Prior News & Reviews
June 21,
2009 'When You're Strange'
premiere tonight + traffic warning
'When You're Strange' premieres
tonight at the L.A. Film Festival in its final form,
with the Johnny Depp narration track. The screening begins at 10 p.m., and
ticket holders MUST be in their seats 15 minutes before. At that time,
empty seats will be sold to people waiting to buy tickets which are available
only at the door for tonight's screening. It's important to note
that yesterday there were large demonstrations of Iranians at the corner of
Westwood and Wilshire Boulevards (at the Veterans building) that were still
going strong at 10 p.m. last night. News reports indicated the demonstrators
would return today in even larger numbers. Traffic and parking in Westwood will
surely be affected, so allow extra time if you are planning to attend.
Tickets can still be purchased on-line for the Wednesday afternoon screening at:
http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=5305
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June 16,
2009 Ray in "Weird Al" video spoof
<> original HWY negative found
Ray Manzarek plays keyboards
in a new internet-only video by "Weird Al" Yankovic titled
'Craigslist', in which he spoofs Jim Morrison and/or pays homage. Stories
about this video are all over the internet this morning. Here is one of
them:
http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/06/16/Weird-Al-releases-Craigslist-single/UPI-23821245164649/
And here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZqciuoiikw
HWY news: this is big. No, this news is HUGE. One of the Holy Grails of Doors-dom, i.e., the original 35 mm negative of HWY, has been located through HWY's editor, Frank Lisciandro. This show-stopping news was posted today on WYS Director Tom DiCillo's "NEWS" blog on his website at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192. Director DiCillo goes on to say that the shots have been cut into the film and they look breathtaking, as if they were shot yesterday. I guess this means that what I already thought looked amazing at Sundance in January, will now be beyond dazzling. I can't wait! DiCillo does go on to express concerns that the skeptics who previously doubted that all the footage was indeed Morrison, (and not a double or an actor) ... will now be even more convinced of their delusions. DiCillo asks Doors fans and historians everywhere to spread the word that 'When You're Strange' contains NO effen re-enactments ... all the Morrison HWY footage used in 'When You're Strange' IS the real deal, written and acted by Morrison in 1969. Like I said ... this is huge news!
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June 15,
2009 'Off The Record' in July
The Doors will be featured on
'Off The Record' with Joe Benson on Sunday, July 5th. The
segment description says it will include discussions with Robby, Ray, John, and
Bruce Botnick. Right now the OTR page indicates Sunday, July 4 which is
wrong. 'Off The Record' is nationally syndicated, so check their website
at:
http://unclejoe.com/xotr.html
for local stations.
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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 <> will
Crist pardon Morrison? <> John letter to R.S. <> Morrison Hotel Gallery
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
Will Florida Governor Charlie Crist grant Jim Morrison a pardon before he leaves office in a few weeks? For the latest on that, go to: http://findout.typepad.com/the_fine_print/
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.'
'Morrison Hotel Gallery' has opened another locale at Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar, California. This is in addition to the gallery in La Jolla. The Los Angeles venue closed some months ago, and so far there is still no new L.A. location provided on their website. To see where all the galleries are, go to: http://www.morrisonhotelgallery.com/gallery/default.aspx
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June 9,
2009 Ray will be celebrity judge <>
Ray & McClure at 'West Fest' <> 'When You're Strange' ticket link <> new
Kennealy book
Ray Manzarek will be a
celebrity judge this Friday, June 12 at the Napa Valley
Opera House for a local Battle Of The Bands. Proceeds benefit the NVOH.
For more info, go to:
http://nvoh.org/index.php/component/content/article/270
Ray Manzarek and Michael McClure will perform on October 25 at West Fest, a west coast celebration of the Woodstock Festival. The free festivities will take place in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and will also include performances by Country Joe McDonald, The Chambers Brothers, Blue Cheer, Barry 'The Fish' Melton, Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, Denny Laine of The Moody Blues, and others. Read the story at: http://www.earvolution.com/2009/06/tuesdays-earful-woodstock-at-40.asp
Here is another link to order tickets for the L.A. Film Festival screenings of 'When You're Strange' on June 21 and 24: http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=5305
Patricia Kennealy has a new novel out called "California Screamin': Murder At Monterey Pop." (She writes under the name Patricia Morrison.) To read an interview with her, go to: http://www.examiner.com/x-12171-Lexington-Literature-Examiner~y2009m6d9-Morrisons-California-Screaming-promises-to-blow-your-mind
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June 2,
2009 WYS at LA Film Festival <> WYS ordering
link
The listing for
'When You're Strange'
on the LA Film Festival's website is a real challenge to find.
Not quite sure why ... it took me awhile on Sunday evening to find the two
screenings, but I finally did. But I cannot locate them again. If
you are trying to order tickets and do not have the time or the patience to try
all the various search methods on their site, you can order them by phone at:
1.866.FilmFest
More info regarding the problems in locating the listings for 'When You're Strange' on the LA Film Fest's website: I wrote the website and got a reply that it has just been added, and should be available for ticketing on their website by Friday. The odd thing is that I did manage to order tickets myself, but then could not find the listings again later. It seems like the film IS there, but not linked on all the pages it should be. In the meantime, a fan found a page with the listings that does work for ticket ordering: http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2009/filmguide/Country/USA/Page5 (thanks, David)
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June 1,
2009 estate wins domain name <> QOTSA cover
of NTTTE
The estate of Jim Morrison
has won the right to the domain name jimmorrison.com
I shared the story back on March 19 that the estate was in a dispute to obtain
the rights to the name, which was owned by another party. As of today,
that domain is called 'Jim Morrison's Fantasy Magazine', contains adult content,
and has a disclaimer that it is in no way related to 'the vocalist of the
1960's.' Read today's story at:
http://domainnamewire.com/2009/06/01/jimmy-choo-and-jimmy-morrison-win-domain-names/
Queens of the Stone Age covered 'Not To Touch The Earth' in concert at Hollywood's Fonda Theater last August. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1kTNL7Gj7w&feature=related (thanks, Gilles)
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May 31,
2009 'When You're Strange' is done & will be
screened in L.A.
'When You're Strange' ... the long awaited
and highly anticipated Tom DiCillo film about The
Doors, is finished! The Johnny Depp narration has been cut into the movie,
the film is locked, and it will get two screenings at the L.A. Film Festival in
Westwood. The June 21 showing is at 10:00 p.m. at the Mann Festival
Theatre,
and the June 24 showing is at 2:00 p.m. at The Regent. For more info and to
order tickets, go to:
http://www.lafilmfest.com/2009/
Don't be surprised if you have a hard time finding the film listed ... I
don't even know how I finally found the listings, just keep trying different
links and searches.
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May 26,
2009 a new Manzarek grandchild <> pix of Robby at The
Mint <> unauthorized DVD <> book of mug shots
Ray and Dorothy Manzarek
became grandparents
for the third time this month. Their first granddaughter,
Camille Aiko Darya Moon Manzarek, was born to Pablo and Sharmin on May 16 and
joins big brothers Noah and Apollo Ray. Congratulations to the Manzarek
clan on their latest addition!
Robby Krieger and the Willie Waldman Project rocked The Mint in Los Angeles last week with two sets of improvisational jazz music. To see photos from that show, go here
'The Doors: From The Outside' is a new unauthorized DVD biography on the band. To read the write-up in the L.A. Weekly, go to: http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/milking-the-band/milking-the-band-the-doors-get/. Patricia Kennealy, Doug Sundling, Richard Goldstein, Robert Christgau, and James Riordan are some of the contributors. The release date is July 14 from MVD Visual and Sexy Intellectual. (also thanks to Joe Carbone)
Jim Morrison's mug shots taken in Tallahassee and in New Haven, CT are included in a new anthology of historic examples of that particular type of photo opportunity. "Mug Shots: An Archive of the Famous, Infamous and Most Wanted" was assembled and written by Raynal Pellicer, a French documentary film and television director. Read full story at: http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/24/1a24reading19329-mug-shots-now-get-legitimate-atte/?features&zIndex=103503
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May 22, 2009
Robby last night <> Teske auctioned photo
Robby Krieger and the Willie Waldman
Project rocked The Mint in Los Angeles last night with two sets
of improvisational jazz music, with an ongoing art project happening behind
Robby on stage. I will post some photos within a few days. I got the
chance to ask Robby about the release of 'Singularity'; he indicated that it is
finished but the release date is still a month or two away.
An Edmund Teske photograph of Jim Morrison sold for $1,708. at Bonham's in New York City earlier this week. To see the result page, go to: http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?screen=lotdetails&iSaleItemNo=4264815&iSaleNo=17098&iSaleSectionNo=1
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May 20, 2009
'When You're Strange' narration is done! <> Robby in LA tomorrow night
FINALLY ... some great news
regarding 'When You're Strange'. According to
Director Tom DiCillo's "news" column on his blog page at
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192,
Johnny Depp has recorded his narration and they are in
the process of cutting it into the picture. DiCillo remarked that it
sounds fantastic and that Depp's work brings something very personal to the
film.
We can get the excited and enthusiastic anticipation about this film fired up
again! YEA!!! DiCillo's report also says that there is at least
a week's worth of work before it is all put together. I don't know what
follows next, but I'd guess that maybe some film festivals again and that the
film distributors who previously viewed it, would start sharpening their
pencils. This is SUCH good news!
A reminder for the local Los Angelenos: Robby Krieger joins other musicians billed as The Willie Waldman Project at The Mint in Los Angeles tomorrow night, Thursday, May 21. The night of improvised music spanning rock and psychedelia, jazz and experimental, also includes Steve Molitz, John Molo, John Avila and Willie Waldman. The venue link is http://www.themintla.com/. This is a small intimate club, so it should be a stunning show!
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May 14,
2009 Morrison poetry in new book
Some Jim Morrison poetry has found
its way into a new collection called 'El violín de Ingres'
published last week by the Municipal Book Institute in Málaga, Spain.
Poetry by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Winston Churchill and Marlene Dietrich
are in the book. The Morrison poetry was included at the request of the
editor. Read the full story at:
http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/16565/poems-by-picasso-dali-churchill-and-dietrich-together-in-one-book
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May 4,
2009 Robby L.A. appearance <> Ian Astbury benefit
appearance
Robby Krieger joins other musicians billed
as The Willie Waldman Project at The Mint in Los
Angeles on Thursday, May 21. The night of improvised music spanning rock
and psychedelia, jazz and experimental, also includes Steve Molitz, John Molo,
John Avila and Willie Waldman. For more info, see the posting on Robby's
website at: http://robbykrieger.com/mint09.html.
The direct venue link is
http://www.themintla.com/
Ian Astbury has been keeping busy with The Cult since he left D21C. This Saturday May 9, Ian performs with The Soft Revolt in NYC at The Bowery Electric at a benefit to raise money for the Apollonia Players' production of 'Savage in Limbo' by John Patrick Shanley which runs from June 13th to 28th. I wouldn't be surprised if he includes a few Doors songs in his set, and maybe some other surprises. Read the press release here.
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April 29,
2009 Doors rarity on eBay
A 16mm print of the original banned
Elektra promotional film for Unknown Soldier is on eBay.
Check it out, it is item
#160330858876.
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April 24,
2009 Robby talks SG's
Robby Krieger discusses his affinity
for Gibson SG's in an interview on the Gibson website and says 'it's a very good
working man's guitar.' It's a good one, in which Robby reminisces
about prior guitars and gives props to Marco Moir! Read the story
at: http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/robby-krieger-talks-sgs-422/
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April 19,
2009 Doors rarities on auction
Jim Morrison's
frock coat, original Jim Morrison
Electro-voice 676 microphone, Shure amplifier and 'The Doors' travel case are
items going on auction through Profiles In History on April 30 and May 1, along
with other rock rarities. Read the full story at:
http://www.antimusic.com/news/09/april/14Mick_Jagger_and_Jim_Morrison_Rarities_Party_of_Profiles_in_History_Auction.shtml
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April 14,
2009 Ray & Robby show cancelled <> Bose does Jim mosaic
Tomorrow night's show in Porto Alegro,
Brazil
was supposed to kick off Ray & Robby's latest South American
tour, but the show has been cancelled according to a post on the website for
Pepsi Onstage
http://www.pepsionstage.com.br/
I have no information about the reason for this.
(thanks, Eduardo)
Bose has created a product-based mosaic of Jim Morrison, along with Elvis Presley, Madonna, and a Bollywood superstar. To see them, go to this brief story and click on the names: http://www.memphisflyer.com/SingAllKinds/archives/2009/04/14/taking-care-of-bose-32-years-after-his-death-elvis-fronts-for-bose
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April 13,
2009 Ray & Robby head south <> Ray & Robby with Daryl Hall <> new DVD in
U.K. <> PAS on YouTube <> Classic Rock mag <> Bonhams auction
Ray and Robby kick off a South American
tour beginning on Wednesday in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Most
of the tour dates are listed in the calendar below. A fan has advised me
of seeing them listed for a music festival in Montevideo, Uruguay on April 23,
but I cannot find a link for it and have no other information.
(thanks, Luis)
Meantime, fans can catch Ray and Robby with Daryl Hall and other musicians this Wednesday April 15 in the latest episode of "Live From Daryl's House" at 8pm eastern, 5pm Pacific times. Check out the website at: http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/ and follow the link for the story and a preview clip. (thanks, George)
'The Doors From The Outside' is a new DVD released in the U.K. through the Chrome Dreams website. Patricia Kennealy is among the panel of people who discuss the band. I don't see anything about the DVD format used. Check it out at: http://www.chromedreams.co.uk/the-doors-from-the-outside-633-p.asp (thanks, Gilles)
For a quirky, Dixieland rendition of 'People Are Strange', check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA-1IC8r9FE (thanks, Stuart)
The latest issue of Classic Rock (cover: Freddy Mercury) includes a DVD with called 'Voices Of Rock' featuring 15 tracks by The Doors, The Who, Rush and more. The Doors song featured is Light My Fire. In the same issue, Jim Morrison is listed as #22 on the list of the 50 Greatest Singers In Rock. The issue was released in early April in Europe, so it'll be awhile before we see it in the states. (thanks, Gilles)
The Edmund Teske photograph that I mentioned on April 5th, can now be viewed in the on-line catalog for the May 19 Bonham's New York auction. Check it out at: http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?screen=lotdetails&iSaleItemNo=4264815&iSaleNo=17098&iSaleSectionNo=1
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April 6,
2009 Sundance interview clips
The blog of
'When You're Strange'
director Tom DiCillo has offered up some more interview clips of
DiCillo and John Densmore from the Sundance Film Festival. Go to:
http://www.movingpicturesmagazine.com/videoaudio/mpminterviews/john-densmore-tom-dicillo-when-youre-strange.
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April 5,
2009 more S.A. tour dates <> Teske photo auction <> ROTS interpreted <>
Peace Frog photo book
When the Manzarek-Krieger tour hits South
America next week, I listed their first show as being
in Santiago, Chile based on a foreign language story I received. A fan has
written to tell me that the April 15 show will instead be in Porto Alegro,
Brazil at Pepsi Onstage. As a matter of fact, LM2X plays when you click on
the link for the venue at:
http://www.pepsionstage.com.br/
(thanks, Eduardo). Another
fan has alerted me to a show on April 17 in Curitiba, Brazil at Master Hall
http://www.last.fm/venue/8780397
(thanks, Lupe). Keep them
coming ... there are still a few holes in the schedule that may be additional
shows, as yet unidentified.
An Edmund Teske photograph of the bearded Jim Morrison as a composite with Cripple Creek, Colorado goes on auction at Bonham's in New York on May 19th as Lot 99 in Sale #17098. The on-line catalog is not available for viewing yet, but the email says it is expected to sell for $2,000. to $3,000.
An essayist for examiner.com has written her interpretation of the meaning behind the lyrics to 'Riders On The Storm.' Read it at: http://www.examiner.com/x-1222-SF-Rock-Music-Examiner~y2008m11d7-More-Than-Words-Morrison-Unleashes-Killer-Instinct
Los Angeles-based Doors tribute band Peace Frog have a photo book out chronicling the life and times of singer Tony Fernandez and Peace Frog over the last four years. The first edition can be ordered or sneak previewed through the link below. The sneak preview pages include a photo of Tony, Robby Krieger, Owen Goldman, and former D21C roadie Bob Carsten. Owen is the Peace Frog drummer when he is not out on the road with Ray and Robby as their drum tech (and extra percussion when they perform 'The Soft Parade')! Check it out at: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/629817?utm_source=TellAFriend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=629817
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March 30,
2009 new DiCillo blog <> Yahoo live recordings group
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo
has posted another blog earlier today. #55 is
titled FRAGMENTal, subtitled Notes From Winter, and recounts Tom's jet-lagged
and sleep-deprived adventures and impressions in both Park City, Utah and
Berlin, Germany as the film was presented at those film festivals. Check
it out at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=148
There is a Yahoo group called 'Break On Through' where fans can download .flac files (whatever they are!) of live material by The Doors direct from the links sections. This site does not include stage performances from The Doors of the 21st Century or Riders On The Storm. To join, go to: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Break_on_Through/ (thanks, Mark)
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March 27,
2009 South American tour next month
I am finally working my way through
translating the foreign language emails about next
month's Manzarek-Krieger tour in South America. I am probably missing some
show dates, but this is a start. The dates I have found so far will also
be listed in the calendar below. Make sure you re-confirm these dates for
yourself prior to making any travel plans! So far I have translated these
show announcements: Wednesday, April 15 in the Theater Caupolicán of Santiago,
Chile (http://www.elrepuertero.cl/admin/render/noticia/13950);
Saturday, April 18 at Espaço Anchieta in Sao Paulo,
Brazil (http://br.noticias.yahoo.com/s/16032009/11/entretenimento-the-doors-repaginado.html);
Monday, April 20 at Taiwan Center in Ribeirão Preto,
Brazil (http://www.ribeiraopretoonline.com.br/entretenimento/comeca-venda-de-ingressos-para-show-dos--the-doors-que-acontece-em-abril-em-rp/28163)
and (http://eptv.globo.com/lazerecultura/lazerecultura_interna.aspx?250714);
Tuesday, April 21 in the Red Events in Jaguariúna, Brazil
(http://www.cosmo.com.br/noticia/23069/2009-03-06/preparativos-para-show-do-the-doors-ja-comecaram.html);
Saturday, April 25 at Estadio Cubierto Malvinas Argentinas
in Buenos Aires, Argentina
http://www.ellibrepensador.com/2009/03/08/shows-abril-2009-en-argentina/;
Thursday, April 30 at Jefferson Peréz Theater in Cuenca,
Equador (http://www.eltiempo.com.ec/noticias-cuenca/12163-the-doors-en-cuenca/)
Please let me know if additions or corrections to this tour info are
discovered.
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March 24,
2009 Fillmore show review
The Sunday evening Manzarek & Krieger
show at San Francisco's Fillmore got a write-up on NBC Bay Area
... read it at:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/around_town/nightlife/Stoned-Hippie-Manzarek-Channels-The-Doors-at-the-Fillmore.html
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March 23,
2009 Ray & Robby in Napa <> Napa show pix <>
Robby's solo CD
Saturday night I attended the
Manzarek-Krieger / Riders On The Storm concert at the
Napa Valley Opera House in Napa, California. This is the charming
community in the heart of wine country that Ray and Dorothy re-located to about
five years ago. The 500-seat theatre is on the second floor of the equally
charming venue, which is a national historic landmark originally constructed in
1879. The show started at 8:25 to a packed house. There were Doors friends
who had traveled from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Canada for this
rare opportunity to see such an intimate performance ... but clearly, most of
the audience were locals who have come to know Ray and Dorothy in their adopted
hometown. This was the second night of an all-too-brief U.S. tour, and
they did not disappoint. There were many highlights, one of which was the
inclusion of 'Wishful, Sinful' which they played for the first time the night
before in Reno. Another was 'The Soft Parade' with drum tech Owen Goldman
joining Ty Dennis on the drum riser for the heavy percussion ... and just when
we thought the song ended, they reprised it ... it was terrific! Other than a travel
glitch on the return flight, for which Beverly and I would like to take this
opportunity to flip the bird to Jet Blue ... it was a great weekend and well
worth the out-of-town trip to catch this show! Barring any more uploading
issues, I will post the set list and oodles of photos later.
Photos from the concert in Napa on Saturday night have been uploaded ... to see them, go here. A story about the show will appear in a local Napa publication later this week, and I will link to that once it is on-line.
Robby told me that 'Singularity', his forthcoming solo CD, will be released within the next month or two on a label called Metro. He also plans to do some shows to promote the release.
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March 20,
2009 Miami pix <> Europe tour recant
Two rare (or seldom-seen) photos of Jim
Morrison at the infamous 1969 Miami concert have been
sent to me to share with fans. Check them out
here and
here
(thanks, Stuart)
The report a few days ago that Ray and Robby would be touring Amsterdam and London in 2009 seems to be unfounded, and was a misunderstanding on the part of the fan who sent me that information. Sorry about that!
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March 19,
2009 Ray's Reno interview <> Ray on WordBeat
<> domain name dispute <> Dade Auditorium demolition
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger
hit the road this weekend for their first U.S. shows since 2007
in Reno, Napa, and San Francisco. An interview with Ray ran in the Reno
Gazette-Journal today. Read it at:
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090319/ENT02/903190357/1056/ENT
Ray Manzarek is the guest at 8:00 Sunday evening on WordBeat Poetry and Jazz Radio. For more info, go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WordBeat/2009/03/23/WordBeat-LAs-P-Jazz-Joint
The estate of Jim Morrison is in a dispute to obtain the rights to the domain name JimMorrison.com which is owned by another party. They are taking their fight to World Intellectual Property Organization under UDRP rules. To read the full story, go to: http://domainnamewire.com/2009/03/16/jim-morrison-estate-wants-domain-name/
The site of Miami's Dade Auditorium, apparently later known as the Coconut Grove Expo Center, is slated for demolition in order to open up the waterfront for better views. Read the full story at: http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3118502
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March 18,
2009 Gibson's 'inspired by' guitar
The new Gibson
'inspired by' Robby Krieger
SG has a nice feature page on Gibson's website. Check this
out at:
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/SG/Gibson-Custom/Robby-Krieger-SG/Features.aspx
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March 17,
2009 Robby in Mojo mag <> Admiral in 'WYS'
DVD extras <> No Habla digital <> Robby on Gibson site <> Europe tour? <> South
America tour? <> Jampol UCLA course
The February '09 Mojo Magazine's
Classic issue (cover: Led Zep & the story of 1969) contains feature articles and
interviews with Robby Krieger and others, contributed by Harvey Kubernik.
(thanks, Steve)
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo's Blog #55 'Round Two' revealed in comments a few days ago that the interview that was conducted with Jim's father a few years ago for this documentary, will be used in the DVD extras. That's something to look forward to, I know a lot of fans have inquired about that. Tom also said in another post that Johnny Depp was planning to start the narration a week or so ago, but there are no further updates on that.
Robby Krieger's 'No Habla' 1989 solo album is scheduled to be available in digital format beginning today for the first time. I have not had time to track this down, but here is the story that I got in late January about this: http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3idb2c398ada1252b79c41eb2db84be99f
Robby Krieger is listed on the Gibson website as one of the 15 iconic SG players. Check it out at: http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/15-iconic-sg-players-304/
Last week a fan reported seeing a fan post on Ray's message board about Ray and Robby touring Amsterdam and London in 2009. I have not been to that forum to see if there is any more info on that thread. (thanks, Kurt)
I have also received some foreign language emails that seem to indicate that Ray and Robby are returning to South America very soon ... I have not put them through language translators (yet) to try to learn more.
