drum roll' in memory of Elmer Valentine at last night's tribute concert honoring the Whisky A Go-Go's co-founder who died last month.  Johnny Rivers was the headliner but also shared the spotlight with Stephen Stills and Chris Hillman.  According to the story in today's L.A. Times, John showed up last night in what he called his 'hippie jacket' of buckskin with fringed sleeves.  Read the full story at:  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-valentine28-2009jan28,0,7823119.story

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 January 22, 2009      John interview <> Jim vs. Bono 'quiz' 
John Densmore was interviewed while
he was at the Sundance Film Festival for the film's premiere:  read this one at:   http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Doors+documentary+recalls+strange+days+when+Morrison+ruled+stage/1198627/story.html  (thanks, Bill)

John Densmore compared Jim Morrison to U2's Bono in an interview I linked to on Saturday.  Now that has led to a 'Bono vs. Jim Morrison' quiz at:  http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/01/21/battle-royale-bono-vs-jim-morrison.aspx

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 January 19, 2009      Sundance 'WYS' reviews <> John on Bono
Last evening was the screening of '
When You're Strange' for press and industry, so there are a bunch of reviews popping up.  I'm not going to use every one but will select the most comprehensive ones to share.  I'm going to start with these:  http://www.thestar.com/Entertainment/article/573260  and  http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=42684                   

John Densmore compared U2 frontman Bono to Jim Morrison in an interview yesterday at the Sundance Film Festival.  Read the full story at:  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gAP7_Wge7G1avPf-r5PRqgv_zlzQ

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John news 2008 <> John news 2007 <> John news 2006 <> John news 2005 <> John news 2004 <> John news 2003 <> John news 2002

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all Prior News  &  Reviews

  http://www.henhousestudios.com/    John is involved in Hen House Studios, a community recording studio in Venice, CA 

  return to Ida's  L.A. Woman Confidential   home page 

 for more Doors news and reviews