Prior  News  &  Reviews

 March 11, 2010       Ray & Roy interview <> Ray & Robby at Bospop <> Robby in new documentary <> 'WYS' soundtrack details <> Grammy Museum to screen 'WYS' <> soundtrack release date correction
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers, along with Country Joe McDonald, will be performing on Saturday, March 20 at McNear's Mystic Theater in Petaluma, CA.  The Santa Rosa Press Democrat has an on-line interview (with a terrific photo of them) at: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100311/ENTERTAINMENT/100319867?Title=An-unlikely-pairing-Ray-Manzarek-Roy-Rogers   For more show info, the venue website is:  http://www.mystictheatre.com/show/detail/24980

Manzarek-Krieger have added the Bospop 2010 Festival on Sunday, July 11 at Weert in The Netherlands to their upcoming European tour, according to the event website at: http://www.bospop.nl/internet/Folder/263242_bospop-nieuws.aspx None of these European tour dates have been officially announced by band management to my knowledge, so please remember that officially, these are 'unconfirmed'.  (thanks, Greetz)

Robby Krieger was interviewed for an upcoming film called "Rockin' The Wall".  The film was inspired by a chapter in history professor Larry Schweikart's forthcoming book about rock & roll's part in ending the Cold War and bringing about the dissolution of the former Soviet Union.   Heavy stuff!  Anyway, the movie is described as a documentary and is planned for a summer release.  Read the full story at:  http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/oncampus/entries/2010/03/09/ud_professor_featured_in_rock.html

The 'When You're Strange' soundtrack has been scheduled for release on March 30th, which we already knew about.  The following linked story provides a detailed track listing for that CD.  Very exciting.  Check it out at:  http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8645:when-youre-strange-johnny-depp-reading-of-jim-morrisons-poetry-and-soundtrack-announced&catid=41:news&Itemid=71

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

The 'When You're Strange' soundtrack has a release date of April 6, according to the Rhino press release (which is the same story as the one linked above).  I did not notice that date difference earlier.  The Amazon website also lists April 6.  The Doors website store still shows the release date as March 30, but I'm going to make an educated guess that the date was pushed back a week to coincide with the same week that the film opens in limited cities, which is Friday, April 9.  To pre-order, go to http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_30734.  Read the Rhino press release with the detailed track listing, at:  http://www.sys-con.com/node/1317490.

Robby Krieger and Jeff Jampol, The Doors manager and one of the 'When You're Strange' producers, introduced the film at a screening on Tuesday night that was held for UCLA students.   A 6-minute video of their introduction can be seen at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm73Gj1wrsk (thanks, Becky)

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 March 9, 2010       an 'almost' Morrison interview <> Robby in Austin
A Jim Morrison impersonator was doing a 'media tour' of sorts in Arkansas in 1974.  An on-air radio personality who was put in the position of interviewing the guy, knew better.  He proceeded with the interview but then busted him for his obvious farce, absurd story and lack of credibility.  Read the tale by Mitch McCracken at: http://www.thesuntimes.com/opinions/columnists/x324652038/My-interview-with-Jim-Morrison-circa-1974

Robby Krieger will be signing copies of 'The Doors By The Doors' at the SXSW Bookstore during the SXSW convention in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 19 between 1:00-2:00. A panel discussion about 'When You're Strange' will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center.  The film gets screened at 5:00 p.m. at the Paramount Theater at 713 Congress Avenue.

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 March 6, 2010       WYS to screen at UCLA
Robby Krieger and Doors manager & film producer Jeff Jampol will be on hand to introduce a screening of 'When You're Strange' on Tuesday, March 9 at 8 p.m. at the Ackerman Grand Ballroom.  For more info, go to: http://students.asucla.ucla.edu/cec/. The screening is for UCLA students only. (thanks, Paolo and Billie)

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 March 4, 2010       Ray & Roy reviewed: Bakersfield and Santa Barbara
Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers performed on Friday evening in Bakersfield, CA.  A review of that show appears at:  http://www.bakersfield.com/entertainment/local/x379808771/A-perfect-night-Ray-my-dad-and-me

Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers performed on Saturday evening in Santa Barbara at SOhO.  A review of that show appears at:  http://www.noozhawk.com/arts/article/030410_jeff_moehlis_ray_manzarek_plays_the_doors_and_more