The Doors manager Jeff Jampol will once again be teaching a course this spring at UCLA titled: 'The Music Business Now: How It Really Works and the People and Events That Influence It. Read more about it from this LA Times story: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/03/macy-gray-heads.html
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March 2,
2009 UCLA on 'When You're Strange'
The UCLA School of Theater, Film and
Television did a story on 'When You're Strange',
citing alumni Ray Manzarek, Jim Morrison and Paul Ferrara. Check it
out at:
http://www.tft.ucla.edu/news/announcement/583-ferrara_doors-documentary/
The bottom of that story links to the
Richard Blackburn drawing
'A Perfect Day at the Gypsy
Wagon' which includes depictions of Paul (#46),
Ray & Dorothy (#44), and Jim (#32). Paul wrote about the Gypsy Wagon and
this drawing in his recent autobiography
"Flash Of Eden."
By the way, Paul Ferrara has been selling photos from his private portfolio on
his website. There are a few left, which can be seen at:
http://paulferrara.net/ ... click on the
link for 'Original Photo Prints For Sale.'
============================================================
March 1,
2009 March 1st
March 1, 2009: 40 years ago tonight
was the infamous concert in Miami. We can only speculate how differently
things may have turned out if Doors manager Bill Siddons had allowed staff
photographer Paul Ferrara to travel to Miami
with the band to film the show!
============================================================
February 28,
2009 WYS out of SXSW <> London Fog pic
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo's
Blog #55 'Round Two' revealed in comments yesterday that the film is not going
to get a screening at SXSW in Austin, Texas in a few weeks after all. Tom
explained that Johnny Depp had a schedule conflict this week and will not be
able to record until some time next week. That makes it impossible to get
his voice cut in for the SXSW festival in two weeks. Tom said they are all
in agreement that the film should not screen again until Johnny's voice is in.
Tom's voice was always intended to be temporary; now that they have a real
narrator, it's better to wait for the film to be right before it gets shown
again. Tom's blog page is at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
A vintage photo of the London Fog advertising The Doors was found in Wikipedia! The fan who sent this to me thinks it is a screenshot from a movie made in 1966. The photo shows a red sign or banner saying The Doors over the London Fog's entry canopy. The Whisky is the bright red building in the far upper right corner. This is a very cool photo ... thanks to Jens for sending it. see photo
============================================================
February 27,
2009 "Mexico" Restaurant photos
I have uploaded
some of the photos
I took on Wednesday of the building that once housed The Doors
rehearsal space and office at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard. It is painfully
colorful and bright; I hope there will be more colors added to the building
walls to mute the pink and red. To see the photos,
go here
============================================================
February 25,
2009 Benvenuto R.I.P.
It's the end of another era for
8512 Santa Monica Boulevard, the former site of The Doors office
and rehearsal space. Last week I reported that a friend noticed that
Benvenuto Caffe was closed and the building was getting a colorful new paint job.
Then I discovered the website was down and the phone number was disconnected.
I stopped by there today and learned that yes indeed, Benvenuto is history.
When the restaurant re-opens around the 3rd week of April, it will be a Mexican
restaurant called Mexico. All the Doors memorabilia is off the walls (and
bathroom) right now during this latest re-model. I spoke to the person in
charge and learned that the downstairs bathroom will be returned to a Doors
shrine, and the wrought iron gates out front will be replaced with some very
ornate doors from Mexico which will honor the band. The brass plaque out
front is still in place. So ... the good news is that the building will
continue to honor The Doors. I am going to miss Benvenuto's meat lasagna
in particular, but I'm also a fan of Mexican food, so it's all good!
Within the next day or two I will upload photos that I took today.
============================================================
February
19, 2009 Benvenuto fate uncertain <> WYS
official website <> odd CD
Benvenuto Caffe in West Hollywood,
better known to us as the location of The Doors office and
rehearsal space, may have become another victim of our economy. Last week
a friend told me that building was getting a new paint job (pink with red
trim???). Their website is down and the phone number is disconnected.
Bummer. I will be in L.A. next week and plan to swing by and see what I
can find out about the next phase of this historic building. Stay tuned.
'When You're Strange' now has an official website at: http://www.whenyourestrangemovie.com/ The site has the movie trailer, clips from the Sundance premiere, interviews, and more. If you have not been keeping up with Director Tom DiCillo's blog at http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/, he recently posted that he hopes to have the Johnny Depp narration in place for the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas next month.
An odd CD being released in the UK on February 23 is called 'The Roots of The Doors'. The CD cover art is the famous 2-story high mural of Jim in Venice Beach, and describes the contents as "21 blues, rock 'n' roll, jazz and folk songs that infiltrated the dark twisted world of The Doors." Is that supposed to be complimentary? (thanks, Gilles)
============================================================
February
13, 2009 John & DiCillo in Berlin
John Densmore attended the Berlin
Film Festival along with 'When You're Strange' Director Tom
DiCillo last week. A brief clip of them discussing the film and answering
audience questions can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuEbv3_cZOM
(thanks, Gilles)
============================================================
February
12, 2009 HB 2 RM
Ray Manzarek turns 70 years old today.
Since he's starting a small tour of Mexico along with Robby
Krieger and the rest of the band, this year I'll wish him feliz compleaños
instead of happy birthday!
============================================================
February
11, 2009 Berlin WYS blog
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo
is back from the Berlin Film Festival and sold-out screenings, and has posted a very
brief blog #55 called Round 2. His blog header says he has been awake for
39 hours, so the brevity is understandable and he's probably counting sheep by
now. He does share that there are already offers for theatrical releases
in England and France, with more to follow ... and that he hopes the have the
Johnny Depp narration in place by the time the film goes to the SXSW Film
Festival next month. The link to this latest blog is at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=154#comments and
from there, he links to a review (thank goodness, it's in English!). Check
them out.
============================================================
February
8, 2009 Ray on radio tonight
Ray Manzarek
is the guest
at 8:00 this evening on WordBeat Poetry and Jazz Radio.
Sorry for the late notice on this. For more info, go to:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WordBeat/blog/2009/02/08/Ray-Manzarek-Quotes-2
============================================================
February
7, 2009 Johnny Depp: narrator <> film gets
a distributor
It is just about
6:00 p.m. in Berlin, Germany
right now, where the first European screening of 'When You're
Strange' is already underway. It is at this screening where Executive
Producer Dick Wolf and Director Tom DiCillo announce that actor Johnny Depp will do
the narration for 'When You're Strange.' Depp's voice will replace
that of Director DiCillo which was heard on the screening prints used at the
Sundance Film Festival. It has always been stated that there would be
another voice used for the theatrical release, and curiosity and speculation
have been building. Unfortunately, there have been 'leaks' about this
announcement for the last two days, but now it's official! Sounds terrific, what a
great "get" this is.
ContentFilm International has taken worldwide sales rights to 'When You're Strange' according to a story on ScreenDaily.com at: http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=43136&Category=. In time, I'm sure we'll all learn what this means in terms of distribution and worldwide theatrical release, so this is more exciting news!
============================================================
February
4, 2009 DiCillo interview <> in-depth DiCillo &
DCM interview
'When You're Strange'
Director Tom DiCillo
can be seen talking about the film in an
8-minute interview at:
http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp?aid=10768&tcid=1
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo did a lengthy and insightful interview last week with Kerry Humpherys of Doors Collectors Magazine (www.doors.com) and Salli Stevenson. The interview link is included in the latest issue of DCM's Strange Days Newsletter, and can be accessed directly at: http://www.doors.com/magazine/tomdicillo.html
============================================================
February
3, 2009 John's webmaster interviewed <> WYS
narration & website news
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
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo mentioned in his blog yesterday at http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/ that the announcement about the film narrator will be made in Berlin. The first screening at the Berlin Film Festival is this Saturday which includes the press screening, so stay tuned for that news! He also informed that there will be no official website for the movie until it hits U.S. theaters, so fans can stop searching for that for the time being.
============================================================
February
2, 2009 WYS goes to SXSW
'When You're Strange'
will go to the
SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas which runs from March 13 to
March 21, according to Filmmaker Blog at Filmmaker Magazine.
The film is in a category called '24
Beats Per Second', a showcase for documentaries about music, musicians, or the
cultural ties that exist around them. Read the story at:
http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/blog/2009/02/sxsw-announces-line-up.php
and
http://www.indiewire.com/article/sxsw_unveils_09_line_up/
============================================================
February
1, 2009 WYS goes to Berlin <> rare Morrison book
for sale
'When You're Strange'
makes its European
debut this coming Saturday, February 7 at
the Berlin Film Festival. For the screening schedule, see calendar below
or go to:
http://www.berlinale.de/en/presse/pressevorfuehrungen/datenblatt.php?film_id=20094596
A copy of one of Jim Morrison's rare, privately published books of poetry will be on sale with a $12,500. price tag at the 42nd annual California International Antiquarian Book Fair in San Francisco. The event opens on February 13th. For the source of this info, go to: http://www.mercurynews.com/books/ci_11583791 For more info about the event, go to: http://www.sfbookfair.com/
============================================================
January
27, 2009 No Habla digital release <> John at Whisky tribute <> Kerry's WYS
review
Robby Krieger's 'No Habla' solo
album was released back in 1989, and was later released on CD.
On March 17th, 'No Habla' becomes part of the catalog of I.R.S. Records that
Capitol Records is bringing to digital format for the first time.
According to Billboard.Biz, each release will be supported by a digital campaign
highlighting the new additions as they become available. Read it at:
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3idb2c398ada1252b79c41eb2db84be99f
(thanks, George)
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
Kerry Humpherys of Doors Collectors Magazine has just sent out his latest Strange Days Newsletter #188 with his own review of 'When You're Strange.' If somehow you are not among his subscriber list of 24,000+ Doors fans, you can go to his home page at www.doors.com and sign up (it's free!). In the meantime, read Kerry's impressions of the film at: http://doors.com/188/. Kerry also has an in-depth interview with 'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo coming our way in the near future ... that's something exciting to look forward to just before Director DiCillo heads east for the movie's European premiere at the Berlin Film Festival which runs from February 5 to the 15th.
============================================================
January
26, 2009 Tom DiCillo's latest blog
'When You're Strange' Director Tom
DiCillo's latest blog #54 titled "Round One" is a
must-read for fans:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=153
Well said, Tom!
============================================================
January
25, 2009 Sundance blogger interview
A Sundance blogger
who interviewed
'When You're
Strange' Director Tom DiCillo can be read at: http://www.sundancechannel.com/festival/blog/2009/01/dealing-with-the-doors/
(thanks, Joe)
============================================================
January
23, 2009 movie trailer <> Ray & Robby's mini-jam
The trailer for 'When You're
Strange' is contained in this link, according to the
story's writer:
http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/10589/tcid/1
Park City's mayor Dana Williams played harmonica on Roadhouse Blues when Ray and Robby did a two-song mini-jam last weekend at the Gibson Lounge during the Sundance Festival. There is still no info on who the other musicians or the female vocalist were, but this story refers to them as the 'house band.' Read story at: http://www.parkrecord.com/city/ci_11539354 If you missed the story with the links to both videos the first time around, here it is again at: http://blogs.sltrib.com/sundance/2009/01/doors-at-sundance-video.html
============================================================
January
22, 2009 Ray & Robby tour dates <> more thoughts on WYS <> more Sundance
interviews <> John interview <> Jim vs. Bono 'quiz'
Robby and Ray's latest tour
dates have been announced today at
http://robbykrieger.com/tour.html
All I can say is "hooray" for finally getting a few chances to see them not only
back in the USA, but on the west coast. The three unconfirmed dates in
mid-February in Mexico that I had listed are now good to go, as well as two
more dates in mid-March in northern California and Nevada in addition to the
Napa show that I previously reported. Will there be additional shows
added to these tours? I have no idea but let's hope so, and stay tuned!
I also don't know if any or all of these shows will be billed as Riders On The
Storm or as Manzarek & Krieger of The Doors ... just go with it and time will
tell. The details on dates and venues are listed in the calendar below.
'When You're Strange' ... more thoughts! First and foremost, and straight from the Director himself: this film has lots of positive stuff happening for it, and it is still going to the Berlin Film Festival in early February ... so that is all good! Let's not rush to read too much into the fact that some critics were strangely vicious, even rude, about this film and/or its narrative. I suspect there is a breed of critics who feel empowered when they can criticize the efforts of those with actual artistic talent. Many times I have passed on a movie or TV series based on critical reviews, and then later discovered that I had missed out on something great! There have been remarks about the use of newsreel footage to help define what was going on during the era; some felt it was unnecessary or too obvious. I was in my early 20's when I experienced my Doors concerts, and know all too well what was going on in the late 60's in the USA. However, this film will draw audiences who were not born yet, or not raised in this country where those events were front page news and became part of our personal experiences. I feel it's important to remember that as it relates to the context the Director was providing. Yes, there is familiar footage from HWY and Feast of Friends and the official releases. It would have been impossible to tell the story of this band that we love so much without using some of that stuff which is so great, that it was previously released. It is hard to describe, but the way this film has been edited gives the familiar film footage new significance. Fans want to know exactly what is new, and that is difficult to explain. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of clips and images ... and you will see things that you realize you have never seen before. Let's be positive, think good thoughts for this film and project an eagerness to see its widespread release. You never know who might be lurking around the forums looking for fan reactions. Lastly: I will not reply individually to everyone who has written me in the last 24 hours with questions. It is simply too soon to know what the distribution details will be, when it will be available in theaters within or outside the USA, be shown on Sundance Channel, or when it will be available as a DVD release. When that info is available, it will be shared! Please don't take it personally if I don't write back ... I just answered most of your questions in the last few sentences.
'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo, along with Robby and Ray, can be seen discussing the film in a 4-minute interview during Sundance at this link: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid5237562001?bclid=8598973001&bctid=8620345001
Another interview with 'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo can be found at: http://blog.spout.com/2009/01/20/tom-dicillo-when-youre-strange-interview-sundance-2009/ (thanks, Bill)
My son got busy tracking down interviews and clips as well, and found a 2-1/2 minute AMC interview with DiCillo, Ray and Robby: http://www.amctv.com/videos/movie-news/?bcpid=1725961875&bclid=7065999001&bctid=8484268001 (thanks, David my son)
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
============================================================
January
21, 2009 'When You're Strange' screening <> Sundance interview <> new Robby
audio
Some hours ago I got home
from an overnight trip to Salt Lake City where I saw the Tuesday
night screening of 'When You're Strange' accompanied by some long-time Doors
friends: Jim Southwick, webmaster at
johndensmore.com
and his wife Leah, and Kerry Humpherys of
Doors Collectors Magazine.
And now the truth can be told: this was my second viewing of the film; I
saw it in November with cinematographer Paul Ferrara, whose film footage is used
extensively. Many of us have seen bootleg footage of HWY over the years
... if you have, let me assure you that you have never seen it like this
which is 'worth the price of admission' alone! Its quality is pristine
which translates to brilliant and breathtaking when viewed on a large theater
screen, and it is utilized cleverly and creatively throughout. As
publicized, there is indeed never-before-seen footage that will thrill even the
most jaded Doors fan. Director Tom DiCillo has found himself in the strange
position of needing to re-assure viewers that ALL the footage is of Jim, Ray,
Robby, and John, and that there are NO actors. Apparently at the media
screening someone stormed out because he felt that there was an actor being
used to portray Jim Morrison, when actually it was some of the vivid and
pristine HWY footage of a bearded Jim. Seriously! The editing which juxtaposes
concert footage and still photos breathes new life into that which is familiar.
Robby is given proper credit for all his songwriting contributions. Since the
film's premiere last Saturday, I have shared links to various reviews that have
been favorable overall. I disagree strongly with some other media reviews which
are surprisingly, even bizarrely, critical of the narration by Director DiCillo, and I exercise my prerogative to not share those here
because they largely ignore the film content itself, instead taking issue with the tone of DiCillo's voice (fer crissakes!). I have the
advantage of having seen this film twice. With two months to reflect
between my first and second viewings, I feel DiCillo's narration set just the
right tone. This film is about The Doors, all four of them!
DiCillo's narration appropriately does not overwhelm or detract from that
story. If you have not taken the time to read the two blogs (#52 and #53) that DiCillo wrote about this project's process, this would be a good time:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/.
But don't just stop reading there, because DiCillo actually took the time to respond to
each and every comment or question posed to him, which shed light on additional
aspects including the narration. Some of the critics complained because
there were no interviews, no 'talking heads', and DiCillo discusses that decision on one of the
blogs as well. One critic dared to call it 'Doors For Dummies' ... what an
insult and I'd say that critic IS the dummy. This production is
targeted for a theatrical release and therefore, it would indeed play to many
"Doors Dummies" who are familiar with only the most common or most lurid stories and facts
... so while this film covers a lot of territory that is already familiar to
readers of this website ... trust me, there is PLENTY to satisfy fans
like us! Let's hope that those unfavorable reviews do not impede
the future of this film. Jim Southwick posted some of his own impressions
about last night's screening on John's forum; to read that, go to:
http://forum.johndensmore.com/index.php?showtopic=2957&st=20
and scroll down to Page 2, Post #27 by KnowIdea.
A 9-minute video clip of Director Tom DiCillo, Ray and Robby being interviewed the day after Saturday's premiere can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v319aHuzt2Q (thanks, KDW)
Audio clips from Robby Krieger's forthcoming CD "Singularity" have been added to his website. Check those out at: http://robbykrieger.com/
============================================================
January
19, 2009 Sundance 'WYS' reviews <> John on Bono <>
Ray on Obama <> Ty Dennis plays expo <> new Morrison Hotel Gallery
<> more Sundance 'WYS' stories
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
Ray Manzarek participates in a clip of celebrity interviews (obviously filmed at Sundance!) where they each briefly share some thoughts about the new administration. Ray's segment begins at 1:13 at: http://thepresidentobama.blogspot.com/2009/01/spike-lee-kevin-bacon-jane-lynch-ashley.html
Happy birthday to Riders On The Storm drummer Ty Dennis. Ty plays at Molly Malone's in Los Angeles on Wednesday night in an evening of classic rock with "Feast Of Friends", a tribute to The Doors. This show is in conjunction with the Go Green Expo. For the full event schedule or to read more, go to: http://yourdailythread.com/2009/01/19/ydt-beat-los-angeles-gets-ready-for-the-go-green-expo/
Rock photographer Henry Diltz has opened a second Morrison Hotel Gallery in New York City, this time in the hallowed space that was once the location of CBGB's. Read the story at: http://weblogs.amny.com/entertainment/urbanite/blog/2009/01/morrison_hotel_gallery_keeps_r.html
Just a few more stories and reviews about Sundance and 'When You're Strange': http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/sundance-monday-no-im-not-there/ and http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/01/sundance-jack-1.html
============================================================
January
17, 2009 The Doors at Sundance
Robby, Ray, and John are all in
Park City right now for the Sundance Film Festival.
'When You're Strange' had its premiere showing this evening. Earlier
today, Robby and Ray participated in a mini-jam at the Gibson Lounge and
performed 'Riders On The Storm' and 'Roadhouse Blues' (maybe more, I don't
know!. This can be seen on YouTube videos on this link: http://blogs.sltrib.com/sundance/2009/01/doors-at-sundance-video.html
Dorothy Manzarek can be seen sitting just behind Ray in both videos.
Incidentally, Ray and Dorothy just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on
December 21.
============================================================
January
16, 2009 Robby at NAMM yesterday
Robby Krieger appeared at
the annual NAMM show in Anaheim, California yesterday. A brief video clip
of him playing 'Break On Through' can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsOrpkQNZbA
flanked on the right of the screen by Cory Lashever of The Doors Music Company.
I am presuming he is playing the new "inspired by" signature guitar.
Another Gibson video blog that includes a quick shot of Robby posing with
someone (probably a Gibson rep) can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhzpS2ndYqY&feature=related
============================================================
January
15, 2009 Robby at NAMM with signature guitar
Robby Krieger is making an
appearance this afternoon in Anaheim, California at
the annual NAMM show. According to the latest news on The Doors official
website, Robby will be at Gibson booth #303 on the 3rd floor from 2:00 to 2:45
p.m. today, where visitors can experience the new Robby Krieger "inspired by"
Gibson SG ... sounds like that signature guitar has finally come to fruition!
============================================================
January
14, 2009 DiCillo interview <> follow Sundance from home
Tom DiCillo, Director of 'When You're Strange',
has a brief interview in today's Salt Lake City Tribune wherein
he discusses his idea for the structure of the film. Read it at:
http://www.sltrib.com/entertainment/ci_11451942
The same publication, Salt Lake City Tribune, also has a story about following the film festival events from home via internet, Sundance Channel, etc. If that is of interest to you, check it out at: http://www.sltrib.com/sundance/ci_11399770
============================================================
January
12, 2009 When You're Strange
'When You're Strange' tops the
list of the "13 Films You Should Be Excited To See At
Sundance 2009" according to the featured article at:
http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/13-films-you-should-be-excited-to-see-at-sundance-2009.php
============================================================
January
11, 2009 Ray and Roy
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers played two shows in Seattle this past
weekend. Someone who was there posted a review of the show along with a
bunch of photos on his blog. Check it out at:
http://yurtmeister.livejournal.com/27429.html
============================================================
January 9,
2009 Jim in another poll <> DiCillo interview <>
more Mexico tour dates?
Jim Morrison was voted in
at #13 in a poll commissioned by OnePoll to name the "Ultimate Rock God."
See all the results in the story at:
http://news.stv.tv/entertainment/68917-rock-god-freddie-mercury/
Tom DiCillo, Director of 'When You're Strange', can be seen in a 3-minute video discussing the film. The video is on the Sundance website at this link: http://festival.sundance.org/2009/videos/ Click on "Meet The Artists" and scroll over to the second page ... DiCillo is right in the middle square, and well worth the listen!
Several more tour dates have surfaced for Riders On The Storm (or perhaps, the Manzarek Krieger Band) in Mexico next month, according to a fan who sent these along: February 12 in Pachuca, and February 14 in Monterrey. These are in addition to February 13 in Mexico City as mentioned a few days ago. There has been no official announcement of any of these shows yet, so stay tuned for confirmation as well as additional tour details. (thanks, Gilberto)
============================================================
January 8,
2009 HB 2 RK <> Doors docu screening schedule <>
Jim in poll results <> Ray interview
Happy Birthday to Robby!
A Rhino Records press release about 'When You're Strange' which includes the screening schedule at Sundance can be found at: http://www.rhino.com/rzine/pressrelease.lasso?PRID=603
Jim Morrison came in at #27 on a poll of the greatest voices in rock as compiled by digital radio station Planet Rock. 'The Greatest Voices In Rock Top 40' was compiled by the station's DJs, musicians, rock critics, and others. Read the story at: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=111758 (thanks, Brad)
Ray Manzarek did a 15-minute phone interview with a reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune in advance of next week's 'When You're Strange' premiere at Sundance in Park City. During the interview, Ray reveals that following Sundance the band will tour Mexico, then do about six U.S. west coast dates from Seattle to San Diego, then down to South America, and finally into the recording studio to record some new music with various singers. Ray also said they will be the Manzarek-Krieger Band, with the same musicians as Riders On The Storm. Listen to it at: http://blogs.sltrib.com/sundance/2009/01/hello-i-talk-to-you.html
============================================================
January 5,
2009 Riders to Mexico?
Ray Manzarek
and Robby Krieger
and Riders On The Storm will return to Mexico to play Monumental Plaza in Mexico
City on Friday, February 13th, according to an online story at:
http://senderodelpeje.com/sdp/contenido/2009/01/04/302323.
If I translated this correctly, the story goes on to say that on the night of
the concert there will be an exhibit of Robby's artwork, which will be on sale.
There has been no official announcement of this show or any other tour dates
yet, so stay tuned for confirmation as well as additional tour details.
============================================================
January 1,
2009 Ray & Robby in Napa <> Doors sound equipment
on eBay <> book on 60's
When Ray and Robby
perform at the
Napa Valley Opera House on March 21st, the show will be with the Riders On The
Storm band members. Tickets are on sale now on-line, but you can get
better seats by calling the box office directly. The venue website is:
http://www.nvoh.org/
Check out eBay auction #370137995753 to see what appears to be a whole bunch of original Doors sound equipment for a starting bid of $14,999. It's certainly an interesting lot of items. The auction ends January 9th. (thanks, Gene)
Jim Morrison is one of the 60's stars discussed in a new book by Mikal Gilmore called 'Stories Done.' Read more about the book at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/books/30kaku.html
============================================================
December
28,
2008 Robby and Particle <> Ray & Robby in Napa <>
Robby guitar auction <> film director's blog
Robby Krieger joined
jam band Particle
last night at the Key Club in Hollywood for four songs during the first set.
When Robby stepped up to the mic, he related how the venue was Gazzarri's
back in the day, and explained that there were two stages then and indicated
their locations. (More recently this club was called Billboard Live for a
few years before becoming Key Club). Particle started off with two
songs that lasted approximately 25 minutes and then Robby was introduced.
Together they played Roadhouse Blues, Light My Fire, Riders On The Storm, and L.A. Woman.
Evan Marshall of the
Evan Marshall Band
handled the vocals on Riders On The Storm. The
other three songs were sung by Adam Iscove, who also did the singing back in
March of this year when Robby played several full shows with Particle, and
the set lists were Doors-heavy and Particle-light (those were great
shows!). Robby left after his
songs were finished, and so did Beverly and I.
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger will be doing a special performance at the Napa Valley Opera House on Saturday, March 21st. This is not listed on the venue website yet at: http://www.nvoh.org/ but tickets are on-sale when you click on the link to buy on-line. I'm not sure what type of program this will be; maybe they will be sharing the stage with an orchestra. Regardless, it sounds cool and different, and I probably have to be there myself! When I learn more about the show, I'll be sharing the news.
A Robby Krieger owned and played black Fender Stratocaster will be auctioned through Julien's on February 6th as part of the 51st Annual Grammy Awards Live Charity Auction benefiting MusicCares. It is estimated to sell for $2,000. to $3,000. To learn more about this auction item #55, go to: http://www.auctionnetwork.com/UpcomingItem.asp?EventId=30340&ShowId=343
Tom DiCillo, Director of 'When You're Strange', posted another blog about this film that we are all breathlessly awaiting the debut of. This entry #53, titled 'Mojo Risin', gives insight about how he conceptualized the project, the meetings he had, the use of HWY outtakes, and much more. Be sure to check it out at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/ and if you haven't already, also read blog #52 titled 'The Doors.'
============================================================
December
23,
2008 Sundance ad <> Doors contest <> Robby and
Camp Freddy <> Robby art for sale <> Morrison doll
Check out the Sundance Film Festival
page on 'When You're Strange' at:
http://festival.sundance.org/2009/film_events/films/when_youre_strange
JamsBio is having a promotion featuring The Doors. All you have to do is list your top 5 favorite Doors songs, and you'll have a chance to win a limited edition vinyl box set that includes all 6 studio albums. The website for that promotion is: http://jamsbio.com/lists/browse/best-songs-by-the-doors In addition, JamsBio has a page called Fandemonium: 13 Great Fan Resources for The Doors ... and I'm pleased as punch to be listed there and described very favorably! There are many other very excellent sites listed as well, so check out that page at: http://blog.jamsbio.com/?p=2651
Robby Krieger was one of the guest performers back in late May when Camp Freddy played a month-long residency at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip. He and Camp Freddy were joined onstage by Train frontman Pat Monahan, and they did a rousing rendition of Led Zep's 'Whole Lotta Love.' Check that out on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZucQG4txb0o
Robby Krieger artwork is available through Gallery of Stars in New Hope, PA. Check it out at: http://www.imagemakersart.com/artists.php?name=Robby Krieger
Another Morrison doll has been created by a 'mild mannered copy editor' living in North Carolina. To see it, go to: http://www.dollsbymaria.com/Morrison.html (thanks, Paula)
============================================================
December
22,
2008 Robby
with Particle <> When You're Strange poster <> Robbie Freeman photos
Robby Krieger will
be performing with
Particle this Saturday night, December 27th, at the
Key Club in Hollywood. Tickets are
available at:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900415193983E08?artistid=829663&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1
Check out the poster for the forthcoming film documentary, 'When You're Strange' go here (thanks, Gilles)
Jim Morrison was photographed by fellow UCLA student Robbie Freeman during the summer of '65. I had a chance to view the entire set of photos many years ago at a gallery exhibit in Hollywood and purchased four signed prints. The following website link is out of date as far as the exhibit that is referenced, but some of the photos and a re-cap of the photography circumstances can be found at: http://www.aceross.com/morrison.htm (thanks, Gilles)
============================================================
December 18,
2008 When You're Strange in Billboard <> Robby makes another 'list' <>
biography honored
'When You're Strange'
got a nice write-up in today's Billboard.com.
Rhino will release a soundtrack to the film next summer. To read the
full text of the Billboard story,
go here
(thanks, George)
Robby Krieger has made it onto a list titled 'The Chop Shop's Top 100 Most Complete Guitar Players of All Time.' A panel of music industry experts helped to choose the list of 100 of the most revered guitar players crossing multiple genres. Each guitarist was graded in nine areas including technical ability, influence on the music industry, songwriting, signature sound, longevity, and four other categories. Robby tied for #41 with Tom Scholz of Boston. To see the story and the list of 100, go to: http://www.chopshopradio.com/
'Contigo Torno-me Real' by author Rui Pedro Silva received an 'Honorable Mention' award at the London Book Festival. Although this book is available only in Portuguese at this time, there will be an English version sometime in 2009. I'll let you know when that is available. If anyone is interested in ordering this book in Portuguese, try contacting the publisher at: producao@edicoesafrontamento.pt
============================================================
December 15,
2008 Tribaljazz NOT performing <> Matrix controversy
John Densmore and
Tribaljazz will NOT perform at this year's "L.A. Holiday Celebration 2008"
as I reported a few days ago. When I wrote the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
for more info, I was informed that the broadcast on Wednesday night is a
re-run of a portion of last year's event, and that Tribaljazz is not
performing this year. That being said, the one-hour re-run is scheduled
for broadcast locally on L.A. PBS channel 28 at 10:00 p.m. and will be
repeated numerous times. For broadcast schedule, go to:
http://www.weta.org/tv/programsatoz/program/67761
'The Doors Live at the Matrix 1967' double-CD is the latest vintage Doors show which has long been available on bootleg and is now an official release from Rhino. This CD set has been awash in controversy over the generation of tapes that were used. Read about this debate at: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/66222-the-doors-live-at-the-matrix-1967/ (thanks, Stuart) For more info or to order the 2-CD set, go to: http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_14636
============================================================
December 14,
2008 Robby & Alice <> review of show
Robby Krieger played
in Phoenix last night
at the Alice Cooper Xmas Pudding show, which is an annual charity concert that
benefits Solid Rock and Arizona's youth. According to a post on the Les
Paul website, Robby played Riders On The Storm, Love Me Two Times, and Roadhouse
Blues, with Alice handling the Morrison vocals. Read the full post at:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/cellar/26274-2008-alice-cooper-christmas-pudding-concert.html
I wonder if Robby and Alice manage to get in some golf time together this
weekend!
AZCentral.com ran a re-cap of last night's Alice Cooper annual Xmas Pudding show, which featured Robby as one of the guests. Read it at: http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/2008/12/14/20081214alicecooperreview.html
============================================================
December 12,
2008 Tribaljazz on t.v. <> 'From The Vault'
John Densmore and
Tribaljazz kick off
this year's "L.A. Holiday Celebration 2008" on Wednesday, December 17th.
The t.v. special highlights the largest multi-cultural show in the country,
performed before an audience of 9,000+ in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in
downtown Los Angeles. The one-hour show is scheduled for broadcast locally
on L.A. PBS channel 28 at 10:00 p.m. and will be repeated numerous times.
For broadcast schedule, go to:
http://www.weta.org/tv/programsatoz/program/67761.
There is also a 6-hour extravaganza on Wednesday, December 24th that is the
primary show ... I don't know (yet) if Tribaljazz will also perform on that one:
http://www.lacountyarts.org/holiday.html
'From The Vault' is a syndicated radio program from the Pacifica Radio Archives. This week's show focuses on Jim Morrison, and features conversations with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger, and the late Paul Rothchild. If you cannot get this program on a local station, there is a link to purchase a copy. Read all about it at: http://fromthevaultradio.org/home/2008/12/05/ftv-135-jim-morrison-poet/
============================================================
December 10,
2008 John archived interview <> The Blue Lady news
<> Live In Europe on t.v. <> 'Jim Morrison Bus Tour'
John Densmore did a radio interview the
morning of December 8th on L.A. radio station KPFK. The interview is
archived on John's website at: http://www.johndensmore.com/johnkpfk.mp3
The Blue Lady is making news again. This time, a story at MustangMonthly.com names Jim's 1967 GT500 in its list of "Top Ten Dream Mustangs." The story says that the Blue Lady's DMV information has recently surfaced and the Shelby American Automobile Club has the correct VIN. If you own the Blue Lady, you are asked to contact the Shelby American Automobile Club at www.saac.com .... read the column at: http://www.mustangmonthly.com/featuredvehicles/mump_0107_top_10_dream_mustangs/index.html
'The Doors Live In Europe 1968' has been shown on public television station KCET several times recently as part of their annual fundraising, and I understand that Robby was on the air last Saturday night during the pledge breaks. The show will be broadcast again this Saturday night at 10:30 p.m.
On that same website for KCET I found a page where tickets can be purchased for $175. a pair for 'The Doors: Jim Morrison Bus Tour,' a one-hour Hollywood Fantasy Tour on a double-decker bus. The tour will visit the Whisky a Go Go, Barney's Beanery and other scenic locations on Saturday, January 31, 2009 and Saturday, February 7, 2009 between 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Expensive? You bet ... but it's part of the public station's fundraising). to see this for yourself, go to: https://secure2.convio.net/kcet/site/Ecommerce?store_id=2261&VIEW_DEFAULT=true&FOLDER=0&TYPE=&NAME=doors&JServSessionIdr005=00surkigp1.app23a
============================================================
December 10,
2008 Ray and Robby interview <> story about Jim's
birthday party <> Barney's webcast <> Doors site re-done
Here is a link to an interview
with Ray and Robby
that apparently was conducted just prior to their arrival at Barney's Beanery on
Monday night for the party and celebration:
http://www.losanjealous.com/2008/12/10/exclusive-a-chat-with-the-doors-and-a-stroll-to-barneys-beanery-on-jim-morrisons-65th-birthday/#more-11625
And here is another link to more perspective on the Barney's Beanery gala on Monday night! http://www.losanjealous.com/2008/12/10/jim-morrisons-65th-birthday-party-presented-by-klos-955-fm-and-featuring-robby-kreiger-and-ray-manzarek-of-the-doors-barneys-beanery-december-8-2008/
Watch the webcast from Barney's Beanery at these links: http://955klos.com/Article.asp?id=1045026&spid=29006 and http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do;jsessionid=8B6EE6292F72394EDDC5F5010A0F9513?mId=181939724 (thanks, Gene)
The official website of The Doors has undergone a re-design recently. Check it out at: www.thedoors.com
============================================================
December 9,
2008 Barney's Beanery event
The Doors and KLOS sure know how to throw a party!
Last night's celebration of Jim Morrison's 65th birthday at Barney's Beanery
was open to fans who won tickets through 95.5 KLOS and invited guests. There
was a huge searchlight out front lighting up the night sky and showing the way
to Barney's! When I arrived shortly after 8 p.m., it was already well
underway and Barney's looked like it could be close to capacity. Robby and
Ray had arrived just a few minutes before me ... they were being mobbed by fans
in the parking lot adjacent to Barney's as I was trying to pull in to park, so I
had to circle the block before I could drive in there. Once inside, it was
indeed one big happy gathering. Naturally, the sound system was playing
the new Matrix CD set, and the closed circuit t.v. screens were showing images
of Jim and the band. The food and the drink were all 'on the house' ...
after all, it was a party! I spotted photographer Henry Diltz walking
through the crowd. Riders On The Storm tour manager Marco Moir, bassist
Phil Chen and drum tech Owen Goldman were all in attendance ... and Owen shared
with me that he plays on the forthcoming Robby solo CD that I mentioned last
week. I spotted a merchandise table that I forgot to return to later to
check out, but I did see the Matrix CDs, the 'Jim Morrison Scrapbook' by Rock
Hall VP Jim Henke, and samples of several of the Converse Doors shoes. Ray
and Robby posed in front of the humongous 3-section sheet cake decorated with
The Doors logo, L.A. Woman lyrics, and Happy Birthday Jim ... Ray made the first
cut in the cake, joined by Robby ... at one point they were both holding big
messy chunks of cake, and a few people started encouraging them to feed each
other the cake! That did not happen. After the cake cutting and
photos, they moved over to the bar area where they both spoke (but I could not
hear!). There was a gold
plaque in a stand on the bar, visible in one of the photos I took. I meant
to return later to take a photo, but forgot! However, I know that the
plaque reads: "Here Sat
Jim Morrison - Poet, Artist, Legend." Ray and Robby then adjourned
to the room on the other side where Jim Ladd would be broadcasting live.
The booths and tables had been removed so there was plenty of standing room in
front of the dais that the three of them sat on. Jim interviewed Ray and
Robby between songs, but unfortunately, it simply could not be heard in the room
where I was. There was lots of singing along coming from that room and it
looked like everybody was having a great time. Ray and Robby both made
their exits about 11:30 p.m. By then the crowd inside had thinned and fans
who had been standing outside were allowed in. When I left at about 12:30
a.m. the party was still going on, there were quite a few people inside
Barney's. There are 8 photos from last night that can be
viewed here.
If anyone can find a link to the webcast or other photos, please send it along.
============================================================
December 8,
2008 Jim at 65 <> German story <> webcast
& radio interview reminders <> Kerry interview <> Jim's grave on 60th
Jim Morrison would have been
65 years old today. Instead, he died young and stayed pretty. BBC
News on-line has a story in which researchers from St. Andrews University used
'ageing' software to reproduce the natural effects of aging to attempt to reveal
what Jim would look like at the age of 65. To read the story and see the
results of their efforts, go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7771171.stm
If you read German or want to use a translator website to help you get through it, here is a story that appears to be about Jim and Paris: http://www.merkur.de/2008_49_Ein_Amerikaner_an.31565.0.html?&no_cache=1 (thanks, Jochen)
Don't forget tonight's webcast with Robby and Ray from Barney's Beanery on DJ Jim Ladd's radio show on KLOS 95.5 ... watch by logging on to 955klos.com as well as John's radio interview this morning, in about 35 minutes at: http://www.johndensmore.com/denschat.html
Catch another radio interview to commemorate this date later today when Kerry Humpherys of DCM (Doors Collectors Magazine) chats about Jim Morrison on-line at Big Blend Magazine between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. PST. Check it out at: http://www.bigblendmagazine.com/Rants-Raves-Rock-N-Roll/Dec8-08.htm
Ray and Robby, along with Ian Astbury, Ty Dennis, and Phil Chen, visited Jim Morrison's grave in 2003 on Jim's 60th birthday. I was somewhere in that crowd! The Doors of the 21st Century were on a tour of Europe, and would go on to play an unannounced show at a small club called Le Scene later that night, followed by a huge sold-out show the next night at Le Zenith. An exclusive video of the band members at Jim's grave is available on YouTube for just a few days. View it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6bxopJo8AY (thanks, Art)
============================================================
December
7,
2008 Barney's Beanery event <> Whisky co-founder
R.I.P.
The celebration of Jim Morrison's 65th birthday at Barney's Beanery
on Monday night, December 8th is open to fans who win tickets through 95.5 KLOS. DJ Jim Ladd will be
broadcasting this exclusive "Night With
The Doors" live from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. The last
information I have on this is that the webcast will run from 10pm to midnight
... but don't take my word for it because things change ... so, maybe plug in
earlier than 10pm just to confirm the start time.
Unless you are a winner who is assured of getting into this event (or planning
to show up anyway and try your luck!), be sure to watch by logging on to
955klos.com
Elmer Valentine, co-founder of the Whisky a Go Go on the fabulous Sunset Strip, has passed away at the age of 85. Every Doors fan knows the history of 'our band' as it relates to the Whisky. To read the obit in today's Sunday LA Times, go to: http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-valentine7-2008dec07,0,3236736.story
============================================================
December
5,
2008 John to be special guest <> tour the concert
program <> vintage TV sketch
John Densmore will be a special guest
with Ruben Guevara on December 10th at Eastside Luv in Los
Angeles. For more info, read the write-up in the L.A. Weekly: http://www.laweekly.com/events/ruben-guevara-398647/
The one and only concert program ever created for sale at The Doors concerts was photographed and created by Paul Ferrara. It is indeed a rare item, highly coveted among collectors. If you have never had the opportunity or the $$$ to get one for yourself, take a look at this film that Paul put together ... it takes you through the entire concert program, page by page. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M51P_rZROxw&feature=email
There is a clip on YouTube of an amusing old 'Kids In The Hall' sketch titled 'Into The Doors.' For a chuckle, check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xillqqt0Y0
============================================================
December 3,
2008 Doors docu goes to Sundance <> John interview
on December 8th <> Barney's Beanery event
"When You're Strange",
the long-awaited
forthcoming documentary, is an Official Selection of The Sundance
Festival. It will be in the main documentary competition and will have its
world premiere there on January 17th! The overall Sundance line-up
presents 118 feature-length films which were chosen from 3,661 submissions!
There has also been an official invitation from the Berlin Film Festival in
February. The film's director, Tom DiCillo, discusses the film at length
in a blog posted today on his website. Check it out at:
http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/
John Densmore's website will host a 'listening gathering' for John's radio interview on KPFK 90.7 on Monday, December 8th, the day that would have been Jim Morrison's 65th birthday. A chat room for fans will open up at http://www.johndensmore.com/denschat.html at 10:30 a.m. PST. You will need to refresh the page at that time, and John's interview will begin at 11:00 a.m. The audio will be streamed live at that site. Listeners do not need to participate in the chat, and can simply listen to the show.
The only way to join in the celebration of Jim Morrison's 65th birthday at Barney's Beanery on Monday night, December 8th is by winning tickets through 95.5 KLOS Monday through Friday. DJ Jim Ladd will be webcasting this exclusive "Night With The Doors" live from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, so if you are not a winner be sure to watch by logging on to 955klos.com
============================================================
December 2,
2008 Jim's father R.I.P. <> Robby solo CD coming
<> Doors documentary titled <> LMF poster sold <> Rolling Stone 'Matrix'
review
Rear Admiral George "Steve" Morrison
passed away of natural causes
on November 17th at the age of 89.
A private memorial service was held last Wednesday at Fort
Rosecrans National Cemetery. Jim Morrison's father was buried at sea
when the family sailed to a designated location off Point Loma and dropped his
ashes into the ocean at the same spot where Jim's mother Clara was dropped
almost three years earlier. Sincere condolences go out to the entire
Morrison family on the loss of their patriarch. To read the full story
that appeared in a San Diego publication, go
here
Robby Krieger plans to release a solo album early next year, according to a small story I found on-line. It goes on to say the CD will be mostly instrumental and heavily influenced by Spanish flamenco guitar, and that Little Feat's Richie Hayward plays most of the drums. The targeted time frame for the release is late January or early February. Read it at: http://tleewaor.blogspot.com/2008/12/tuesday-rock-roundup.html
"When You're Strange" is the title of the forthcoming Doors documentary. I like this title because it's a song line that has not already been used elsewhere!
A rare "Light My Fire" Jim Morrison poster created by Paul Ferrara went on sale through Christies Auction House, New York City, on November 24th and was expected to fetch between $2,000 to $3,000. The poster sold for $2,250. including buyer's premium. You can still get one for yourself through DCM at www.doors.com, where Kerry is selling a few that were obtained directly from and are individually signed by Paul Ferrara himself! Go to: http://www.doors.com/door_mem/posters/. I could not find auction results for Lot #293, a Jim Morrison hand-written poem titled "Cheyenne" which was estimated to fetch $4,000. to $6,000., so I presume it did not find a buyer.
A few weeks ago I
mentioned that Rolling Stone had printed a full page
review of the latest release, "The Doors Live At the Matrix" 2-CD set. The
text of that review by David Fricke follows:
The Doors were still a
club band in the late winter and spring of 1967 —
not yet stars, not quite
spectacle, reliant on blues and R&B covers to get through a whole evening on the
bandstand. Stuck in a long limbo between the January release of their debut
album, The Doors, and the summertime explosion of their second single, "Light My
Fire," the group played discothèques in Los Angeles and New York and, during a
legendary engagement that March, more than a dozen sets over five nights at the
Matrix, a tiny seated club in San Francisco. This two-CD set is the first
official release of the widely bootlegged tapes made there, and barring the
discovery of previously unknown reels from the band's 1966 learning curve on the
Sunset Strip, the two dozen rough but vivid tracks on Live at the Matrix are the
closest we will get to hearing the live Doors in their early heated maturity,
before singer Jim Morrison's addiction to abandon turned their arena shows into
hit-and-miss theater.
Even with a year's
gigging and that perfect first album behind them, Morrison, organist Ray
Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore seem at times like a
band in transition, not yet done working out the kinks in their interplay.
"Light My Fire" opens like a wet match, in low bossa-nova gear — Manzarek's
famous intro lick doesn't show up until after the first verse. But more often,
the Doors sound sure of their gifts — they perform half of their next LP,
Strange Days — and stretch out with a unique, muscular cohesion, despite the
lack of a conventional bassist. Densmore's military snap, Krieger's
metallic-sinew sustain and Manzarek's meaty, rolling-Bach surge in the
midsection of "Soul Kitchen" and the long climax of "Moonlight Drive" are punchy
psychedelic funk. After Morrison improvises new lines midway through "The End"
("Can you stand by and watch the pictures burn...."), the band swerves in kind,
with a brief, jolting shift in the tense raga flow.
There is an unusual
restraint in Morrison's vocals, a concentration rare on later live recordings,
as if he didn't have enough room to perform at the Matrix. But he was never
better, onstage or on record, than when he was in control of his impulses, and
Morrison directs his eruptions in the dark march of "The Crystal Ship," the
hellbent charge of "My Eyes Have Seen You" and the pure lust of Them's "Gloria"
with a feral will and melodic clarity. The sparse, polite applause on these
recordings suggests the Doors were not, in March 1967, the hottest thing in
town. Everything else shows why that would change — soon.
============================================================
November
23, 2008 Jim on chopper <> going off-line
Doors fan
David Wyatt had
Jim Morrison's image airbrushed on the tank of his chopper,
shortly after getting Ray, Robby and Brett to sign the back. Check out the
photos
here and
here.
Happy Thanksgiving! There will be no further news updates until early December.
============================================================
November
20, 2008 homage to The Doors <> Nicole Atkins cover
'Riders On The Storm' gets the homage
treatment from Sweden's political garage rockers
(International) Noise Conspiracy. Their 4th CD called 'Cross Of My Calling'
which is due out next week, was even recorded at Sunset Sound. The organ solo
on 'Child Of God' is the homage. As a matter of fact, several other songs on
it are also in a Doors vein. Check it out for yourself at: http://www.myspace.com/internationalnoiseconspiracy
(thanks, George)
New Jersey-born (yeah!) singer Nicole Atkins covers 'Crystal Ship' on her EP titled "Digs Other People's Songs". It's available through i-Tunes. To learn more about this Jersey girl, read recent story at: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/07/uncovering-nicole-atkins/
============================================================
November 19,
2008 Barney's Beanery event <> Matrix '67
review <> Robby in DVD <> Rolling Stone 'list' <> Rolling
Stone review
Robby Krieger and
Ray Manzarek will honor what would have been
Jim Morrison's 65th birthday on December 8th with a gala celebration at L.A.
world-famous Barney's Beanery. There will be a live
KLOS radio broadcast hosted by
DJ Jim Ladd.