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 March 2, 2010       Ray & Roy reviewed: San Diego <> Ray & Robby in Belgium
Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers performed on Sunday evening in San Diego at Anthology.  A review of the show appears on a blog called Owl and Bear at:  http://www.nbcsandiego.com/blogs/sounddiego/The-Keys-to-the-Doors-Ray-Manzarek-at-Anthology-85928597.html

Ray and Robby will be performing at Sugar Rock Festival in Tienen, Belgium on Tuesday, July 20 according to this website: http://www.suikerrock.be/2009/programma    There is also a story about this at: http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/1313/Festivals/article/detail/1074243/2010/03/02/Legendarische-Doors-op-Suikerrock-Kick-Off.dhtml  I ran the story through a translator, and think that it says the concert kicks off the start of the Suikerrockfestival.  (thanks, Morten & George & Kevin & Goeb)

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 March 1, 2010        Ray & Roy Rogers in San Diego <> Robby's Roadhouse Rebels <> Daryl's House bassist dies <> Rock Hall library to open <> March 1 in Doors history
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers played in San Diego last night, and I headed down there to catch them together for my first time.  I was unsure what to expect ... whether it would be all instrumental, like the 'Ballads Before The Rain' CD ... or what.  First, I have to give a shout-out to Anthology, a really nice club.  It's a bit pricey on the food and cocktails side, but it offers great sightlines and sound, with multiple camera angles and big screens everywhere including a very large one at the rear of the stage.  Ray and Roy came on at 7:55 to what appeared to be a full house.  Ray sat behind a Roland keyboard, Roy alternately played an acoustic guitar and a double-neck electric.  During the program, Ray sang vocals on Love Me Two Times.  Roy sang vocals on Crawling King Snake (a non-Doors version), and Patron Saint of Blues from one of his own CDs.  At one point, Roy left the stage while Ray played a beautiful Crystal Ship, always my personal fave.  I recognized some of the music from the BBTR CD, which included B.E. In Memorium (to Bill Evans), and an Eric Satie piece.  Between some of the songs, there were interludes where Ray talked about the upcoming release of 'When You're Strange' movie and soundtrack.  There were also two Q&A breaks.  Some of the questions were about any more unreleased studio recordings; Robby's black eye on the Smothers Brothers Show; what was the most incorrect thing about the Oliver Stone movie (A: Ray's "daughter Princess"); his favorite Doors songs (A:  to play, LMF; to listen to, ROTS).  One fan just wanted to thank Ray for producing the Dance On Fire video and give special kudos for the L.A. Woman video.  One attendee mentioned Ray's brother Jim, who he had worked with for ten years.  Ray said Jim had been at the Santa Barbara show the night before, and had played piano for Rick & The Ravens.  Ray recommended the current film 'The Hurt Locker', and briefly told the story about a bunch of them (including Jim)getting stoned and going to see 2001:  A Space Odyssey' at the Cinerama.  Paul Ferrara was in that group and recounts that story in his autobiography, 'Flash of Eden.'  During the program, Ray mentioned that basketball star Bill Walton was from San Diego.  Ray pointed out that the correct pronunciation of his name puts the emphasis on the second syllable, as in man-ZAR-ek, and not MAN-zar-ek.  I can't blame him ... after all these years, I still often hear his name mispronounced.  The program ended with a beautiful Riders On The Storm instrumental.  They returned to the stage for an encore and reprised the song, and the set ended at 9:30.  I know the plan was to sign CDs after the show.  However, only a few copies remained of 'Ballads Before The Rain' because of high sales the prior nights, and those were gone by night's end.  If you don't have a copy and want to be ready for the next opportunity to catch these two together, you can order it at:  http://www.roy-rogers.com/discography?id=23   I arrived prepared with mine and got it signed by both.  I hope the fan who took a photo of me with Ray & Roy, follows through and emails it to me!  As I was exiting and Ray was walking to the front lounge to talk with fans, Bill Walton approached Ray to tell him how fun the show was.  I wish I had brought with me, the 1993 2-CD rarity that Ray narrated called 'Bill Walton: Men Are Made In The Paint -- An Audio Guide to the World of Basketball.'  See that here.  It was a really enjoyable evening with a nice balance of music, storytelling and audience participation.