Winners of a KLOS contest will get to meet & greet Robby and Ray. There
will even be a memorial plaque to mark the place where Jim allegedly urinated on
the bar, which got him barred from the establishment. This event is open
to the public, so maybe you can even get the band's manager Jeff Jampol to buy
you a beer! I know I'm going to give that a shot. This event also
marks the November 18th release of the "Live At The Matrix 1967" 2-CD release.
If you haven't yet ordered your copy of this latest release, go to:
http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_14636
To read the full press release,
go here.
(thanks, George)
The San Francisco Chronicle ran a story earlier in the week about the release of The Doors 'Live At The Matrix 1967' release. To read that story, go to: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/16/DD6Q13RA0V.DTL (thanks, Julie)
Robby Krieger appears in a documentary DVD just released from Passport Video titled "Stars and Their Guitars: A History of the Electric Guitar." The DVD features interviews and behind-the-scenes segments with Robby, Slash, Peter Frampton, BB King, and others, and chronicles the history of the classic electric guitar. For more info on this, go to: http://www.dvdtown.com/news/stars-and-their-guitars-a-history-of-the-electric-guitar-on-dvd/6127
Rolling Stone Magazine's latest issue (cover: Elvis Presley) lists the '100 Greatest Singers' as voted on by a huge group of performers and music biz people, including Robby and Ray, Ian Astbury, Scott Weiland, Eric Burdon, and James Henke and Howard Kramer of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Incredibly, Jim Morrison finished way down at #47. The blurb about him reads: "The difference between Jim Morrison and Elvis Presley, Patti Smith says, 'is that Elvis had humility. I don't think Jim had it.' Still, Morrison, who was at least as influenced by Frank Sinatra as he was by Presley, was capable of surprising delicacy: On People Are Strange and Light My Fire, he lets his baritone glide, crooning just above a whisper. Otherwise, Morrison's vocals were all mood, attitude and sex -- he was grounded in roadhouse-blues hollering, but able to project the dreaminess of a mystical incantation (Riders On The Storm) or the sleaze of a boozy pickup (L.A. Woman). And on the Doors' hardest rock songs -- Break On Through (to the Other Side) stands out -- his unhinged aggression presaged punk rock. 'It was thrilling, sensual, powerful and experimental,' said Perry Farrell." Meaning no dis-R-E-S-P-E-C-T, but it was Aretha Franklin who topped the list at #1? Seriously!?!? (thanks, Chris)
That same issue of Rolling Stone features a full-page review of The Doors Live At the Matrix 2-CD set, and gives it four stars! The story is accompanied by a rare photo of the band with San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge behind them. (thanks, Chris)
============================================================
November 13,
2008 Mitch Mitchell R.I.P. <> Converse shoes
<> Jampol at industry conference
<>
Robby & Alice
Robby Krieger just completed playing
the last five west coast dates on the Experience Hendrix tour,
and a few days later Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell was found dead in his
hotel room. Wow. How great for Mitchell that he was able
to finish what was, from all accounts, a great tour!. There are stories all over
the web if you want to read more about this.
The Converse website has seven styles of The Doors shoes available for ordering on their website. Type in The Doors in the search bar to see them (or order them). Check them out at: http://www.converse.com/# (thanks, Mark)
The Doors manager Jeff Jampol is one of the speakers today at the Billboard Film & TV Music Conference in Los Angeles. He is on a panel that discusses the state of the music business and related topics. To learn more, go to: http://5acts.blogspot.com/2008/11/hollywood-reporter-and-billboard-film.html
Robby Krieger will join Alice Cooper onstage on Saturday, December 13th at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix at this year's Xmas Pudding benefit show. Proceeds go to support Solid Rock and Arizona's youth. Tickets go on sale this Sunday, November 16th. For more info, go to: http://www.sickthingsuk.co.uk/?subaction=showfull&id=1226555934&archive=
============================================================
November 3,
2008 Ray's Grammy nomination <> buy Robby's
art <> Converse Doors shoes
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers
released a new instrumental album earlier this year entitled
"Ballads Before The Rain", which includes reinterpretations of two Doors
classics, namely, Crystal Ship and Riders On The Storm. The latter is now
nominated for Best Instrumental Pop Recording for the 2009 Grammy awards.
Congratulations, Ray! For more info or to purchase the CD, go to:
http://www.roy-rogers.com/discography?id=23
If you are in the Seattle area, you can catch Ray and Roy playing two shows
there in January. For more info or to
purchase tickets, go to:
http://www.thetripledoor.net/event.aspx?eid=3834&venue=mainstage
Robby Krieger artwork is among the items that can be found at the EHM Rock Art Show and Sale in Southampton, Long Island, New York between November 21 and 23. Admission is free and all works are available for purchase. To learn more about this event, check out the story on Hamptons.com at: http://www.hamptons.com/detail.ihtml?id=5335&apid=10899&sid=3&cid=38&hm=1&iv=0&townflag=
For another story about the Converse series of rock & roll shoes which includes two styles honoring The Doors, go to: http://blastmagazine.com/the-magazine/culturefashion/2008/11/the-converse-music-collection/ Another story link can be found in the October 15th news.
============================================================
November 1,
2008 John supports Obama
John Densmore has loaded a 2-minute+
video on YouTube speaking in support of Democratic presidential
candidate Barack Obama. Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYIAatFTcSo
(thanks, David my son)
============================================================
October 31,
2008 Ray to play Seattle
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers will play two nights at
The Triple Door
in Seattle on Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10th. For more info or to
purchase tickets, go to:
http://www.thetripledoor.net/event.aspx?eid=3834&venue=mainstage
(thanks, Steve and George)
============================================================
October 30,
2008 Wild Child story <> Angelo Barbera
gig
Wild Child front man Dave Brock
and the band got a nice write-up in the latest Inland Empire Weekly. Dave
tells an interesting story of how he came to front what is surely the best known
and the longest running Doors tribute band out there! Read it at:
http://www.ieweekly.com/cms/story/detail/full_of_grace/1754/
(thanks, George)
Angelo Barbera was bass player for the Robby Krieger Band followed by The Doors of the 21st Century for its first few years. You can catch him playing with his band i-94 on Friday, November 9th at Genghis Cohn on North Fairfax in Los Angeles. (I've seen them a number of times, and they rock!) For more info, visit the band's website at: http://www.i94music.com/
============================================================
October 29,
2008 Doors items in Christies auction
<> NYC's Rock Hall Annex
A rare "Light My Fire" Jim Morrison poster
created by
Paul Ferrara
is on sale through Christies Auction House, New York City, Sale
#2063. It is Lot #292 and expected to fetch between $2,000 to $3,000. In
addition to the large image of Jim, there is a film strip of more than a dozen
additional shots down the left side along the LMF lettering.
(Paul also conceived and created the tour program, another much-sought-after
rarity.) View the auction poster at:
http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot_details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5144896&sid=dd665ffe-90d5-4a60-b10c-f95b35aae463
However, if you are interested in bidding on this item, you might be better
served to purchase one through DCM at
www.doors.com,
where Kerry is selling a few that were obtained directly from and are
individually signed by Paul Ferrara himself! To see that instead, go to:
http://www.doors.com/door_mem/posters/ and
scroll down to the second item listed on that page. Also in this Christies
auction as Lot #293 is a Jim Morrison hand-written poem titled "Cheyenne" which
is estimated to fetch $4,000. to $6,000. Check it out at:
http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot_details.aspx?from=searchresults&pos=3&intObjectID=5144897&sid=,dd665ffe-90d5-4a60-b10c-f95b35aae463
Sale #2063 ends on November 24th.
(thanks, David my son)
And speaking of hand written Jim Morrison poems ... November 24th is the date that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex opens in New York City at 76 Mercer Street. Read the latest story at: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Soho-Calling-The-Rock-Roll/story.aspx?guid={755589BC-644F-42FA-997A-670BFA3389C2}
============================================================
October 25,
2008 Robby charity concert <> Bobby
Klein photos <> peace totem <> UK story <> Hard Rock cafe pic <> more Hard
Rock cafe <> Rock Hall induction
Robby Krieger
and
Friends will play a charity
concert to
benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation on Sunday night, November 16th at The
Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California, as previously reported. A story
about the golf tournament that is a part of this event appears in a story on the
cybergolf.com website. Read all about it at:
http://www.cybergolf.com/golf_news/golf_tournament_to_benefit_pat_tillman_foundation
For venue information, go to:
http://www.canyonclub.net/index.html
For tickets, call the club directly or go to:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900413D87E44342?artistid=1261504&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1
Photographer Bobby Klein is selling 299 1967 photos of The Doors, along with original negatives and copyright and repro rights on eBay for $150,000. (or else an offer). Samples of these well-known photos can be seen on the eBay auction which ends later today. Check it out at eBay auction #200264178916. (thanks, Gilles)
A "peace totem" with carvings of Morrison, Lennon, Joplin and Hendrix by artist Benjamin Lucas is en route to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Lucas apparently lived (or maybe still does) in the 'Love Street' house in Laurel Canyon. It is an interesting story, complete with photos of the carving in process. Check it out at: http://peacetotem.com/index.html (thanks, sister Bobbie)
"Rock Stars Don't Always Rest In Peace" is the title of a story in Times Online. The story suggests that Jim might have preferred cremation to the commotion at his final resting place. Read it at: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5002900.ece
The original Hard Rock Cafe located in the bowels of downtown Los Angeles has been closed and shuttered for many years. Because of its location, it is recommended that fans do NOT seek this address out! Doors fan Ben has shared with me a recent photo which shows that the address has finally found a new life in the form of Green Apple Market ... see it at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leavetheguntakethecannoli/2965046056/sizes/m/ There are almost 60 more of Ben's great shots of L.A. Doors landmarks on his Flickr page at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leavetheguntakethecannoli/sets/72157604912450759/with/2340723567/ (thanks, Ben)
I decided to try to chronicle the Hard Rock Cafe's appearance over the years from available photos. Check it out here.
The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1993 on January 12th (karmically, it was also my birthday). If you have never seen Eddie's induction speech and the acceptance speeches by Anne Morrison, Robby, Ray and John, then check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKiKHJmC9VQ (thanks, Fred)
============================================================
October 20,
2008 Robby on November 6th!
Robby
Krieger will
be playing at the Hendrix tribute show in Seattle on Thursday, November
6th. There was a date conflict, as he is also listed as a participant in a
charity golf tournament in Ojai, California on that same date along with Ray,
but management has confirmed for me that Seattle has all the luck on that day!
For more info, go to: http://www.theparamount.com/artists/?artist=850
============================================================
October 19,
2008 Robby in San Francisco & Spokane &
Portland
Robby
Krieger is
listed as one of the
guest performers at the "Experience Hendrix 2008 Tribute Tour" on Monday, November
3rd when it plays the Nob Hill Masonic Temple in San Francisco. For
more info, go to:
http://www.masonicauditorium.com/aboutus/contact.html
The next show listed is the INB Performing Arts Center
(Spokane Opera House) in Spokane, Washington on Wednesday, November 5th. For
more info, go to:
http://www.inbpac.com/inbevents.php
On Friday, November 2nd, the tour stops at
the Portland Center For The Performing Arts (PCPA) in Portland, Oregon. For
more info, go to:
http://www.pcpa.com/events/event.php?run=1523
These three shows are in addition to L.A.'s Greek Theatre
on Sunday, November 2nd and (possibly) Seattle on Thursday, November 6th.
The 2008 Experience Hendrix Tour website at
http://www.experiencehendrixtour.com/schedule.php
is my source for these tour dates. Robby is no longer listed for the Vegas
show on Saturday, November 1st.
============================================================
October 16,
2008 Robby on November 6th!
Robby
Krieger is
listed as one of the
guest performers at the Hendrix tribute show in Seattle on Thursday, November
6th. Confusing though, is that Robby is also listed as a participant in a
charity golf tournament in Ojai, California on that same date, along with Ray.
I will try to get clarification on where Robby will be that day! For info
on the Hendrix show in Seattle, go to:
http://www.theparamount.com/artists/?artist=850
(thanks, Brandon)
============================================================
October 15,
2008 Converse shoes <> Robby & Ray in
golf tourney <> Ray guests at NORML <> correction to credit for Matrix download
samples
The forthcoming Converse
shoes honoring The Doors
are revealed in a new story today on GoFigureMag.com
although there is no availability date indicated. There are two styles
shown: the high-top shows Jim only, but I cannot quite figure out the
artwork on the other: possibly, Jim collapsed on the stage ... but are the
other guys depicted? I can't tell for certain, but I sure hope so ...
The Doors are a band of four. Check it out for yourself at:
http://www.gofiguremag.com/2008/10/15/converse-debuts-its-premium-inspired-music-and-culture-collections-the-doors/
Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek will both participate in a Celebrity Golf Classic on Thursday, November 6th as a kickoff event for the 2008 Ojai Film Festival. Proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Resource Center at Community Memorial Hospital and the Ojai Film Festival. For more information, go to: http://ojaivalleynews.blogspot.com/2008/10/stars-tee-it-up-for-ojai-film-festival.html
Ray Manzarek is one of the featured guests at NORML's 37th annual national conference, "It's Not Your Parents' Prohibition' this weekend. The conference is this Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18, at the Doubletree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center in Berkeley, California. For more information, go to: http://blog.norml.org/2008/10/13/last-chance-to-register-for-norml’s-2008-national-conference/
The links provided last week to download the samples of "The Doors Live At The Matrix" should be properly credited to Glenn, Jim4371, and DJ Vera from www.thefreedomman.com (thanks, Simone)
============================================================
October 10,
2008 Robby on Planet Green show <> download Matrix samples
Robby
Krieger was one of the guest
performers at the taping of Planet Green channel's
'Battleground Earth' finale concert at L.A.'s Greek Theatre back on May 28th.
'Battleground Earth' has been a television series with Tommy Lee and Ludacris
"going green" as they travel around (or, something like that!).
Anyway, that Greek Theatre show FINALLY gets broadcast this Sunday evening from
6pm to 8pm on Planet Green channel (PLGN). Watch for Robby to appear with
Pat Monahan and Train. For more info about this show finale, go to:
http://www.realtelevision.net/2008/10/10/battleground-earth-finale-this-sunday/
"The Doors Live At The Matrix" CD is scheduled for a November 25th release date and yesterday I posted a link where you can listen to samples of the songs. If you want to actually download the samples, go to: www.doorscollectors.com/simone/matrix7samples.zip and www.doorscollectors.com/simone/matrix10samples.zip (thanks, Simone)
============================================================
October 9,
2008 John missed fundraiser <> sample
the new Matrix CD <> Robby to play benefit concert
John Densmore
apparently cancelled
his scheduled appearance with Hani Naser at the Oakland,
California 'Oakland Rocks For Change' fundraiser for Barack Obama back on
September 16th. Read about the rest of that program's line-up at:
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/64112/oakland-rocks-for-change/
"The Doors Live At The Matrix" CD is scheduled for a November 25th release date, but you can listen to samples of the songs at this location: http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7770301 (thanks, Simone)
Robby Krieger and Friends will play a charitable benefit for the Pat Tillman Foundation on Sunday night, November 16th at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California. That's the good news. The bad news is that ticket prices for this benefit are $250. each (which includes hors d'oeuvres), so I hope there is someone who can go and report back about the show! For venue information, go to: http://www.canyonclub.net/index.html For tickets, call the club directly or go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900413D87E44342?artistid=1261504&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1
============================================================
October 7,
2008 Ray at film festival <> Jim's
grave being vandalized <> 'Strange Days' story <> Doors song on t.v. <> 2009
calendar <>
R.I.P. Sebring
Ray Manzarek was
scheduled to
appear along with other musicians last Friday night in
Mill Valley, CA following clips from the 1972 concert film, 'Last Days of the
Fillmore.' This event was part of the Mill Valley Film Festival.
As a result of Jim Morrison's gravesite being vandalized by fans, security guards have been employed to patrol around the clock. It has been my experience that there was always a guard when I visited, even during off-peak anniversary dates. But a recent story has popped up a few times about this, so maybe the around-the-clock patrol is new. Read the full story at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/3098803/Security-guards-patrol-Jim-Morrisons-grave-to-ward-off-vandals.html (thanks, Simone)
A story titled 'How The Doors Produced Strange Days' ran in last week's UK Sunday Times on-line. Read it at: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article4826076.ece (thanks, Matt)
The fifth season premiere of the t.v. show 'Desperate Housewives' featured Bree's husband doing his best Jim Morrison impersonation while singing 'Break On Through' on karaoke night at a bar. That was in the background behind another scene, but the amusing thing is that it was Kyle MacLachlan, who - of course - played Ray in Oliver Stone's "The Doors" movie. (thanks, Britni)
A 2009 calendar from Shearson titled "A Walk In Paris" features a photo of Pere-Lachaise for February. I get Paris calendars every year but this is the first time I've seen the cemetery included in the photos.
============================================================
September 25,
2008 Mogwai song title
"I'm Jim Morrison,
I'm Dead"
is the opening track on the new Mogwai release titled 'The Hawk
Is Howling.' Sheesh! I don't even want to hear it.
============================================================
September 23,
2008 Ray on L Studio <> Ray call-in interview <> Classic Album series on
t.v.
Ray Manzarek
is featured in a
video on the L Studio, launched today by Lexus. This is
described as 'a new web hub for creative innovation, featuring an eclectic mix
of snazzy original web video content'! To see Ray's video, go to:
http://lstudio.lexus.com/#vid1156
There may be more than one with Ray, but I could only find this
one for starters. To learn more about this series, go to:
http://news.tubefilter.tv/2008/09/23/lisa-kudrows-web-therapy-headlines-lexus-l-studio-launch/
Ray Manzarek can be heard in a 14-minute call-in interview earlier today with DJ John DeBella on Philadelphia's 102.9 WMGK. Catch it at: http://wmgk.com/Audio/tabid/209/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1053/Ray-Manzareck-Interview.aspx
"The Doors: Classic Albums" series is being broadcast again this Thursday on VH1 Classic channel at 8pm (check local listings). To see the entire show, you need to buy the DVD but you can see much of it in this hour-long show.
============================================================
September 19,
2008 Robby to play in Vegas
Robby Krieger is among
the guest performers listed for the "Experience Hendrix 2008
Tribute Tour" when it plays The Pearl at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas on November
1st. Tickets go on sale on Saturday at noon through Ticketmaster. For more info, go to:
http://www.experiencehendrixtour.com/schedule.php
Stay tuned for more Robby dates as they get announced, as he is supposed to play
five shows on the Hendrix tour.
============================================================
September 17,
2008 Matrix release due
The Doors Music Company
announced yesterday that 'Live At The
Matrix 1967' shows will be released on November 18th by Rhino and Bright
Midnight Archives. This long-awaited released will be a 2-CD set.
Artist Stanley Mouse designed the cover as an original piece of poster art.
To read the full press release and track listing,
go here
(thanks, George)
============================================================
September 16,
2008 John at L.A. play
John Densmore attended the opening night of 'Be Bop A Lula', a play about Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran, at
the Cat Club on the Sunset Strip on Monday evening. The play has a run of
three Monday nights, so there are two chances left to see it, September 22 and
29. Read the full story at:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09162008/gossip/pagesix/tales_behind_the_doors_129243.htm
============================================================
September 15,
2008 Robby with Wild Child <> Doors on
Smothers Bros. DVD <> Robby at Greek
Robby Krieger showed up as a
surprise guest on Saturday night when L.A.-based Doors tribute band
Wild Child played a
two-set show at the Whisky. Doggone it, I was at a concert elsewhere and
missed this, but the report is that Robby's son Waylon joined the band on stage
first ... and then Robby! Anyone who was there and can provide more
info: please write! (thanks, Steve)
"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: The Best of Season 3" gets released on DVD tomorrow. Naturally, The Doors' appearance is included in the set, as well as comments from John Densmore. Read the full story at: http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/34677/smothers-brothers-comedy-hour-season-3-the/
Robby Krieger is among the guest performers listed for the "Experience Hendrix 2008 Tribute Tour" when it plays L.A.'s Greek Theater on Sunday, November 2nd. Other performers include Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson and others. Tickets go on sale on September 20th. For more info, go to: http://www.nederlanderconcerts.com/events/event_info.asp?ID=1479 Stay tuned for more Robby dates as they get announced, as he is supposed to play 'selected dates' on this tour.
============================================================
September 14,
2008 LM2X in GHWT
"Love Me Two Times" is one of the
songs included in Guitar Hero World Tour. Also in that
line-up is The Cult's "Love Removal Machine." For the full set list, read
the O.C. Register rock columnist's blog at:
http://soundcheck.freedomblogging.com/2008/09/12/guitar-hero-unveils-setlist-as-rockband-2-ships/
============================================================
September 12,
2008 Ray in Fillmore DVD
Ray Manzarek is one of the guest
appearances
in a forthcoming documentary DVD called "Fillmore: Last Days".
Currently scheduled for release on November 11, it gets a screening on October
3rd at the Mill Valley Film Festival. Read the full story at:
http://www.thecelebritycafe.com/features/19943.html
============================================================
September 11,
2008 Morrison Hotel <> Classic Rock
mag <> Angelo Barbera new CD
The Morrison Hotel is still standing
in all its shabby, boarded-up glory. I cruised by last
night while en route to a show in downtown L.A. and took a few pictures.
It looks pretty much the same as previous photos I have posted except that the
entire street level is no longer boarded up with plywood ... only the doors and
windows still are.
See latest photos here.
FINALLY I got my hands on the Classic Rock magazine with Jim on the cover and the bonus DVD ... so it has finally hit the U.S. shores! I have not had a chance to watch the DVD or read the stories, but the first album did make #6 in the list called "The 42 Essential Psychedelic Albums Of All Time". If you are looking for this (high-priced) issue, this is the cover: http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/page/classicrock?entry=the_doors_and_the_psychedelic
Angelo Barbera was bass player for The Doors of the 21st Century for several years and before that, the Robby Krieger Band. Since then, he has been playing with i-94. They have just released their latest CD called "Not Only But Also". For more info or to purchase through their website, go to: http://www.i94music.com/
============================================================
September 10,
2008 Robby plays Jimi <> John in
Oakland <> Jim in exhibition <> Soft Parade bass player <> Classic Rock mag <>
Jim biographer appearance
Robby Krieger will be
playing selected dates on the Experience Hendrix 2008
Tribute Tour. Robby was a part of this event last year, as well.
For more info, go to:
http://www.experiencehendrixtour.com/index.php
At this time, I have no idea which shows will include
Robby, so please don't write to ask. If I get that info, I'll announce it.
John Densmore with Hani Naser will be among the performers on September 16th at Oakland Rocks For Change in Oakland, California. To read more about this event, go to: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=22853
Proud Galleries in Camden, London are presenting an exhibition called 'Forever 27' through November 9th that honors -- you guessed it -- celebrities who died at the age of 27. For more information, go to: http://www.proud.co.uk/forever-27-c-114.html (thanks, Chris) For another story about the exhibition: http://www.photographypress.co.uk/news/news.phtml/6896/7920/Forever-27-exibition-ill-fated-musicians.phtml
Harvey Brooks was one of the additional musicians who played on the Soft Parade album. To check out a YouTube video of him discussing that experience, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz1E7Sy-Bzw
I'm still waiting for the special edition of Classic Rock magazine with Jim on the cover to arrive at local stores. This issue titled The Doors & The Psychedelic Revolution, contains a free DVD with interviews and extras. (thanks, Gilles and Simone). To see the cover of the mag and learn more about what this issue contains, go to: http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/page/classicrock?entry=the_doors_and_the_psychedelic
Mark Opsasnick, the author of 'The Lizard King Was Here', will be doing his last speaking appearance of 2008 next Thursday, September 18 at Kensington Row Bookshop in Kensington, Maryland. For more info, go to: http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/author.asp?authorid=5737
============================================================
September 6,
2008 Rock Hall exhibit ended <>
Perception box set re-issue <> Jim Morrison's final notebook auction
The 'Break On Through' exhibit at Cleveland's
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame came to a close on
Monday, September 1st. It opened Memorial Day weekend (late May) in 2007,
so it had a good long run. The Director of Curatorial told me last
week that since the exhibit opened, The Doors Greatest Hits has been the #1
selling CD in their museum store. It was indeed a rare honor and
pleasure to have been able to contribute 40 items from my own collection to this
exhibit. Photographs are never permissible inside the museum, but I was
allowed to take many pictures on the day before the exhibit opened when I was
there for the grand opening and reception. Now that it has been
de-installed, I am able to share photos of the portion of The Doors exhibit that
featured my items. I will be working on that over the next few days and
hope to be able to upload them very soon.
The Doors Music Company is releasing the Perception box set in a new slipcase edition on September 30th. The website is accepting pre-orders, and five random pre-order customers will receive an autographed version of the box set, signed by Ray, Robby, and John. For more info or to pre-order, go to: http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_14343
Jim Morrison's "final notebook of poetry and musings" went on auction on September 4th at the Idea Generation Gallery in London and sold for £58,000, or approximately $82,500. U.S. dollars. The 20-page, spiral-backed notebook contains jottings and thoughts and some lyrics for songs and poems which may have been the last he ever wrote. Supposedly, he gave it to a friend a few days before his death. Its estimated value at the auction was £100,000. To read one of the stories, go to: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2684648/Scorched-Jimi-Hendrix-guitar-sells-for-280000.html
============================================================
August
20,
2008 Riders message to fans <> CA
Supreme Court decision <> Paul Ferrara & Doors 'remix' <> Jim on Classic Rock
cover <> Doors on 'Saving Grace'
Riders On The Storm confirmed the upcoming
tour dates on their official site last Friday,
accompanied by the following statement: "To
the fans: After having performed to a record 17,000+ screaming fans at an
"absolutely free" show in Buffalo, New York, at The Molson Concert Series, we
have decided to put on a string of dates that are a little more "paycheck
friendly" given the state of our economy. Buffalo's turnout made it pretty
obvious that the fans want to hear this great music. But with gasoline
teetering at $4.00 per gallon, unemployment on the rise, and a housing market in
shambles, it can be difficult to find money for entertainment, especially with
"big tour" tickets in the $100.00 to $1000.00 range for a single stub.
Every show on this tour has tickets priced at $50.00 and below. The
economy, and the rising expense of touring a band, which has been passed on in
high ticket prices, has created a scenario where the average, hard working
American can no longer afford a night out of great live music. Hopefully,
this will give those folks a chance for some great entertainment at a reasonable
price. The band appreciates the fans that have been there over the past
six years, and look forward to performing for the faithful and new fans in years
to come. Thank you, and see you at the show! - Management"
And speaking of great live music ... today's L.A. Times carries the story that the California Supreme Court has denied the long-pending appeal that would have allowed Ray and Robby to use The Doors name as they continue to tour and perform, keeping the band's music alive for old and new fans worldwide. The story is accompanied by a photo taken by Paul Ferrara in happier times. To read the story, go here
And speaking of Paul
Ferrara ... if you read his
autobiography
'Flash Of Eden',
you know about some tracks that Paul and his first wife Georgia recorded with
help from Ray, Robby and John which appear on
"The Paul and Georgia Album".
One of the songs called 'Hopi' was chosen to be remixed by Ganz De Ville and
Shaidon Effect, techno re-mix wizards in Berlin, Germany. You can listen
to it at:
http://www.02l.net/node/182
or through Paul
Ferrara's website
at:
www.paulferrara.net
Jim Morrison makes the cover
of Classic Rock Magazine ... not sure what month
the issue is and I have not found it locally yet, since the issues appear in the
U.S. many weeks after they hit the stands in Europe.
(thanks,
Gilles)
The August 18th episode
of 'Saving Grace' on TNT mentioned Jim Morrison,
The Whisky and 'The End.' Grace and the Angel debated whether 'The End' is
about the end of life or the end of a relationship ... which I have pondered
myself! I did not see the show so I don't know what they concluded.
(thanks,
Christopher)
============================================================
August
15,
2008 Riders shows confirmed & two more
added <> Rock Hall annex in NYC
Riders On The Storm's U.S. tour has now
been confirmed on the Appearances page on Ray's website at:
http://www.raymanzarek.us/appear.html
with a listing of the dates I have been sharing
for the past week, as well as two more shows: Rochester, NY on September
16 and Detroit, MI on September 19. Venue links are provided in the
calendar below.
A Jim Morrison handwritten poem will be one of the memorabilia items on display at an annex to Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which is set to open in November at 76 Mercer Street in New York City. Read the stories at: http://www.nbc10.com/travelgetaways/17193196/detail.html and http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aUhchdn4XerM&refer=home
============================================================
============================================================
Jim Morrison's "death benefits card" went on the auction block on August 5th by Cameo auctioneers in Reading, Berks, UK. It was expected to fetch $3,000 or more. I followed up with Cameo and was advised the item sold for £2000, which converts to approximately $3,808. USD.
============================================================
Riders On The Storm played a free concert last night in Lockport, New York as part of the Molson Canal Concert Series. According to an on-line story today, this was the sixth concert of the eight-concert series and Riders created the largest turn-out of any of the shows to date, a 'massive crowd'. To read the story, go to: http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/local_story_221223755.html
A soap opera called "One Life To Live" has been doing a 40th anniversary theme for that show's 40th anniversary, and they have gone back in time to 1968. Yesterday's show was called 'Hello I Love You'. They used that song, said it was on the Top 40 during this week in 1968, and they played the song in its entirety! (thanks, pazin)
============================================================
August
4,
2008 Tribaljazz this weekend
John Densmore's Tribaljazz will perform this coming
Saturday, August 9th at the San Jose Jazz Festival in San Jose, California,
according to an on-line story in today's Mercury News. Read it at: http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_10094138
For more info on the event, go to: http://www.sanjosejazz.org
============================================================
July 31,
2008 Riders free show coming up
(maybe?)
Back on June 9th I reported that
Riders On The Storm are playing the free Molson Canal Concert
Series in Lockport, New York on August 8th. That was based on a story in a
Buffalo, NY publication. The band is still listed for this concert series
on that date, although there is no mention of it on the band's official website
(go figger). For more info about the Molson Canal Concert Series,
go to:
http://canalconcerts.com/
============================================================
July 30,
2008 Morrison rarity auction <> Riders
On The Storm reviews <> another book <> BMA discography
Jim Morrison's "death benefits card"
is the latest unusual rarity going on the auction block.
This item is being sold by Cameo auctioneers in Reading, Berks, UK on August
5th, and is expected to fetch 3,000 or more. To read the full story, go
to:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2474064/Jim-Morrisons-death-benefits-card-to-be-auctioned.html
Riders On The Storm performed at Sheraton's Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal on July 18th. The Portugal News Online printed a review of the show: http://www.the-news.net/cgi-bin/google.pl?id=969-32 Another publication called Euro Weekly News also ran a review, at: http://www.euroweeklynews.com/news/9617.html
Jim Morrison is the subject of yet another book. This paperback is called 'Jim Morrison - The Poet and the Singer' by author Viktoria Sereg. The book info can be found on Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Morrison-Character-Personality-Thinking/dp/3836498502/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217485948&sr=8-1 (thanks, Gilles)
Italian fan site 'Flash Of Eden' has started a Bright Midnight Records discography, which is in both Italian and English and divided into three parts: US, European and promo discographies. Check it out at: http://www.doorscollectors.com/ (thanks, Simone)
============================================================
July 21,
2008 ROTS in Antwerp <> Morrison's
'final notebook' auction
Riders On The Storm played Antwerp, Belgium on a rainy day, but a fan
reported that it was still a fantastic concert. Supposedly there are four
videos from that show posted at
www.sterf.be ... I
could only find one, but maybe I didn't try hard enough to find the rest.
(thanks, Roland)
Jim Morrison's "final notebook of poetry and musings" is going on auction on September 4th at the Idea Generation Gallery in London. For more information on auction, go to: http://www.ideageneration.co.uk/generationgallery.php and scroll down to bottom of page. Another story about this sale (main feature is a torched Hendrix guitar) can be found at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7511295.stm
============================================================
July 13,
2008 ROTS to tour U.S.? <> "I Remember"
on DVD <> Hard Rock, LA <> ROTS Forum review
Riders On The Storm are working on
a tour of the United States (finally!) in September, according to
a statement on the band's official website.
Al Graham's biography "I Remember" about ex-brother-in-law Jim Morrison, is available on a 54-minute DVD. For more info, go to: http://www.ghostradionetwork.com/fuel/i-remember-jim-morrison-dvd/
My friend Mark braved L.A.'s skid row recently to see what the building which housed the original Hard Rock, photographed by Henry Diltz with the band for the Morrison Hotel album, is up to these days. Happily, Mark lived to tell about it and sent me a current photo of the building. It may be vacant and shuttered, but it's still standing, like the Morrison Hotel building is. see Hard Rock photo (thanks, Mark F.)
Riders On The Storm played London's Forum on July 8th. A fan who was at the show has provided the set list and a review (which has been edited for content and length). To read, go here (thanks, Gary)
============================================================
July 10,
2008 CD singles discography <> Jim &
D.C. coffeehouses
Italian fan site First Flash Of Eden
has recently added a section called The Doors Official CD Singles Discography. The site is available for
viewing in both Italian and English. Check it out at:
http://www.doorscollectors.com/
(thanks, Simone)
Mark Opsasnick, author of “The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison” recently had an article published in the current issue of Beltway Poetry Quarterly (Volume 9, No. 3, Summer 2008). The article entitled "Coffee, Confusion and Jim Morrison: The Forgotten History of Hip Coffee Houses and Beatnik Poets In the Nation's Capitol" can be read at this link: http://washingtonart.com/beltway/opsasnik.html (thanks, Mark)
============================================================
July 2,
2008 Planet Rock radio <> 'Love Story'
<> Jim's grave in mag
July is "Doors month" on the UK's Planet Rock,
as notified earlier today by Strange Days Newsletter.
There will be exclusive on-air interviews with Robby and Ray, reminisces from
Alice Cooper, and contests to win memorabilia. Kerry was kind enough to
include various time zones for the broadcasts, so those are reflected below in
the calendar. Missed broadcasts can be heard for a week after each
program's original air date. To get to Planet Rock's 'The Doors
MiniSite', go to:
http://www.planetrock.co.uk/sectional.asp?id=26690
To read a brief story about this program that I got last
week, go to:
http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1034695&c=1
I got to see 'Love Story', the forthcoming DVD about Arthur Lee and Love, when it was screened on Sunday as part of the L.A. Film Festival. Besides being a a poignant and bittersweet film with vintage clips and plenty of interviews with Arthur and the other band members, it also featured lots and lots of interview segments with John Densmore, Jac Holzman and Bruce Botnick. The DVD's release date is July 29th.
'Westways' is a periodical put out by AAA (Automobile Association of America). It typically features several photos taken by subscribers who took their issue with them on vacation and got a photo taken of the issue along with some landmark. The issues are very specific to the subscriber's area of residency. The latest issue sent to the San Diego area includes a photo of the magazine at Jim's grave in Paris. see photo (thanks, Steve)
============================================================
June 18,
2008 Ty Dennis blog <> Brett in Gibson
jam <> off-spec vinyl box sets <> Morrison t-shirts
Riders On The Storm drummer Ty
Dennis did a blog post for Modern Drummer. Check
it out at:
http://www.bosphoruscymbals.com/blog/2008/06/ty-dennis-with-doors-krieger-and.html
Riders On The Storm front man Brett Scallions
will be performing as part of an all-star line-up in the Gibson Rock Star Jam in
Nashville this weekend during Summer NAMM 2008. Read the full story at:
http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/2008/Gibson-Guitar-Baldwin-Piano-Summer-NAMM-2008-.html
If you want to get the recently released vinyl box set and will settle for some sets with slight damage or missing the shrink wrap, then check out Amazon.com's new "warehouse deals" feature at http://www.warehousedeals.com/The-Doors-Vinyl-Box-180Gram-LPs/M/B000LRY9P4.htm (thanks, Mark)
Jim Morrison t-shirts are on sale at some major retailers in the U.K. Go to: http://xml.riverisland.com/flash/content.php ... go to "men" at top of page, click on "tops" and then "t-shirts" .. on page 4 is a multiple image of Jim on a turquoise shirt. Another source can be found at: http://www.burton.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=20553&storeId=12551&categoryId=63432&parent_category_rn=63428&productId=727257&langId=-1 (thanks, Dave)
============================================================
June 15,
2008 Guitar Hero rumor <> Jac Holzman video
This story is purely rumor; it comes from
a website that collects rumors. The page states 'RUMOR' at the top of the
story ... The Doors are mentioned in an article about Guitar Hero World
Tour's new guitar. Read the story at: http://kotaku.com/5016620/guitar-hero-world-tours-new-guitar-control-revealed-priced
Jac Holzman can be seen unveiling the Elektra Records boxset in a 4-minute clip on YouTube. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85JD-vpzGb4 (thanks, Gilles)
============================================================
June 12,
2008 Alexandria Times story
The Alexandria Times recently ran a story
about Jim Morrison and the book "The Lizard King Was Here:
The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia" by Mark Opsasnick.
To read it, go to: http://www.alextimes.com/article.asp?article=9877&paper=1&cat=149
(thanks, Mark)
============================================================
June 9,
2008 Robby & Camp Freddy <> ROTS in NY? <>
Tribaljazz in Canada? <> John on Bo <> set lists updated <> Nico on Jim <>
Val and Oliver at screening <> bootleg discography <> Jim & roller coaster ride
<> Jim in 'Control' <> Final 24 on YouTube <> Rue Beautreillis Cafe on YouTube
Robby Krieger was one of the
special guests with Camp Freddy at The Roxy on May
29th, as previously reported. A story on Blabbermouth details the entire
set list, all the guests, and includes a bunch of YouTube videos of the show.
When you scroll down the story, you can see one of Robby and Billy Idol, et al
performing L.A. Woman. Go to:
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98135
(thanks, David my son)
Riders On The Storm may be playing at the Molson Canal Concert Series in Lockport, New York (near Niagara Falls) on according to a story in the Buffalo News yesterday. This show has not yet been announced or confirmed on the band's official website. Read full story and line-up at: http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/363162.html
John Densmore's Tribaljazz will be performing in Windsor, Ontario, Canada as part of that city's kickoff of Carrousel of The Nations, if I am reading a story correctly. Opening weekend is June 13-15, and the story says Tribaljazz is playing on that Sunday. I found nothing on the band's MySpace page or website about this yet, so don't take my word for it. Read the full story at: http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/entertainment/story.html?id=809c4a5b-03ed-4e6b-a539-f319d8dd3099
When Bo Diddley passed away last
week, legendary L.A. Jim Ladd put on a special show
that included a 90-minute tribute to the man. The program included phone
calls from John Densmore and George Thorogood, according to a story in the
Orange County Register. Read full column at:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/news-radio-programs-2061267-music-station
Ray Manzarek's webmaster has added a
whole bunch of set lists from Riders On The Storm shows from the
latest tour south of the border. To get caught up on those, go to:
http://www.raymanzarek.us/pastappear.html and
scroll past the listing of all the tour dates (OODLES OF THEM) to the very
bottom, and click on the last link for the set lists ... or else, just go
directly to:
http://www.raymanzarek.us/D21Csetlists.html
Audio of Nico discussing Jim Morrison can be found on this YouTube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XznC8PzQrJo&feature=related (thanks, Gilles)
"The Doors" movie by Oliver Stone was screened at a fundraiser in Shreveport, Louisiana on Sunday. Both Stone and Val Kilmer were on hand to discuss the movie and meet with fans. Read the full story at: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/NEWS01/806090317/1060
Italian fan site First Flash Of Eden has recently added a section called The Doors Bootleg CD Discography. The webmaster intends to add two boots every week. The site is available for viewing in both Italian and English. Check it out at: http://www.doorscollectors.com/ (thanks, Simone)
Magic Mountain, an amusement park north of Los Angeles, has a revamped roller coaster ride called X2. According to friend Mark who was there with his daughter recently: "As part of the ride's makeover they gave it kind of a hard rock / industrial / matrix-terminator / comic book / goth / headbanger / fire breathing dragon / punk / fantasy type theme, with t.v. monitors blasting Hendrix and Zeppelin in the queue line. Inside the station is a huge video screen showing gonzo coaster animation along with an ear-splitting mix of music and sound effects. And in the middle of this cacophony, a familiar voice starts intoning above it: 'Is everybody in? Is everybody in? Is everybody in? The ceremony is about to begin.' The phrase plays repeatedly while people are waiting their turn to board the coaster." I wonder how many riders recognize that! (thanks, Mark)
Reviews of the new movie 'Control' about Joy Division's Ian Curtis, all make mention that there is a sign or poster on the singer's wall that reads "Jim Morrison 1943-1971.
'Final 24' is a t.v. show that attempts to recreates the last 24 hours of celebrities who have left us through interviews and speculation. Jim Morrison was the subject of one of those, which first aired last year. A series of YouTube videos captures that show for those who did not get to see it: Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2GbY3I4Lmk Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWgiHiSOfUQ Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwkEUXgcp84 Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ0uhLQABhU Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dum-qH4x9rc (thanks, Gilles)
Another YouTube video features an interview with the current owner of the Rue Beautrellis Cafe in Paris, located across the street from the apartment where Jim and Pam lived. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM9qT2HCcs4 (thanks, Gilles)
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May 30,
2008 Robby at the Roxy <> more Robby
at the Roxy <> The Doors at your feet
Robby Krieger stole the show (in
my humble opinion) at last night's Camp Freddy performance at the Roxy on the
Sunset Strip. Seriously, these are always star-studded ensembles starting
with the members of Camp Freddy themselves, who are then joined onstage by a
never-ending line-up of guest performers for some terrific cover tunes.
Some of last night's guests included Mark McGrath, Juliette Lewis, Naveen
Andrews (Sayid on 'Lost'), and Billy Duffy. When Robby was (finally)
introduced, it was as 'the man who practically invented the Sunset Strip scene'.
The audience response was resounding: appreciative, thrilled, and excited.
He is literally revered!
Robby took care of some hand-slapping at the very front of the stage and then was
joined by Train front man Pat Monahan, who sang a cover of Led Zep's "Whole
Lotta Love." Pat must be a huge Led Zep fan because he has been covering
"Ramble On" in concert for many years, and even released it as a single.
Anyway ... when that song ended, Pat left and out came Billy Idol and Steve
Stevens for, yes of course: "L.A. Woman." I was disappointed
that Robby did not make it back onstage for the finale, but it was mayhem on
stage at that point. There were probably no amps left because most of the
night's performers were back out there. To learn more about Camp Freddy
and check out their pix and reviews, go to:
campfreddy.net
The band was in NYC the night before so it'll probably take them a few days to get
it updated with the guests and the set list.
Robby's appearance last night at the Roxy, and the entire event in general including all the special guests, is covered in much more detail in a press release today than I could have relayed. To read the press release, go to: http://msopr.com/?q=node/3916 (thanks, George)
Put on your Doors Converse shoes! Yes, that's right. Converse is celebrating 100 years with a Fall 2008 Footwear Collection that pays homage to The Grateful Dead and Kurt Cobain as musicians who have transformed culture and changed the world with shoes designed to honor pioneers of music who have disrupted the status quo. The Doors and The Beatles are next. To read the whole story, go to: http://www.thedailyswarm.com/swarm/grateful-dead-converse/
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May 27,
2008 Ray interview
Ray Manzarek talks about the forthcoming
Doors documentary and other projects just released or in process, in an
interview on Billboard.com. He also mentions that he has four movie
scripts that he is working on. Four scripts!!!! Read the
story at:
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003808282
May 26,
2008 John interview <> Ray offers 'tips' <>
Harrison Ford & Feast of Friends <> Jim's mugshot in museum <> Ludwig drums for
sale
John Densmore and Tribaljazz were performers
yesterday at the UCLA Jazz Fest. The L.A. Times ran an interview with him.
Read it at:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-ca-densmore25-2008may25,0,7411493.story
Ray Manzarek contributes toking tips in a new book called "Pot Culture: The A-Z Guide To Stoner Language and Life." Read more about this book at: http://www.spinner.com/2008/05/23/rockers-speak-bluntly-about-pot-in-new-book/
Actor Harrison Ford was on 'Nightline' a few nights ago. The interviewer brought up the topic of Harrison being a cameraman on The Doors documentary, and Harrison replied that he was a second assistant cameraman. When asked if any of his footage was used in the film, he replied no, it was too out of focus! He went on to say he had a wild time with those guys for a couple of weeks. This is one of the many stories that Paul Ferrara shares in his autobiography, "Flash Of Eden." And to see a shot of Harrison walking through the background in a scene from 'Feast Of Friends', check out this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwmydW_jMJA (thanks, Gilles) Also, check out Paul Ferrara's website at: www.paulferrara.net
A Museum of Crime and Punishment just opened in Washington D.C. And why does that rate a mention here? Because in addition to the real criminals, law enforcement exhibits, old newspapers about infamous crimes, etc., there are also mugshots of American stars who have had run-ins with the law ... and apparently Jim Morrison made it into this museum for the heinous high crime of urinating in public. Read the full story at: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gY3WZQPz_o_YuY1sO8uSUREco02w
An acquaintance has asked me to publicize her vintage mod orange drums which she is trying to sell. I have no personal involvement in this and no information other than what she has provided, so please do not contact me with questions. For more information about these drums, to see pix, or to contact the seller, go here
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May 23,
2008 Doors merch holiday sale <> Brett is
bar owner <> new book about deaths at 27
The Doors on-line store
is doing a special Memorial Day Offer
starting today for everyone on their e-list. The entire order gets 10% off
by entering promo code PEACEFROG at checkout. This offer is good for one
week. They are also offering a tie-in with Rolling Stone subscriptions and
electronic gift certificates. Check out the offers at:
http://clicks1.musictoday.com/cts/click?q=1;103118;l7xa1JqeMPv1iea5rsZr3Q%3D%3D
Riders On The Storm lead singer Brett Scallions co-owns a bar called Snitch in New York City along with partners Scott Weiland and Duff McKagan, according to a story about musicians who own NYC bars. Read the full story at: http://www.amny.com/entertainment/custom/fashion/am-musicbar0522,0,2804613.story
A new book called "The 27s" is about 'The Greatest Myth of Rock & Roll, a unique illustrated book about Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones and two-dozen other 27s'. For more info, go to: http://the27s.com/ (thanks, Gene)
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May 22,
2008 another Robby guest appearance
Robby Krieger makes another guest appearance
with Camp Freddy on Thursday, May 29th at The Roxy on the
fabulous Sunset Strip. This is Camp Freddy's last show in a month-long
residency at that club every Thursday night in May. Camp Freddy shows are
famous for all the unannounced guest artists who join them onstage, and Robby
has had that honor on many prior occasions. For more info about Camp
Freddy, go to: www.campfreddy.net
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May 21,
2008 correction on Robby's guest appearance <>
Tribaljazz distribution deal <> Ray on GoTV <> movie release on Blu-ray
A correction to the story about Robby Krieger's guest
appearance for the final
taping of Planet Green's Battleground Earth at L.A.'s Greek Theatre: I
previously reported this would occur on June 4th, but I stand corrected by a
very credible source! The correct date is Wednesday, May 28th.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the fund created to restore areas
destroyed by recent wildfires in and around Griffith Park. For more info
about this, go to:
http://www.greektheatrela.com/calendar/event_info.asp?ID=1311
John Densmore's Tribaljazz CD has been picked up for distribution by on-line music store Omstream.com Read more about it at: http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/080521/0399195.html
Ray Manzarek has completed an interview with talking and playing for a future episode for GoTV. There is no broadcast info available yet, but check out the site at: www.gotvnetworks.com
Oliver Stone's "The Doors" movie will be released on Blu-ray DVD from Lionsgate on Tuesday, August 12th. For more info about the release specs, go to: http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Lionsgate/Disc_Announcements/Lionsgate_Opening_The_Doors_on_Blu-ray_this_August/1755
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John Densmore and Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman are contributors to a DVD about Arthur Lee and Love, which is due out in North America on July 29th. Read more about this DVD at: http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=115&csid2=844&fid1=31352 and http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/50665-love-documentary-coming-to-dvd-late-lps-reissued
Robby Krieger is one of the guest performers listed for what is described as the final taping of Planet Green's Battleground Earth at L.A. Greek Theatre on June 4th. Proceeds from this event will benefit the fund created to restore areas destroyed by recent wildfires in and around Griffith Park. For more info about this, go to: http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/05/14/ecorazzi-wants-to-give-you-vip-access-to-planet-greens-tommy-lee-and-ludacris-concert-finale/
Classic Rock Magazine (May 2008 cover: 50 Best Live Bands) has a segment on "Bootlegs With A Kick" on page 58. Coming in at #6 on the list is Complete Matrix Club Tapes from 1967: "The Kiss The Stone bootleg label, based in San Marino where a quirk in Italian law allowed it to operate unhindered, scooped up this classic Doors performance and released it on CD in 1994. In 1967 Jim Morrison and his band were operating at the peak of their powers, amply demonstrated by their powerful delivery of Back Door Man, Break On Through and a coruscating version of The End."