Robby Krieger's Roadhouse Rebels are scheduled to appear at the Bella Vida Music Fest in Geneva, MN during the holiday weekend of May 28-29-30 according to a story I shared on February 16th.  If like me, you have been wondering just who those Roadhouse Rebels are, more info in revealed in a story on JamBase.com which is giving away two VIP packages to the event:  Steve Molitz, John Avila, and Adam Iscove.  Read the full story and enter to win at:  http://www.jambase.com/Contests/Contest.aspx?Contest=7421.  The festival website at: http://www.bellamusicfest.com/

If you watched the 'Live From Daryl's House' episode from last spring with Ray and Robby, then you saw a bass player named T-Bone sitting in.  Unfortunately, T-Bone Wolk died of a heart attack over the weekend.  Read about that at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100301/ap_en_ot/us_obit_wolk.   Watch that excellent 'Live From Daryl's House' program at:  http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/index.php?page=ep18

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland will have a library and research facility that is open to the public when it opens late this year.  The site is two miles from the Rock Hall and will occupy a full floor at the Center for Creative Arts on the Cuyahoga Community College's Metropolitan Campus.  Naturally, some Jim Morrison items will be housed there.  Read the full story at:  http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2010/02/music_history_finds_a_new_home.html

And finally ... yes, today is the 41st anniversary of the infamous 'Miami incident'.  It also marks 19 years since Oliver Stone's version of events in 'The Doors' opened in theaters.  Regardless of how you feel about that movie from a factual viewpoint, it introduced The Doors to countless new fans around the world.  From the viewpoint of a collector like me, it was paradise because The Doors graced the cover of dozens of magazines for a few months.  I'm hoping the same phenomenon happens again once 'When You're Strange' opens in theaters! 

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 February 28, 2010       Ray & Roy in April <> Doors on Walk of Fame
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers perform an evening of music in the Crown Room at the Crystal Bay Casino in Crystal Bay (near Lake Tahoe), Nevada on Saturday, April 3.   For more info, go to: http://crystalbaycasino.com/

The Doors received their star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame on this date in 2007, which was a Wednesday.  Some of the links are not working, but here is what it looked like:  http://idafan.com/walk_of_fame-stories-pix.html

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

 February 26, 2010       Ray interview <> WYS in Mojo blog <> WYS in Variety <> WYS on a list!
Ray Manzarek gave an interview to an on-line site called owlandbear.com in advance of Sunday's San Diego performance at Anthology with slide guitarist Roy Rogers.  Read it at:  http://www.owlandbear.com/2010/02/26/interview-ray-manzarek/.  Weird Al Yankovic's parody 'Craigslist' is embedded in the story, in case you have never seen it before.

'When You're Strange' got a nice review in UK's Mojo magazine on-line music blog at: http://www.mojo4music.com/blog/2010/02/new_doors_film_mojos_first_gli.html

'When You're Strange' is written up nicely today in Variety on-line at:  http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118015723.html?categoryId=2520&cs=1

'When You're Strange' makes it onto a short list of forthcoming films considered 'stoner movies'.  The others on the list are Alice In Wonderland, The Runaways, Leaves of Grass, and a new Cheech & Chong film.  LOL.  Read the full story at: http://www.celebstoner.com/201002263833/news/celebstoner-news/five-stoner-movies-coming-to-a-theater-near-you.html Smoke'em if you've got'em.

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 February 25, 2010       Ray & Roy <> WYS Dublin <> Jim's Vegas mug shot
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers do a 3-night concert swing through central and southern California beginning tomorrow night.  If you are in the area of Bakersfield, Santa Barbara or San Diego, check the calendar below for the venue details.