============================================================
May 7,
2008 Ray & McClure tonight <> Hard Rock Vault
on-line <> L.A. rock history tour
Ray Manzarek and Michael McClure
are performing tonight at Yoshi's in San Francisco,
along with other members of Big Mix: saxophonist George Brooks, bassist
Rob Wasserman, and drummer Jay Lane. Tonight's program is described as an
evening of sophisticated anti-politics, elegant improvisation, American haiku
and jazz-drenched dharma boogie! Sadly, this notice is too late for anyone
in the bay area who may have wanted to attend.
Several years ago I wrote about a tour I took of the Hard Rock Vault in Orlando, Florida and the amazing Doors memorabilia there. There is now a website that takes you for a tour inside. Read all about it at: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/hard-rock-international-delivers-unprecedented,379181.shtml
Amoeba Records in Los Angeles presents the 'Where The Action Was' rock history tour on Saturday, June 28th. There was one done in February, and pix can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardschave/sets/72157603849459322/ Hint: the door of the Alta Cienega Motel's room 32, a/k/a the 'Jim Morrison Room' is pictured in the slide show, so it follows that it is part of the tour. For more info, go to: http://www.esotouric.com/rock
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May 5,
2008 Corky & Pamela <> Robby and School of Rock
I meant to mention that 'Corky' Courson's
death occurred one day before the anniversary of the
1974 death of his daughter, Pamela Susan. He is survived by his wife,
another daughter and two grandchildren.
Robby Krieger was at The Mint in Los Angeles on Saturday night for the Hollywood School of Rock show. Apparently each show is dedicated to a different band, and this show was about The Doors. I wish I had known about it! Robby even got onstage and played a few songs with them. Robby's friend and frequent collaborator Arthur Barrow is involved in this program. To see a YouTube video of Robby and the young musicians jamming on Roadhouse Blues, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRNl8a8nVhs It's funny watching the young vocalist singing that she woke up this morning and got herself a beer! Another fun video from that show is Light My Fire at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A855NhxqGOQ&feature=related (thanks, Howard)
============================================================
May 4, 2008 R.I.P.
Corky Courson
Columbus 'Corky' Courson,
the father of Pamela Courson, passed away at home in the Santa Barbara
area on April 24th. He was a decorated Navy veteran who served in WWII.
A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on Friday. Condolences to the Courson family. To read the obituary notice from the
Santa Barbara News-Press, go to:
http://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?ID=565285445773164560&Archive=false&Subsection=Obituaries&Section=LOCAL
(thanks, Gene)
============================================================
April
29, 2008 Riders return to Europe
Riders On The Storm will storm
Europe again during the first half of July, according
to new tour dates posted on their website. A total of nine dates are
listed, but 3 of those are "TBA" so far. The shows that are listed begin
with Malta on July 4th and end with Porto, Portugal on July 18th.
The dates, venues and cities announced are in the calendar below.
============================================================
April
24, 2008 review of Ray's new CD <> Japanese EP
discography
A local newspaper's column today
on new instrumental releases included a very positive
review of the new CD release from Ray and slide guitarist Roy Rogers:
Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers "Ballads Before
the Rain" (Friday Music) – Over the past few years,
Huntington Beach-based classic rock label Friday Music has issued a wealth of
winning releases and reissues from the likes of Deep Purple, Paul Rodgers, Tommy
Bolin, Sweet and Richie Furay. Now music fans can thank the Surf City
label for the April 8 release of one of the most stunning soon-to-be-classic
sets of 2008. "Ballads Before the Rain" may boost a new instrumental take on a
few classics (notably the Doors' "The Crystal Ship" and "Riders On The Storm"),
but Manzarek's distinctive and influential keyboard playing is a perfect fit
with Rogers' astonishing guitar work. The blend of rock, jazz, classical
and blues styles showcased here will lead to a new appreciation of Manzarek (who
co-founded the Doors with Jim Morrison in 1965), and – hopefully – greater
recognition of slide guitar virtuoso Rogers. Information: www.fridaymusic.com.
(thanks, George)
The official Doors Japanese EP discography has been updated on First Flash Of Eden, The Doors Italian Fan Club website. It is listed in both Italian and English versions. Check it out at: www.doorscollectors.com (thanks, Simone)
============================================================
April
21, 2008 'Classic Albums' review <> Paul Ferrara film
'Classic Albums - The Doors DVD'
gets released tomorrow, April 22nd. I came
across a great review of this new release on a website called DVDTalk.
Read it at:
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/33013/classic-albums-the-doors/
There is a new film called 'Those Were The Days' on Paul Ferrara's website (www.paulferrara.net) and his MySpace page (MySpace.com/pferrara). With Paul singing Mr. Tambourine Man, there is footage from the first Renaissance Pleasure Faire and elsewhere with Jim, Robby and Lynn, John, Babe Hill, and Paul, plus clips of Paul appearing in a UCLA student film.
============================================================
April
17,
2008 John interview <> new ROTS date added <> Doors DVD
pre-order <> VH1 show <> Ray's new CD <> Ray's website contest
John Densmore has some
Tribaljazz dates coming up, and a student newspaper
from a local college ran an interview with John. Read it at:
http://media.www.lavalleystar.com/media/storage/paper295/news/2008/04/16/ValleyLife/Rock-Legends.Latest.Jazz.Expedition-3329021.shtml
Riders On The Storm have added April 20th in Bogota, Colombia to their tour schedule, but have dropped some other tour dates that were previously provided to me. According to the dates now listed on their official website, Bogota is the last show on the tour.
'Classic Albums - The Doors DVD' will be released on April 22nd. It can be pre-ordered with several bundle options through this link: http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_13417
The BBC series 'Classic Albums' featuring The Doors' "The Doors" is scheduled for VH1 Classic on Tuesday, April 22nd at 8:00 p.m. I have no idea how this show compares to the DVD mentioned above.
Ray Manzarek's new CD collaboration with slide guitarist Roy Rogers can be ordered in Europe at this link: http://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=431798&From=EIL_ZAR-COL-02042008-0915.STT.-DOR-Wed (thanks, Gilles)
Ray Manzarek's webmaster recently announced a new contest that relates to Ray's novel, 'Snake Moon'. For more information and to enter, go to: http://www.raymanzarek.us/snakemooncontest/index.html
============================================================
March
27, 2008 Tribaljazz tour dates <> Robby in indy film <> Ray
wins court reversal <> Classic Album DVD <> Jim on book cover
John Densmore and Tribaljazz
have listed new tour dates on their MySpace page.
In addition to th
e four nights in Seattle in April, there are several shows in L.A. and Hollywood in May, and then a Boston show has been added in early June. See the calendar below for the specifics. (thanks, David)
Robby Krieger will be included in an independent film called "Turn It Up!" The filmmaker's name is Bob Radler, and he writes about this project on Macworld.com. Radler describes it as “an examination of the emotional connection between human beings and guitars — on both personal and societal levels." It will go the film festival route and then maybe to a theatrical release and to DVD. Read the full story at: http://www.macworld.com/article/132711/2008/03/fcpmovies.html
Ray Manzarek won in a Court of Appeals this week in an action against his insurer for refusing to defend him in the lawsuit over the use of the band's name brought by John Densmore in 2003. A thorough explanation of this complicated matter can be found at: http://www.metnews.com/articles/2008/manz032608.htm
The Doors Classic Album DVD release date is April 22nd, according to the Eagle Rock Entertainment website. The DVD will feature interviews from the 3 surviving Doors, Bruce Botnick, Henry Rollins, Perry Farrell, Billy James and Jac Holzman. It will also feature excerpts from most of the songs, with the three Doors demonstrating the instrumental techniques they used on the album, as well as the story behind Moonlight Drive, which was cut from the first album but appeared on the second album in a different arrangement. This all sounds terrific! For more info, go to: http://www.eaglerockent.com/ (thanks, Bruce) The DVD can be pre-ordered through the store on The Doors official website by going to: http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_13417
A new book called "Shrines and Pilgrimage In The New World" by Peter Jan Margry features Jim Morrison on the cover, but the book is not about him, per se. To read the book summary, go to: http://www.aup.nl/do.php?a=show_visitor_book&isbn=9789089640116&l=2
============================================================
March
20,
2008 Kate Moss dancing on the grave <> Riders & Cult in
Portugal
Jim Morrison's grave at Pere
Lachaise in Paris has made the news again. This
time it's because guards allowed supermodel Kate Moss and her boyfriend to visit
the site after the cemetery closed. They were removed after they were
spotted kissing and singing 'Alabama Song' on the grave. Read the
story at:
http://www.showbizspy.com/2008/03/20/kate-moss-in-trouble-with-french-police-for-dancing-on-jim-morrisons-grave/
Riders On The Storm and The Cult are both scheduled to play the Marés Vivas Festival in Portugal between July 17-19, according to stories that have been sent to me. This has not yet been confirmed by Riders management, but it is what is being reported in the media. If you have Portugese language skills, here are links to the stories: http://discodigital.sapo.pt/news.asp?id_news=28570 and http://jn.sapo.pt/2008/03/15/cultura/the_doors_e_cult_mares_vivas.html and http://blitz.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=bz.stories/20456 (thanks, Pedro)
============================================================
March 16,
2008 Robby & Particle in LA <> Brett at benefit show <> new
DVD coming
Robby Krieger joined Particle again on
Friday
night at the El Rey in Los Angeles. This time the
show started with a Particle song that only lasted 15 minutes (Thursday night's
opener went on for 25 minutes!) ... and then Robby and singer Adam Iscove hit
the stage and the real show began. The set list was similar but not
identical to the Anaheim House of Blues: L.A. Woman, Peace Frog, Roadhouse
Blues, Break On Through, Riders On The Storm, new addition Who Do You Love, new
addition Not To Touch The Earth, and Light My Fire. There were about 4
Particle songs interspersed and during one of them, I swear I heard Robby
playing some Away In India. They returned for an encore of Soul
Kitchen, and again they returned for a second encore and performed The End.
It was a late night with the show ending at 1:00 a.m.
Meanwhile, Riders On The Storm front man Brett Scallions was onstage at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood a few miles away on Friday night, performing with Camp Freddy at the Give Me Shelter benefit. This is the show that my friend Beverly and I had tickets for, but instead changed our plans to see Robby with Particle for the second time. To see photos of Brett and others from that benefit show, go to: http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====309406&nbc1=1 (thanks, Beverly)
The Doors have just produced a brand new DVD in association with Eagle Vision, the BBC and VH1. All of the surviving Doors were interviewed, along with Bruce Botnick and others. It is a special on the making of the first Doors record as part of the "Classic Albums" series which focuses on the making of the greatest albums in rock history. I don't have any release date information yet, but will report on it when I do. To see the DVD artwork, go here (thanks, Jay)
============================================================
March 14,
2008 Robby on Rockline <> Robby and Particle: GO!
<> Particle's guest singer <> Ray on UCLA DVD
I don't know how
my Doors radar
missed this one, but Robby was the guest on 'Rockline' on
Wednesday night. All is not lost, as it can be listened to on 'Rockline
Replay' in five segments. To listen, go to: http://www.rocklineradio.com/
and click on Rockline Replay ...
I'm listening to the first segment right now, where they are talking about the
new 'Live In Pittsburgh' release and playing songs from it ... which,
incidentally, is a GREAT show which was just released!
Robby Krieger joined Particle last night (Thursday) at Anaheim's House of Blues. I have seen Particle shows before in the quest of seeing Robby join them for a few songs ... but this show was VERY different and I am so glad that I was there (thanks, Larry!) After Particle began the show with one of their overly-long jam songs, Robby was introduced along with a singer named Adam something. The singer was actually quite good, so I apologize for not catching his last name. They launched into L.A. Woman, followed by Peace Frog, Roadhouse Blues, Break On Through, Riders On The Storm, and Light My Fire, with 2 or 3 more Particle songs interspersed. They returned for an encore of Soul Kitchen. Much to our astonished delight, they returned for a second encore and performed The End ... yes, they sure did! Although The Doors of the 21st Century / D21C / Riders On The Storm do not perform that song in concert, the Robby Krieger Band always did ... and frankly, this show felt more like a Robby Krieger show with the members of Particle as his backing band, than it did a Particle show with Robby as their guest guitarist. Make no mistake, all the members of Particle are outstanding musicians, but I cannot take too much of their music on its own .... but as a backing band for Robby, that is a horse of a different color! It seemed to me that most of the show attendees were there because of Robby, whose appearances with Particle locally have been heavily promoted. And before I forget, I want to give a shout-out to the three young guys I met in the parking lot and again at the front of the stage ... enthusiastic fans who were there because of Robby, just like Beverly and I were! Robby and Particle have two more shows scheduled: tonight (Friday) at the El Rey in Los Angeles, and then the San Diego House of Blues on Saturday. If you are in southern California and were going to miss these shows because Particle is supposedly the headliner, I urge you to re-consider and go!!!!! I'm even trying to change my own Friday night concert plans to go see Robby and Particle again!
Adam Iscove is the name of the singer who was on stage last night at the Anaheim House of Blues, along with Robby and Particle. Adam is the vocalist for an L.A. area band called Allrise. He will be onstage with Robby and Particle again tonight at the El Rey in Los Angeles and tomorrow night at the San Diego House of Blues.
Ray Manzarek is one of the UCLA alumni who contributed to "The UCLA Dynasty", out today on DVD. I think this had been an HBO program originally. The program is about the sports drama on and off court at UCLA during the John Wooden era there. Also contributing to the program are Wayne's World director Penelope Spheeris, actor and former UCLA quarterback Mark Harmon, and former basketball team member and actor Beau Bridges.
============================================================
March 11,
2008 Riders On The Storm go south again <> new Doors book
I would be lying if I pretended
I was not jealous of all the love that Riders On The Storm are
giving to fans south of the border! The confirmed tour begins April 10 in
Sao Pablo, Brazil and concludes April 26th in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
The ten scheduled shows are all now included in the calendar below.
The international Portugese version of a new book about The Doors by Rui Pedro Silva called "Contigo Torno-Me Real" will be released on March 15 at Fnac Colombo in Lisbon, Portugal. Darryl Read and Gary Lucas will both be attending. Rui tells me that there will be an English release of this book (but not for awhile). For more information, check out the invitation here. (thanks, Rui and Gilles)
============================================================
March
9, 2008 Amy Belle does 'Touch Me' <> Pompano Beach ROTS info
Although I have
never heard of Amy Belle, I just found
a story about her which reveals that she recorded a cover of "Touch Me" with
Robby and Ray. To read about her, go to:
http://offthehoox.com/2008/03/08/amy-belle-what-a-star/
At last! Ticket info about the Riders On The Storm benefit concert for the Autism Speaks Foundation on March 29th in Pompano Beach, Florida has finally been posted on the band's website. According to the event website, Riders On The Storm will do a 90-minute set beginning at 3:15. I do not have any other information about this other than what is on this website, so please do not email me with questions; instead, direct them to the event's website. For information, go to: http://ridenow.autismspeaks.org/site/c.jeJRIVOtEnH/b.3751109/
============================================================
March
7, 2008 new Morrison bio due <> Art Kane exhibit
Al Graham's biography "I Remember" about
ex-brother-in-law Jim Morrison is due out on March
14th. For more info or to reserve a copy, go to:
http://www.darkryders.com/darkryders/Indexx.html
Snap Galleries in Birmingham, England is currently exhibiting photography of Art Kane, which includes some shots of The Doors and Jim sitting in on the floor in a hallway, or Jim sitting in a closet with a t.v. and clothes hangers over his head. For more info, go to: http://www.snapgalleries.com/gallery/art-kane/artkane2.html (thanks, Gilles)
============================================================
March
3, 2008 (unconfirmed) ROTS tour dates
Riders On The Storm will play nine shows
in South America in April, according to
http://www.southstarsagency.com/mailing/rots.htm
These
dates have not been announced on the Riders On The Storm website yet. The
first four listed shows are in Brazil: April 9, Rio de Janeiro; April 10,
São Paolo; April 11, Brasilia; April 12, Porto Alegre; then on to Asuncion,
Paraguay on April 13; Santiago, Chile on April 15; Buenos Aires, Argentina on
April 16; Lima, Peru on April 18; and Quito, Ecuador on April 19. Quite a
tour! All these dates have been added to the calendar below.
(thanks, Fernando)
============================================================
March
2, 2008 "Off The Record"
"Off The Record"
on Sunday, March 23rd
will feature the music of The Doors as well as more of Joe
Benson's conversations with John, Robby, Ray and Bruce Botnick. The show
is syndicated and streams live. For more info, go to: http://unclejoe.com/xotr.html
============================================================
February
29, 2008 Tribaljazz shows <> Mexican EP discography <> Final 24
re-run <> Doors song in movie trailer
John Densmore's Tribaljazz
will be doing
4 nights of shows at the Jazz Alley in Seattle, Washington between April
17-20th. From the venue website blurb, it looks like there will be two
shows nightly for the first three nights. For ticket reservations, go to:
http://www.jazzalley.com/artist.asp?artistid=570.
(thanks, Jim)
Italian website First Flash of Eden has just added a Mexican EP discography. This fan site is bi-lingual Italian and English. Check it out at: http://www.doorscollectors.com/ (thanks, Simone)
The 'Final 24' episode on Jim Morrison is being re-run again on Wednesday, March 5th and Thursday, March 6th on the Biography channel. Check local listings.
'Break On Through' is being used in the trailer for a new movie called "21" starring Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishburne. It is a fact-based story about MIT students who were trained to become experts in card counting. The movie has a scheduled release date of March 28th. (thanks, Matthew)
============================================================
February
25, 2008 Riders Mexico tour changes <> Ray's & Roy's release date <>
Al Graham interview
Riders On The Storm's
current tour in Mexico
has a few changes for its last week. I have been advised that a second
night has been added in Toluca on this Wednesday, February 27. The
Durango, Mexico show planned for February 27 is now Friday the 29th. I
don't know what happened to the show in Culiacan on the 29th, I guess it's gone.
They still wrap up on March 1 in Hermosillo. None of this has been
confirmed on the Riders website, but I think it's a good bet this is the way it
is.
Ray Manzarek's album of instrumental duets with slide guitarist Roy Rogers has an April 1 release date. The title of the release is 'Ballads Before The Rain'.
Evan Marshall's hour-long interview last night with Alan Graham can be listened to at: http://www.bbstalkradio.com/ There is a link in the middle of the home page. If you were busy watching the Oscars telecast last night, you can still hear this really interesting interview!
============================================================
February 24,
2008 Evan Marshall with Al Graham <> Riders tour dates in Brazil <>
'Roadhouse Blues' encore <> Jonathan Winters Show <> more Riders tour dates in
South America
Remember to tune in
this evening to Evan Marshall's debut
radio interview with Jim Morrison's brother-in-law, Alan Graham between 6 p.m.
to 7 p.m. (west coast time) at
http://www.bbstalkradio.com/
Alan is releasing a new book called “I Remember” with new, untold stories
about Jim and the Morrison family.
He’ll be telling stories, reading from his book, and answering questions.
To call in to the show toll-free from the U.S., call 866-515-6977. To call in from outside the U.S., call 323-284-2554
(probably not toll-free).
Riders On The Storm's website says they will be announcing European tour dates within the next few weeks which has not happened yet. However, a fan in Brazil has advised about some new tour dates that have been announced there: April 10 in Sao Paulo, Brazil and April 12 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The links to the venues are below in the calendar. (thanks, Fabio)
'Roadhouse Blues' was the rocking encore last night at L.A.'s House of Blues Queensryche show, when Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains) joined the band onstage. (thanks, Beverly)
The Doors' performance on the Jonathan Winters Show in December 1967 can be found on YouTube (both songs) at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO6ENNAAqqg (thanks, Barry)
More Riders On The Storm tour dates are being sent to me from fans in South America. Officially, these shows should be considered 'unconfirmed' for now, but they are being advertised. It looks like the band will play Santiago, Chile on April 15, and Lima, Peru on April 18 and 19. These dates come from: http://metalycarnaval.blogspot.com/2008/02/riders-on-storm-en-sudamerica-primeras.html (thanks, Fernando)
============================================================
February
21, 2008 new Riders dates expected <> new Ferrara film
<> final Alexandria, VA reading
Riders On The Storm will be announcing European tour dates within the next few
weeks, so stay tuned for those.
Paul Ferrara has added a short film called “Making HWY” to his website. Check it out at:
http://www.paulferrara.net/ and click on the last link.
Author Mark Opsasnick has one last local presentation of his book “The
Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison”. The event will be Sunday, March 30 at
1:00 p.m. at the Perk Up Coffeehouse in Alexandria, Virginia. Following a discussion of the book will
be a question & answer session with several of Morrison’s former classmates
and live music. For more info, go
to Mark’s website at:
http://capitolrock.com/news.html
============================================================
February
20, 2008 M.I.A. <> happy birthday to Ray <> Rock Hall
exhibit extended <> Robby guested at club <> Evan Marshall radio
show <> GAP jeans
Yes, I have been off-line for a while. It has been a perfect storm
of website hosting issues, software issues (expect formatting quirks), an ill
pet, unpacking from a recent move, and trying to get ready for three separate
events on the near horizon. Thank you to everyone who wrote to express
concern about the site's disappearance. There were so many who wrote,
please do not expect a personal reply if you were one of them. I’m not
sure how much longer I will keep this site going, or how often I’ll be doing
updates. When the time does come
that I shut down this site for good, it is my intention to give fair notice and
not just disappear like I did this time.
First and foremost, belated happy 69th birthday to Ray Manzarek. I hope he had a great day, but he was probably busy getting ready to go on the road to Mexico for several weeks.
The 'Break On Through' exhibit at Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was scheduled to close in March 2008, but the Rock Hall's latest member newsletter says that the exhibit has been extended to September 2008. (thanks, Helen)
Robby Krieger was an unannounced
guest Saturday night February 9th in Beverly Hills. The event was at
the Aqua Lounge and featured live music by Evan Marshall Band. You may
remember Evan as being the vocalist who performed with Robby at Uli Jon Roth
shows in 2006 and 2007. Riders On The Storm drum tech Owen Goldman was
playing drums at the event. To see a video of Robby jamming on Roadhouse
Blues, go to:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=255294091&blogID=357033578 (thanks, Owen)
Evan Marshall of the Evan Marshall Band debuts a new one-hour internet radio talk show this coming Sunday night, February 24th. “The Soul Kitchen” will be on http://www.bbstalkradio.com/ and his first guest will be Alan Graham, ex-hubby of Jim’s sister Anne. Alan is releasing a new book called “I Remember” with new, untold stories about Jim and the Morrison family. He’ll be telling stories, reading from his book, and answering questions. To call in to the show toll-free from the U.S., call 866-515-6977. To call in from outside the U.S., call 323-284-2554 (probably not toll-free).
GAP is selling new jeans for men called
the Morrison fit. On their site they say "Morrison Slim Fit ... Be A
Rock Star for a day in our cool slims. Higher on the fashion scale and
lower on the waist with a slim leg opening." I'm not real sure
about the connection, since obviously Jim was not famous for wearing jeans ...
and maybe it's just a random name for their line! (thanks, Lou)
============================================================
February
5, 2008 Robby and Particle <> more Robby and Particle
Robby Krieger will join
Particle at their Anaheim House of Blues show on Thursday, March 13th,
according to the HOB website. For pre-sale ticket info, go to:
http://store.hob.com/eventdetail.aspx?source=LB&event_id=50834
And another: Robby Krieger
will join Particle at the El Rey for their Los Angeles show on Friday,
March 14th.
============================================================
February
3, 2008 grave bust sculptor interview <> Buffalo Philharmonic
review
Croatian sculptor Mladen
Mikulin created the famous grave bust of Jim Morrison in 1981.
Rock critic and journalist Darko Glavan conducted an interview with the artist,
and a Croatian fan has added it to YouTube with an English translation.
Watch it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3wOEpxrmcU
(thanks, Mislav)
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's performance last evening of a program called 'The Music Of The Doors' got a nice write-up today in a Buffalo paper. read the review (thanks, Don)
============================================================
February
2, 2008 vintage poster collection
The Denver Art Museum
has acquired a collection of 875 vintage rock & roll posters from the
60s and 70s representing the top acts of the time, including The Doors.
The first-print posters were created by artists such as Moscoso and Rick
Griffin, among others. The museum plans to have an exhibition which
probably will not occur until 2009. Read the full story at: http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_8133525
============================================================
February
1, 2008 Danny & Fawn on YouTube
YouTube has a 6-1/2 minute clip
from 'Inside Edition' in the mid-90's with (former Doors manager) Danny
Sugerman and his wife Fawn Hall discussing her (and their) drug addiction
following their wedding in 1993. Watch the clip at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHRzwvHZFxc
(thanks,
Stuart)
============================================================
January
30, 2008 ROTS add Mexico show <> Riders On The Storm skates to
victory <> trivia <> Robby & Particle
Riders On The Storm have
added another show in Mexico. On February 19, they play Theatre Del
Arte in Morelia, Mexico. Unless I was asleep at the switch when I first
listed the Mexico dates, it looks like they have advanced the dates for Toluca
and Durango by one day. All the latest are below in the calendar.
'Riders On The Storm' was the music that ice skater Carolina Kostner chose for her winning performance in the Euros 2008 competition. See the YouTube video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9OOoNl93wc (thanks, Gilles)
Fans of the television show "House" may be interested to know this trivia about actress Lisa Edelstein, who plays Dr. Lisa Cuddy on that show. In a story on USAWeekend.com about how Screen Actors Guild members got their start, she was quoted as saying: 'I got my SAG card for an Oliver Stone movie, 'The Doors.' I was Jim Morrison's makeup artist backstage at 'The Ed Sullivan Show.' And I had to speak --- if I didn't speak, I wouldn't get my SAG card -- so he told me to just make something up, which I did, but I realized I'd made up a really short line. So every take, I made my line longer, until finally I got yelled at. He said, 'You're stopping the whole scene with your line!' and I had to go back to that first line I made up."
Robby Krieger will join Particle at their San Diego House of Blues show on Saturday, March 15th, according to the HOB website. For ticket info, go to: http://hob.com/tickets/eventdetail.asp?eventid=50767&rss=1
============================================================
January
26, 2008 Ray signed to label
Ray Manzarek has signed
with Friday Music. His debut for the label is due out in April.
According to a story at Billboard.com, the album will be titled "Ballads
Before the Rain" and is a collaboration with slide guitarist Roy
Rogers. The album will reprise Doors faves such as 'Riders On The Storm'
and 'Crystal Ship' in addition to seven new tracks. Friday Music is
distributed by Ryko in the U.S., Universal Music in Canada, and Pinnacle
Entertainment internationally. Congratulations, Ray! To read
the story, go to: http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003702218
============================================================
January
23, 2008 Robby & Ray on the radio <> Robby and Particle
Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek will be guests this Thursday
night, January 24th on radio's Coast To Coast hosted by George Noory. The
website previously indicated that Jim Morrison's former brother-in-law Alan
Graham, would be on hand with Robby. That has now been revised to
indicate that it will be Ray and Robby instead, and no Alan Graham. C2C
music authority R. Gary Patterson will be on the show with them, discussing
questions surrounding Morrison's death, as well as the belief that he may still
be alive. The show is live nightly from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Pacific
time. Robby and Ray should be on starting about 10:30 p.m. For more
info, go to: http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/schedule.html
Robby Krieger will join Particle for 3 or 4 shows in late March in Los Angeles. One of the dates is March 24th, but venue and other dates are unknown at this time ... so stay tuned for more info! Robby has joined Particle at numerous other shows and also appears on their DVD from an L.A. appearance in February 2006. The website for Particle is http://www.particlepeople.com/
============================================================
January
22, 2008 another 'door' to be auctioned <> John at Book Soup
Another door from Jim
Morrison's childhood home in Clearwater, Florida will be auctioned off on
eBay beginning February 2nd in conjunction with the Buffalo Philharmonic
Orchestra's evening of 'Music of The Doors.' The auction will
benefit the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Operation Gang free
Streets. For more info about the show, go to: http://www.bpo.org/events.aspx?iid=148
For more info about the auction, go to: http://bpo.org/content.aspx?iid=276
(thanks, Traci)
John Densmore was at West Hollywood's Book Soup book store earlier this evening, along with Janie Hendrix and Jimi Hendrix co-biographer John McDermott. Jim Henke, author of the "Jim Morrison Scrapbook" was supposed to be there as well, but I learned he had to go to New York for a Rock Hall matter. John and the others appeared together and traded some anecdotes about Jimi and Jim. The Doors' manager Jeff Jampol was also on hand. Following about 25 minutes at the podium, they moved to a counter at the rear of the store and signed books. John was wearing a Tribaljazz tee shirt under his jacket. To see a photo of John and Janie Hendrix, go here.
============================================================
January
20, 2008 Robby Krieger on radio <> Henry Diltz on radio
Robby Krieger will be a
guest this Thursday night, January 24th on radio's Coast To Coast hosted by
George Noory. Also on hand will be Jim Morrison's former brother-in-law
Alan Graham, and C2C music authority R. Gary Patterson. They will discuss
questions surrounding Morrison's death, as well as the belief that he may still
be alive. For more info, go to: http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/schedule.html
(thanks, Mary-Beth)
Rock photographer Henry Diltz is the guest on this week's Rockline on Wednesday, January 23rd. For more info, go to: http://www.rocklineradio.com/
============================================================
January
19, 2008 HB to Ty
Happy birthday wishes today
to Ty Dennis, who has been keeping the beat behind the Robby Krieger Band,
The Doors of the 21st Century, D21C, and Riders On The Storm for ... well, for
a long time. Ty's birthday falls within that magical 10-week period between
December 1 and February 12 that contains the birthdays of John, Jim, Brett,
Robby, (me), Ty, and Ray! Check the links in yesterday's NAMM story for
pix of Ty checking out the square drums at NAMM's Square Drum Company booth. Check out
Ty's website at: www.tydennis.com
============================================================
January
18, 2008 NAMM show
The 2008
NAMM Show is
underway this week. This
huge trade show event draws musicians and music makers from all over the world,
and is held annually at the Anaheim Convention Center. One of the
highlights is that well-known musicians can often be spotted walking around, or
else found at an equipment maker's booth playing or demonstrating the
products. NAMM is closed to the public. I was able to secure a pass
from a friend to get into the NAMM show a few years ago on a day when Robby was
demonstrating a guitar. That same friend Larry phoned yesterday morning
to offer an extra pass that he had for the day, so I couldn't resist!
There was no such luck as spotting Robby there on opening day, but I did run
into Riders On The Storm drummer Ty Dennis, and ROTS drum tech Owen
Goldman. I understand Phil Chen was also there although I didn't run into
him. Riders On The Storm's tour manager Marco Moir was working at a booth
for Square Drum Company. The
drums are indeed square and very cool looking (especially the clear
acrylic). Here is a picture of Marco showing the
drums to Ty Dennis. And another picture
of Marco and Ty. Photo of Ty trying out the
drums. And lastly, Riders On The Storm tour manager Marco Moir! (thanks
for the pass, Larry)
============================================================
January
16, 2008 John & Jim Henke at Book Soup <> website with
rare photos
As I reported on the
14th, John Densmore and Jim Henke will be at Book Soup on Sunset Boulevard
in West Hollywood next Tuesday, January 22nd, signing copies of Henke's
"Jim Morrison Scrapbook". Henke is VP of Exhibitions and
Curatorial Affairs at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. To read a more
comprehensive summary of the event, which also includes a Hendrix
biographer and his sister Janie, go here.
An amazing collection of photos of Jim and Pam and band members, can be found at http://public.fotki.com/indiansummerpam/ The site is definitely worth taking a look, there are some rare photos. (thanks, Jochen)
============================================================
January
15, 2008 VH-1 'Decades Rock Live' <> VH-1 'Indecent Exposure'
A concert billed as 'A
Tribute to The Doors' was filmed at Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal in
August 2005. The show starred The Doors of the 21st Century along with
many guest artists, and was filmed for airing as the debut episode of VH-1 Classic's
"Decades Rock Live" series in October 2005. The program was
shelved when John Densmore blocked the broadcast by not allowing the synch
rights. The original HD master tapes and raw footage have been sold for
an undisclosed price to Dan Echino, a Doors fan, collector and music promoter
from Calgary, Canada. Because of the ongoing legal issues between members
of The Doors, Echino has no immediate plans to distribute or otherwise share
the contents of this acquisition. Echino believes that John Densmore is
being irrational in his legal efforts to block Manzarek and Krieger from
performing as The Doors, and in his refusal to join them. He adds that
both new and old Doors fans hope that Densmore will revisit his stance for the
good of the music world, while there is still a chance to hear the three of
them play their music together live. Right on!
"Indecent Exposure" was a VH-1 show from some years ago that focused on sensational events of celebrities. The 4-minute segment about Jim Morrison at the Miami concert includes dialogue from David Levine, a photographer who was positioned at the foot of the stage. The video can be seen on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Vssux3vPw (thanks, Gene)
============================================================
January
14, 2008 Jim Henke interview <> Patti's 'Soul Kitchen'
<> Buffalo does The Doors <> John at Book Soup
The Jim Morrison Scrapbook by
the Rock Hall's Jim Henke got a nice write-up in Cleveland's Plain Dealer,
which also includes several audio links. The photo of Jim Henke is posed
in front of a promo poster from The Doors movie, on loan to the museum's
exhibit from my own collection. Check it out at: http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2008/01/remembering_the_doors_rock_hal.html
Patti Smith has released an alternate version of 'Soul Kitchen' exclusively on ITunes. It is part of a just-released 90-minute album called ITunes Originals, which includes her commentary on all the songs. To read more about it, go to: http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/patti_smith_to_debut_itunes_originals/ (thanks, Chris)
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra presents an evening of Music Of The Doors on Saturday, February 2nd. For more info, go to: http://www.bpo.org/events.aspx?iid=148 (thanks, Don)
John Densmore will appear at Book Soup on Tuesday, January 22, along with Jim Henke, author of the "Jim Morrison Scrapbook" (see story above). This event is shared with the author of a new Hendrix bio, along with Janie Hendrix. For more info, go to artist events on Book Soup's website at: http://www.booksoup.com/author-events.asp
============================================================
January
12, 2008 New Mexico crash story
The February 2008 issue of
New Mexico Magazine has an article written by David Goldberg on page 64
about the location and story behind the 1947 car crash that the Morrison family
encountered. The February issue is not yet on-line, but watch for it at www.nmmagazine.com If
I can get the story scanned, I will share it on this site. If you are
patient, apparently back issues can be ordered by calling (505) 827-7447.
(thanks, Jim)
============================================================
January
9, 2008 Ray at Fillmore on Friday <> new Riders tour dates
Ray Manzarek and slide
guitarist Roy Rogers are some of the participants at Friday night's show at
The Fillmore in San Francisco for the third annual celebration of Bill
Graham's birthday. Tickets for "Bill's Birthday Bash: An Evening of
Duets" are available through Ticketmaster (unless it is sold out,
natch). The show is a benefit for the Bill Graham Foundation.
Several Bay Area papers ran a preview story today about the show. To read
it, go to: http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_7910453
Riders On The Storm show absolutely no signs of slowing down! Their website has announced a slew of new tour dates for Mexico next month, plus a benefit show in Pompano, Florida on March 29th. The dates, venues and cities are listed below in the calendar.
============================================================
January 8,
2008 HB 2 RK <> 'Final 24' episode <> Doors radio
special
Happiest of birthday wishes go
out today to Robby Krieger. Robby turns 62 years young today and
(thankfully) keeps it going for the fans with his Riders On The Storm shows and
other guest appearances.
The "Final 24" television episode which re-enacts the last 24 hours of Jim Morrison's life, is being re-run tomorrow night, January 9th, on the Biography channel. For more info about the program and to check show times, go to: http://www.biography.com/final24/f24_episode_guide.jsp?episode=244810 (thanks, Don)
Philadelphia radio station WMGK 102.9 will broadcast a special about The Doors on Saturday morning between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. The program is called 'Saturday Morning 60's' with Michael Tearson. I have no idea what the content or format of the show will be. To listen live, follow the link at: http://www.wmgk.com/ (thanks, Patti)
============================================================
January 7,
2008 Benvenuto in USA Today
Benvenuto Caffé, the
Italian restaurant in West
Hollywood which occupies he building that was once The Doors office and
rehearsal space, was mentioned in Friday's USA Today. In a story titled
"10 Great Places To Know It's More Than Rock 'n' Roll", they got this
inclusion: "Benvenuto Caffé West Hollywood, Calif.
"The Doors' offices were once on the second floor of this building. The
ground floor was a studio, and the classic album L.A. Woman was recorded
here," Epting says. "In fact, the restroom in the restaurant today is
the actual booth where Jim Morrison laid down his vocal tracks. Some gold
records and framed, handwritten lyrics are on display in the restaurant." 310-659-8635;
benvenuto-caffe.com Read the full USA Today story
at: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2008-01-03-10-great_N.htm?csp=34&POE=click-refer (thanks, Dan)
============================================================
January 6,
2008 Henry Diltz interview
An interview with Henry
Diltz in the USA Today newspaper discusses his new coffee table book,
'Dreamin'. Read the story at: http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-01-06-diltz-book_N.htm
============================================================
December 30,
2007 Benvenuto news <> Japan's "Perception"
packaging
I spent some time at
Benvenuto last evening for the first time in several months. This
Italian restaurant, in the Doors-historic building that was once the band's
office and rehearsal workspace, has a new manager, a new menu, and future plans
to incorporate The Doors history even more into their decor. Currently, the
downstairs bathroom that was Jim's vocal booth during the recording of the
'L.A. Woman' album is a gallery of sorts, with photos of the band as well as of
the building and its changes in the years since it was Ground Zero for The
Doors in the 60's. Benvenuto Manager Sergio Cobin told me that Britney
Spears visited the restaurant in June and is pictured in the June 26th issue of
People Magazine. A Google search easily brought up numerous sites with
photos ... I found the most pix at http://zelebs2.blogspot.com/2007/06/britney-spears-at-restaurant-benvenuto.html Benvenuto
is open from 5 pm to 11 pm Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Monday.
For info on Benvenuto, go to: http://www.benvenuto-ca
The Japanese version of The Doors "Perception" box set has different packaging from what was released in the U.S.A. To see photos of Japan's "Perception" set, go here and here and here (thanks, Gilles)
============================================================
December 29,
2007 Ray's holiday message <> 'Live In Pittsburgh' <>
BOT in movie trailer
Before I disappeared off-line
for the holidays, I mentioned that Ray & Dorothy were celebrating
their 40th wedding anniversary on December 21st. Ray's webmaster posted a
holiday message from Ray on his website last week in which he reminisces about
that day. Check it out at: http://www.raymanzarek.us/index.html
'The Doors Live In Pittsburgh 1970' CD is scheduled for March 4, 2008 release. It is now available for pre-order, along with a companion t-shirt. For more info and to order, go to: http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_12891
'Break On Through' is being used in a trailer for the film "21" starring Kevin Spacey. (thanks, Melanie)
============================================================
December 21,
2007 anniversary and birthday
Happy 40th anniversary wishes
to Ray and Dorothy Manzarek, who were married on this date in 1967 with Jim
and Pam as best man and maid of honor. Just Imagine that!
Happy birthday to Riders On The Storm front man Brett Scallions, who turns 36 today. Fans are grateful to Brett for the fresh 'fuel' he has added to the band. Brett recently became a first-time dad, so this has been a great year for him. Congratulations!
============================================================
December 19,
2007 Doors related biographies
Remember, there are two
new autobiographies recently published by men who were close to the
band. Paul Ferrara was the staff photographer for The Doors and close
friend of Jim Morrison. It is his photo that graces the cover of the
'Waiting For The Sun' album. Paul's autobiography "Flash Of
Eden" can be ordered in print or electronically from Author House here.
Doug Lubahn played bass on three of The Doors' albums. His
autobiography "My Days With The Doors and Other Stories" can be
ordered here.
Links to both of these book purchase sites have also been added further down
this page, just below "This Week In Doors History".
============================================================
December 17,
2007 Doors in Pittsburgh release
'The Doors Live In
Pittsburgh 1970' is scheduled for release on March 4, 2008 from Bright
Midnight and Rhino, according to a new press release. more info (thanks, George)
============================================================
December 15,
2007 book review
'The Jim Morrison Scrapbook' by
Jim Henke, Curator of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, was
published a few months ago. To read a review of that book, go to: http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/books/12/16/1216doors.html
(thanks, Don)
============================================================
December 14,
2007 Doors at Malibu U <> Robby at Rhino
The Doors performing Light
My Fire at Malibu U is a very early video. The clip on YouTube is the
best quality of that video that I have seen. Staged around a vintage fire
truck and with fire and flames, it is an eerie and poignant reminder of the
catastrophic fires that beset Malibu on a tragically regular basis. Check
it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rzTpALehA8&feature=related
(thanks, Gene)
Robby Krieger's signing appearance on Sunday afternoon at the Rhino "Pop-Up Store" in Los Angeles is now listed as between 4:30 and 5:30. The original press release stated it would begin at 4:00. An email blast today from The Doors mailing list further explains that Robby will sign a memorabilia item that you bring, but a Rhino store purchase is required to gain access to the signing event. There is also a no-purchase-necessary sweepstakes to win a framed art proof from The Doors' "Perception" box set. For more information, go here
============================================================
December 13,
2007 Robby as special guest <> Tribaljazz tour date <>
no 'Doors' show
Robby Krieger will join
Particle as their special guest on December 29th at the Great American
Music Hall in San Francisco, according to a JamBase.com story at: http://www.jambase.com/Articles/Story.aspx?StoryID=12318
John Densmore's Tribaljazz will play Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA (Philadelphia) on Friday, June 6th. Apparently tickets are already on sale. For more info, go to: http://www.keswicktheatre.com/ (How ridiculous is this new trend of putting show tickets on sale 4 to 6 months in advance?) (thanks, Jeannette)
It was too good to be true ... the Ticketmaster link which yesterday pointed to The Doors at Gibson Amphitheater on February 22, 2008 now lists that show as Heart. No mention of it being a double bill featuring any members of The Doors.
============================================================
December 12,
2007 L.A. show in February? <> tribute show in Florida
The Doors are listed on
Ticketmaster.com for an appearance in Los Angeles at the Gibson (formerly
Universal) Amphitheater on February 22, 2008. Hope springs eternal, but I
have a hunch this will be corrected to Riders On The Storm, which is also a
fabulous thing! Tickets are not on sale yet, but check out the listing
at: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09003F8BDC007102?artistid=734947&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1 (thanks, George)
The Doors' first album is the focus of a tribute show of sorts in Lakeland, Florida in February 2008. The Ticketmaster page for ticket sales explains it this way: "Classic Albums Live is not a Tribute act or a group of musicians playing classic albums. It is a show reproducing Classic Albums with every instrument to originally recorded albums. It is not unusual to see 15-26 pieces on stage." For ticket info, to go: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D003F83A92F4E1F?artistid=1179170&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1 (thanks, George)
============================================================
December 9,
2007 Morrison Hotel report <> 'My Dinner With Jimi'
Morrison Hotel is still
standing ... shuttered and boarded up, but it's still there. I did a
drive-by last week when I was in L.A. and found several workers there, taking a
break. One of them spoke English and told me that they were repairing
some of the gates. Despite the rodent and vermin infestations and
abominable conditions inside, there were homeless people still trying to get in
so they were soldering the broken gates to keep them out. The front door
was ajar and I asked if I could go just inside the lobby to take a few photos,
but he said no. I asked if those yellow or mustard colored tiles were
still in place in the entryway, and he said yes.
'My Dinner With Jimi' is a farcical film about Jimi Hendrix that includes an actor named Bret Roberts playing Jim Morrison. I'm not sure I actually understand what this is about, so read the story for yourself at: http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Reviews/M/My_Dinner_With_Jimi/2007/12/07/4712314-sun.html
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December 8,
2007 Jim's 64th <> Riders On The Storm in San Diego <>
Ray & Roy Rogers duet
Jim Morrison would have
turned 64 today. Wow.
Riders On The Storm did it again last night, playing to a capacity crowd at San Diego's House of Blues. This was the show re-scheduled from late September; the original show at 4th & B was postponed when the venue had some licensing issues. There was no opening band and the band took to the stage promptly at 9:00 p.m. to 'O Fortuna'. The set list: Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through ~ When The Music's Over ~ Strange Days (extended intro by Ray) ~ Peace Frog (with Robby doing Chuck Berry's duck walk) ~ Blue Sunday ~ Soft Parade (drum tech Owen joined Ty on the riser for a rocking drum duet!) ~Moonlight Drive ~ Horse Latitudes (Ray did the honors) ~ Wild Child ~ Love Her Madly ~ Alabama Song ~ Back Door Man ~ Spanish Caravan (with Robby's flamenco intro with his custom Rick Turner guitar) ~ "Sex Machine" / Touch Me ~ L.A. Woman ~~~ encore: Ray told a story about his first piano lesson before playing his intro to Light My Fire. The show ended at 11:00. There were several times during the show that Jim and his birthday were honored. What a rocking show it was. Special thanks to Brett for handing me his tambourine at the end of the show!
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers are planning to release a piano and guitar duet titled "Ballads Before The Rain" according to an interview with Roy Rogers at: http://www.theunion.com/article/20071206/NEWS/112060124
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December 5,
2007 Robby signing <> Paul Ferrara book <> Doug Lubahn
book
Robby Krieger will be
doing a signing at Rhino's "pop-up retail store" in Los Angeles
on Sunday, December 16th between 4 and 5:30 p.m. Jac Holzman will appear
there on December 18th from 7 to 8 p.m. read story (thanks,
George)
Paul Ferrara is proud to announce that his book "Flash Of Eden" is finished and ready to ship! It can be ordered through AuthorHouse.com. The first fifty people who pre-ordered from Paul for autographed copies, will be handled by Paul. To order through AuthorHouse, this is a direct link: http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/BookStoreSearchResults.aspx?SearchType=smpl&SearchTerm=paul+ferrara
Doug Lubahn's website was experiencing problems accepting orders for his new book from outside the U.S.A. The shopping cart problem is solved and the site is up and running for international orders.. To order or preview "My Days With The Doors and Other Stories", go to www.douglubahn.com
============================================================
December 4,
2007 LP box set delayed <> Tribaljazz show
The release date of The
Doors vinyl box set has been moved out two weeks, to March 4, 2008.
This is due to issues related to getting the covers and labels exactly right.
John Densmore's Tribaljazz will be playing a Christmas show in Los Angeles that will be broadcast live on PBS on December 24th at 7:00 p.m. (thanks, Jim)
============================================================
December 1,
2007 the birthdays are starting
Happy #63 birthday wishes to
John Densmore today. I've been busy and distracted lately, and the
run of Doors birthdays that begins today just crept up on me. Even Riders
On The Storm front man Brett Scallions and drummer Ty Dennis have birthdays
during this magical 10-week period that all the band members were born within,
(and so do I!)
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November 28,
2007 Jim in EW's poll
Entertainment Weekly's
website at ew.com includes Jim Morrison in their listing of Rock's All-Time
Best Frontmen and Women. The honorees are listed alphabetically, but Jim
can be found directly at: http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20041669_20042482_20160151_18,00.html (thanks, David my son)
============================================================
November 26,
2007 new compilation in January
'The Future Starts Here:
The Essential Doors Hits" is a new single CD greatest hits
compilation using the 40th Anniversary mixes to replace the old Greatest Hits
collection. Street date is January 29, 2008.
============================================================
November 25,
2007 Decades Rock Live eBay auction <> Doors bicycling jersey
<> 'Break On Through' accolade
The Doors of the 21st Century played
their last show using that name in August 2005 in Atlantic City, New
Jersey. The show was filmed for what should have been the debut show of
VH-1 Classic channel's Decades Rock Live series. For legal reasons
related to John Densmore's lawsuit against Ray and Robby, the show was never
allowed to be broadcast. An eBay auction listing by the producer (I
think) of that show, ended last evening with no takers for the "buy it
now" price of 5 million dollars. To see the auction and read the
seller's detailed description of the events surrounding this landmark show,
search on ended eBay auction # 1501864422908. (thanks, Gene)
A Doors bicycling jersey which Robby has worn onstage numerous times, can be found for sale at a discounted price on a website called teamestrogen.com, a website for cycling clothing and equipment. This link goes to the ladies shirt, but there is a link right there for a men's version. Check it out at: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=18964 (thanks, Pamela)
"Break On Through" by James Riordan and Jerry Prochnicky, has been named as one of the all-time 10 best rock biographies, according to Amazon.com, according to a recent story about Riordan's latest book. Read the full story at: http://www.daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=408427
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November 20,
2007 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees <> Doug Lubahn book
John Densmore, Robby Krieger,
Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison are one of the songwriting teams
nominated for the 2008 Songwriters Awards. The voting membership of the
Songwriters Hall of Fame vote on the nominees. The annual induction and
awards ceremony will be held in New York City on June 19, 2008. read
full story
Doug Lubahn played bass with The Doors on three of their albums. His autobiography called "My Days With The Doors and Other Stories" is now available for ordering on his website at: www.douglubahn.com (thanks, Gene)
Robby Krieger will be a part of a big-budget recording of Led Zeppelin classics due to be released next year. The release will feature the Robert Plant-ish vocals of Led Zep fan and performer Michael White, and also will include Keith Emerson, Rick Derringer and Rick Wakeman. Read full story at: http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/Music/article/275583
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November 18,
2007 Henry Diltz photo book <> Doors 'Gold' awards auction
Photographer Henry Diltz has
just published a coffee table book called "California Dreaming:
Memories & Visions of LA 1966-1975 -- The Photographs of Henry Diltz"
through Genesis Publications. A recent story in the L.A. Times describe
this as a high-quality art-photography book with hundreds of his images.
That story goes on to say that this will not be an impulse purchase, as it
costs about $450. each for the limited edition of 2,000 copies, and close to
$1,200. for the 'deluxe' version. For more information or to order the
book, go to: http://www.genesis-publications.com/ There were book launch
events at Henry's Morrison Hotel Galleries in NYC, LA and La Jolla, CA over the
past week or two. Visit Henry's website at: http://www.morrisonhotelgallery.com/
Bonham's in Knightsbridge will auction two RIAA 'Gold' awards for Doors singles on December 5th. 'Hello I Love You' is Lot 365 and 'Light My Fire' is Lot 366. These are described as being from the David Gest Collection of Entertainment Memorabilia. For more info, go to: http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?screen=Catalogue&iSaleNo=15243
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November 17,
2007 Ray & Roy Rogers <> Ray on '34 Stars' <> Robby
on Led Zep tribute
Ray Manzarek and slide
guitarist Roy Rogers will join Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt, Jackie
Greene and Ramblin' Jack Elliot, and Tuck & Patti and Booker T. Jones, for
"Bill's Birthday Bash: An Evening of Duets" at The Fillmore in San
Francisco on January 11th to celebrate Bill Graham's birthday. Tickets
are $85. and available through Ticketmaster.
Ray Manzarek and 33 other artists make up the '34 Stars' compilation from TuneCore, now available for free download on iTunes. Read the full story at: http://top40-charts.com/news/Pop-Rock/TuneCore-To-Help-Market-And-Promote-Bands-By-Giving-Away-7-000-000-Copies-Of-34-Stars-Compilation-As-Free-iTunes-Playlist/36740.html
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November 12,
2007 John on Musicians Radio
John Densmore is featured
on Musicians Radio this week (XM Channel 133). You can get the
interview at http://www.musiciansradio.com/ while
it is still available there ... or, you can find it archived on John's
website at: www.johndensmore.com/xminterview.mp3
(thanks, Jim)
============================================================
November 11,
2007 Robby & the Ventures
Robby Krieger plays 'Perfidia'
with The Ventures in a full-length, great quality video from 1989. He
also appears in one of the brief interviews before the video plays. This
video has had only 383 views since November 13, 2006, but I'll bet we can
change that number big-time in just a few days! Check it out at: http://one.revver.com/watch/96787/
============================================================
November 9,
2007 Ray & Roy in Redwood City
Ray Manzarek and slide
guitarist Roy Rogers will perform on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the
Little Fox Theater in Redwood City, California. For theater information,
go to: http://www.foxdream.com/foxdream/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=13&cat=Little+Fox
============================================================
November 8,
2007 a year ago tonite ... <> Jim headstone rubbing at Whisky
At this time one year ago, the
Sunset Strip was in a total Doors frenzy. The Doors were kicking off
their 40th anniversary with the mega-celebration which was centered around the
release of the coffee table book, "The Doors By The Doors."
Robby was at the Whisky signing books. Ray was signing them next door at
the Cat Club and hosting a preview of the exhibit honoring The Doors which is
now on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in
Cleveland. John was down the street at Book Soup signing and leading a
poetry reading tribute to Jim. The night ended with a thrilling jam
session with Robby and Ray, Slash, Chester Bennington, Perry Farrell, and other
musicians. It sure was a memorable and exciting night.
A rubbing of Jim Morrison's headstone was spotted on the wall of The Whisky last night during a book signing by Slash, who was promoting his new autobiography. It is hung on the wall over the door where the bands load in and out, and has a soft spotlight shining on it. see photo (thanks, Beverly)
============================================================
November 7,
2007 Ray in new film <> 'Doors of Perception' literary
cabaret
Ray Manzarek is one of
the artists featured in a new film called 'Obscene' about a publisher's
fight to print the works of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Malcolm X, Che
Guevara and others. The movie is planned for a theatrical and DVD release
in 2008. Music by The Doors is included in the soundtrack. Read the
full story at: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i84fb2b620c84a385301f33d2631abfcf
A somewhat Doors-related event takes place on November 14 in Santa Monica at Warszawa Restaurant. "The Doors of Perception Literary Cabaret" is a 250th anniversary salute to William Blake. The program includes an item described as: Frank Strasser takes the Spanish Caravan back to the days of The Doors. For more info, go here (thanks, Mark)
Another painted door from Jim Morrison's childhood home in Clearwater, Florida is on eBay auction right now to benefit the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. For more information and for the link to the eBay auction, go to: http://www.triangledevelopment.com/morrison-jazz.htm (thanks, Traci)
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October 31,
2007 ROTS San Diego re-scheduled <> Bruce Botnick interview
Riders On The Storm were
scheduled to play San Diego's 4th & B Theater back on September
29th. That show was suddenly postponed when the venue was temporarily
shut down for licensing issues. Ticketmaster has now advised the show is
re-scheduled for Friday, December 7th at the House of Blues in San
Diego. The email from Ticketmaster says that the original tickets will be
honored for the new date and venue. If you need a refund, please follow
the instructions provided in the email from Ticketmaster. (thanks, Beverly)
Bruce Botnick is interviewed in the October issue of EQ and reveals the techniques used in recording, mixing and remixing the Doors discography. Read it at: http://www.eqmag.com/article/opening-doors/Oct-07/31769 (thanks, Mark)
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October 25,
2007 John in Topanga show <> Paul Ferrara movie
John Densmore and Hani
Naser will be playing in the Hopi Celebration Concert on Saturday, November
3 between 12:30-4:30 p.m. The event is at the Will Geer Theatricum
Botanicum in Topanga, California. For more info, go to: http://www.lightdancer.net/Hopi/Hopi_Celebration_flyer_2007.html
Doors photographer Paul Ferrara has added a new movie to his website. I think everyone will recognize the star of 'The Hitchhiker / The Thrill Is Gone." Check it out at: http://www.paulferrara.net/ Click on the "new movie" link, give it time to load, and then click on the play button.
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October 24,
2007 Robby at Berklee <> Robby on mag list <> Morrison
door on eBay
Robby Krieger's visit last
week to Boston's Berklee School of Music got a write-up with nice things to
say about Robby's appearance. However, the obsolete 5-year old photo that
accompanies the story is beyond absurd. Read it at: http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid49788.aspx
Robby made another magazine list ... December 2007 issue of 'Guitar Player' includes him on their list of the 40 most under-rated guitarists of all time. (thanks, Angela)
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October 23,
2007 Jim's headstone 'rubbing' prints
Limited edition prints of
a 'rubbing' of Jim Morrison's headstone can be had for $385. (plus
shipping, handling and insurance). Seriously. And L.A. station
K-Earth 101 is giving away a print for Halloween. For more information
about this unusual item, go to: http://www.jdmrubbings.com/prints.html
(thanks, Beverly)
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October 21,
2007 contest on Robby's website
RobbyKrieger.com has
just added a new contest to the website. There are 24 cover versions
of 'Light My Fire'. All you need to do is correctly identify the artist
or band that covered each of those 24 LMF versions. Winners will be
randomly picked from all entries, and the prizes that will be awarded are
paintings that were done by Robby's mom. Where else are you going to get
one of those? This is a very challenging contest ... I was
personally deflated at how many I do not recognize! For complete
details, go to: http://robbykrieger.com/contest/index.html
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October 19,
2007 Jim on 'Final 24' <> Robby at Experience Hendrix
Jim Morrison is the subject
of an upcoming episode of "Final 24" on the Biography
channel. The hour-long show about the "final hours of singer Jim
Morrison" is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (west coast time) on Wednesday,
October 31.
A review of the 'Experience Hendrix' show Wednesday night at NYC's Beacon Theater ran in today's Star-Ledger. This story includes the set list from the show, and who played on each song. Robby played on two songs: 'Spanish Castle Magic' and 'Manic Depression.' Read it at: http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-1/1192769107316930.xml&coll=1&thispage=1
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October 18,
2007 David Crosby on Jim <> Led Zep doing LMF <> Dawn's
Highway documentary <> John in LA Times story
Back when Bob Costas had
a late night talk show, guest David Crosby told a story about Janis Joplin
knocking Jim Morrison out cold with a bottle of Southern Comfort at a
party. See the interview segment on YouTube at: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xqLCcXsCPu0
(thanks, Gilles &
Stuart)
For a brief audio clip of Led Zeppelin performing Light My Fire, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi_wvbC58dk&mode=related&search=Doors%20Dallas%20Morrison%20Manzarek%20Krieger%20Densmore (thanks, Gene)
A Doors fan named Brad has been researching the accident in New Mexico that Jim Morrison is said to have witnessed as a child and is making a documentary on the subject called Dawn's Highway. Apparently there was even a press conference yesterday. To check out the website that is all about this event and the documentary, go to: http://www.dawnshighway.net/index.html (thanks to Tony, Scott, and Gene)
Today's L. A. Times Calendarlive section ran a feature about 'Secret L.A.', or the favorite hidden spots of many local celebrities. John Densmore was one of those who contributed, with this: "Picolo, off the Venice boardwalk, is a family-run Italian place. Not cheap, so bring your wallet. It's the exact location of the former Gaslight Cafe, where Allen Ginsburg read poetry accompanied by bongo drums in the '50s. I like the place because Jim [Morrison] and I used to hang out there when it was a coffeehouse and soak up the former beatnik vibes before our band got a gig on the Strip . . . and took off. 5 Dudley Ave., Venice." Read the whole story at: http://www.calendarlive.com/cl-gd-testcoverstory18oct18,0,5793623.story?coll=cl-lat-homepage (thanks, KD)
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October 17,
2007 L.A. Woman in security systems ad
A Luxembourg newspaper
called d'Wort has an advertisement for security systems which says they
will protect your most precious goods. The picture in the ad shows the
L.A. Woman album as their representation of a most precious item! To see
the ad, go
here (thanks,
Luc)
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October 16,
2007 Robby at Berklee <> a new Manzarek <> ROTS in
Juarez <> Ray & Robby interview <> Morrison
Jack-O-Lantern
Robby Krieger appeared at
Boston's Berklee College of Music on Monday night. The interview,
audience Q&A and performance can be found on Berklee radio at www.thebirn.com. I
have not had time to check that out for myself, but there is a write-up about
his appearance as well, at: http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1038331
Ray and Dorothy Manzarek became grandparents again this week! Pablo and his wife Shar and #1 son Noah welcomed Apollo Ray Manzarek into their lives on Sunday, October 14. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 15 oz., and measured 22 inches long. Congratulations to the entire Manzarek family!
Riders On The Storm played Juarez, Mexico on Friday, October 5th. An American fan who lives just over the border in New Mexico managed to film some of it and has uploaded several clips to YouTube. To check those out, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkT-mKZn8Bg and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9otMNRdNqo (thanks, Pat)
Ray and Robby can be seen in a 3-minute YouTube interview with David Wohl of KPSP in Palm Springs earlier this year. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYOmr6o4QZY
With Halloween just a few weeks away, it's time to break out the link for the Jim Morrison Jack-O-Lantern pattern. Check it out at: http://www.fabulousfoods.com/holidays/halloween/pumpplans2.html
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October 15,
2007 Robby & Love Ride <> Guitarmania auction
Robby Krieger will be one
of the special guest performers at this year's 24th Annual Love Ride at the
Fairplex in Pomona, California during the second weekend in November. The
musical guests will be performing songs from the "Friends of Love Ride
24" CD which includes original songs by many recording artists and an
all-star cast. From this press release, I cannot tell what day(s) Robby will
be there, but maybe that information will be provided to me as the event gets
closer. read press release
The date is drawing closer for the October 20th auction of custom painted, oversize guitars for Cleveland's annual Guitarmania event, which this year includes one that was painted by Robby. For more information about this auction, go to: http://www.musicgearreview.com/article-display/2395.html
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October 14,
2007 Robby in another Hendrix show <> John on tribute CD
Robby Krieger will be one
of the artists appearing at the recently added "Experience
Hendrix" performance on Sunday, October 21 at Providence, Rhode Island at
the Performance Arts Center.
John Densmore plays drums on Floyd Red Crow Westerman's CD tribute to Johnny Cash, according to a recent newsletter from Hen House Studios. For more info about the CD, go to: http://www.henhousestudios.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=41
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October 12,
2007 Jim artwork <> Blender Mag poll
Rolling Stone on-line has
a feature called 'The Art of Music' which features the artwork of 15 rock
stars. Included is the circa 1954 pen drawing done by a young Jim
Morrison, which is currently on display in Cleveland at the Rock Hall's exhibit
honoring The Doors. There is also a photo of Grace Slick's interpretation
of Jim's experimentation with drugs. Check it out at: http://www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/16845667/the_art_of_music_paintings_and_ph?utm_source=weekly-newsletter&utm_medium=email
Blender Magazine lists the '50 Worst Songs Ever!' and have the poor judgment to put "The End" on their list at #26. If you want to read what they have to say, go to: http://www2.blender.com/guide/articles786.html (thanks, Jim)
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October 11,
2007 another 'Experience Hendrix' show <> Ty Dennis Podcast
Robby Krieger is part
of the group of "six-string
masters" on board for "Experience Hendrix," a tribute to
Jimi taking place at various
venues on the east coast in the middle of this month. (Robby will not be
at the New Hampshire show.) I see that another date has been added,
October 21 at Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, Rhode
Island. I do not know for certain that Robby will be at this show, but
will try to find out! Read story at: http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=3090
Ty Dennis has been filling the drum seat for Ray and Robby since early 2003 after Stewart Copeland's departure. Prior to that, he drummed for the Robby Krieger Band for several years. To listen to a Podcast interview with Ty, go to: http://www.kyndmusic.com/2007/10/09/exclusive-interview-with-new-doors-drummer/
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October 9,
2007 vinyl box set delayed <> Riders in Juarez <>
vintage Doors clip <> John interview clip on YouTube <> Doors items
for sale
Bad news / good news about
the much anticipated The Doors Vinyl Box Set and its release, which was set
for this month. The following statement was released earlier today by
Jeff Jampol, Manager of The Doors: "The Doors Vinyl Box will not be ready for October -
the test pressings were not up to our standards, and the LA Woman artwork was
also felt to not be 100%. Bruce Botnick, Jac Holzman and Bernie Grundman
went through great time, expense and personal attention to get the masters
PERFECT - and we all feel they succeeded. Then, the first round of test
pressings were found to be faulty. We traced it back to bad compounds in
the virgin vinyl, and it appears that the original supplier of vinyl will not
be able to deliver consistent quality. Bruce then sourced new virgin
vinyl from Europe, we did a second round of test pressings, and they sounded
marvelous! Between waiting for mothers (a component part in the vinyl
pressings) and the re-separated and printed artwork, the final numbered boxes
will be delayed until February 2008. This is a total drag for us, we
wanted them out there by the end of this month, but we're only doing this one
time, and The Doors felt it necessary to have EVERYTHING right, even if it meant
not having them out in time for the 4th Quarter this year. So - our
apologies to all of you - especially those who pre-ordered and are expecting a
delivery this month. It ain't gonna happen, but they will be here in
February, I am told. If anyone DID pre-order, we will gladly offer full
refunds with no charges should you not wish to wait, and again, our sincere
apologies - we want every aspect of the releases to be perfect: Masters,
sound, packaging, art, liner notes, etc."
I started this news story off by saying this was bad news AND good news. Sure, this very collectible release is going to miss the chance to have holiday gift wrap on it, and that is unfortunate ... but I have to interject a personal observation on this. My entire career was spent in the plastics industry. Most people have probably never given a second thought to plastics processing, but it is very complex. Sub-par materials may find suitable outlets in flooring and fence products, but do not belong pressed into vinyl records. This delay will be disappointing to many, but kudos to The Doors for insisting that they get it right and in so doing, missing the 'sweet spot' of the 4th Quarter. Fans should agree this delay is preferable to having to complain about poor quality and hassling with product returns or exchanges!
Riders On The Storm played in
Juarez, Mexico on Friday night. I found a blog by someone who
attended the show ... and son-of-a-gun, Robby dusted off 'The Mosquito' for the
crowd! As a matter of fact, it appears that part of the audience 'broke
on through' some section barriers. Read the entire blog at: http://musicgraveyard.blogspot.com/2007/10/doors-live.html
A YouTube clip identified as The Doors in Frankfurt, Germany on September 14, 1968 can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5bw97qrFfg (thanks, Stuart)
Another vintage YouTube clip features John Densmore appearing on L.A. deejay Rick Dees' television show to promote his book. This would have been from circa 1990-1991. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1odXZtX8wx8 (thanks, Stuart)
A long-time friend and Doors collector needs to downsize a good part of his collection. Feel free to contact him at: lmorgia@hotmail.com with your wish list or to find out what Larry is offering for sale. If you are in southern California and want to see his for-sale Doors items in person, check out his sale this Saturday from 9am to 4pm at Amberway Apartments,422 South Chatman Circle, Unit C in Anaheim 92806.
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October 7,
2007 Ray in Paris on YouTube <> Ray and charity auction
Ray Manzarek was in
Paris, France back on March 21st and did a book signing appearance at
Fnac. A video of Ray at that appearance, along with the fans waiting in
line to get in to see him, is on YouTube. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6qg9ICK3q4
(thanks, Gilles)
Ray Manzarek is one of the celebrities participating in RockStarRadio's "chairidee" auction. During the entire month of October, the auction sells signed DAB digital radios and giving all proceeds to the Norodff-Robbins Music Therapy, a UK music therapy charity. Read the full story at: http://www.trustedreviews.com/multimedia/news/2007/10/07/Celebs-Line-Up-For-DAB-Charity-Auction/p1
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October 6,
2007 Robby & Hendrix show
Robby Krieger is part
of the group of "six-string
masters" on board for "Experience Hendrix," a tribute to
Jimi taking place at various
venues on the east coast in the middle of this month. (Robby will not be
at the New Hampshire show.) A story about the upcoming show
in Waterbury, Connecticut ran in a local publication. Read it
at: http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2007/10/06/lifestyle/289390.txt
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October 5,
2007 Robby in Boston appearance <> Monterey, CA pix
Robby Krieger will be at
Boston's Berklee Performance Center at the Berklee College of Music on
Monday, October 15. This event is re-scheduled from a July appearance,
and is free and open to the public. Here is a blurb about what the
attendees can expect, which includes a musical set with a local
band.
The Doors' legendary guitarist and Rock and
Roll Hall of Famer Robby Krieger will give an exclusive interview and
performance. The event is free and open to the public. Krieger will be
interviewed by five student DJs from the BIRN (Berklee Internet Radio Network)
for 90 minutes, taking questions from the audience, then he will perform a
30-minute set with Morrison Crossing, an all-Berklee-student band. Seating is
first come, first served. The interview/performance will be put in heavy
rotation on the BIRN following the
event.
“This
Doors newest release establishes a deep connection to the Boston music scene.
We are honored that they’ve decided to fly Robby here just to do this exclusive
interview with Berklee’s internet radio station.
The Doors
were always about innovation and experimentation, and that defines so
much of what Berklee and the BIRN are about,” says Stephen Croes, BIRN founder
and dean of Berklee’s Music Technology Division.
Robby Krieger wrote some of the Doors' best-known songs, including "Light
My Fire," "Love Me Two Times," "Touch Me," and
"Love Her Madly." The Doors, Rhino, and Bright Midnight Archives
recently released the Doors’ three-disc set Live in Boston, capturing
th