'When You're Strange' was screened on Monday evening at the 2010 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.  A fan who attended wrote to report that the theater was filled to capacity.  Of course, he thoroughly enjoyed it.  He even followed up with the Festival Admin & Office Manager regarding the surveys that movie-goers were asked to complete as they exited to rate the movie on a scale of 1-5 (this is typical at film festivals); they replied that the feedback was high, most of the audience rated it a 4, and everyone enjoyed it very much.  (thanks, Declan) 

Jim Morrison's mug shot from his January 28, 1968 arrest in Las Vegas for public drunkenness, is one of the "attractions" at the Hard Rock Cafe's new Las Vegas strip location at 3771 Las Vegas Boulevard South.  Read the full story about memorabilia and artifacts on exhibit at both Hard Rock locations in Las Vegas at:  http://www.lvrj.com/neon/get-ready-to-rock-and-roll-85326542.html

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 February 22, 2010       'WYS' PBS Q&A <> music book rarity
'When You're Strange' was feted on January 13 at an interview session tied in to the PBS 'American Masters' screening scheduled for May 26.  I previously shared a link to an interview at: http://www.locatetv.com/blog/doors-will-be-reopened-in-new-pbs-american-masters-film/ Another report on that Q&A session can be found at:  http://popculturezoo.com/archives/5411

A music book printed in 1939 and purchased at a southern California thrift store last October for $3.55 is proving to be an unimagined treasure for its new owner.  He emailed me last month for my opinion and suggestions for trying to verify the prior ownership and has contacted some of the most respected auction houses.  The book has two verified signatures of both Pamela S. Courson and J. Morrison within the book, along with several pencil and ink drawings and lyrics, poems or unfinished songs, and personal messages from Jim to Pamela.  The owner has created a website to share info about this incredible and exciting rarity at: http://www.jimmorrisonunpublished.com/ (thanks, Simone)

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

Pre-order the 'When You're Strange' soundtrack at:  http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_30734.  If you missed out on reading the track listing yesterday, here it is again.

Rockline presents an encore of the "Live From New York" radio show on Wednesday, February 24.  Check the Rockline website at:  http://rocklineradio.com/ for affiliate stations and schedules.

The current issue of L.A. Weekly has a profile story called 'Ace Of Bass'.  It's about Carol Kaye, the woman who played bass on 'Light My Fire'.  Read the story at: http://www.laweekly.com/2010-02-18/music/ace-of-bass-carol-kaye

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 February 19, 2010        European summer tour? <> WYS at SXSW <> WYS soundtrack listing
Ray and Robby will perform at the Clam Classic Rock Festival at Upper Austria's Clam Castle on July 9, and the Lovely Days Festival in Wiesen on July 10, according to this story at:  http://austrianindependent.com/news/Culture/2010-02-19/1092/Blink-182_to_rock_Austria.  This information has not been officially announced and is unconfirmed.  I do not have any info about other European tour dates.  If and when I learn more, it will be shared here.

'When You're Strange' gets screened at the SXSW Film Festival which begins in Austin, Texas next month.  The screening is scheduled for Friday, March 19 at 5:00 p.m. at Paramount Theater: http://my.sxsw.com/events/eid/9473

'When You're Strange' soundtrack's official tracklisting was posted earlier today on the forum on the official Doors website at: http://thedoors.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20498.  The track list includes Jim Morrison poetry read by Johnny Depp, as well as Isle of Wight and Danish TV cuts.  Read the full list at either the link above, or go here.  (thanks, Pixie)

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 February 18, 2010        Jim in Miami exhibit <> 'Cold Case' on Sunday
Jim Morrison's infamous 'Miami incident' earns him a place in new exhibit Crime In Miami which opened today at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida in downtown Miami.  The exhibit features photos of memorabilia of 'sensational murders, notorious kidnappings and scandalous public indecent exposures' rooted in Miami. In the case of our hero, seldom seen Miami Herald photos of him outside the courtroom will be shown.  What a dubious distinction!  The exhibit runs through August 29.  For more info, go to: http://www.hmsf.org/ Read this full story at:  http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1487299.html

This is a reminder that music of The Doors will play exclusively throughout this Sunday's (February 21) "Cold Case" on CBS.  In the 'Metamorphosis' episode, the team investigates the 1971 death of a teenaged circus aerialist.  The featured songs will be 'Light My Fire', 'Waiting For The Sun', 'Love Her Madly', 'Wild Child', 'Riders On The Storm', 'Moonlight Drive', and 'People Are Strange'.  Read the full story at:  http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20100121cbs03

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 February 17, 2010        WYS in Toronto <> WYS soundtrack <> Robby interview <> new WYS poster <> Record Collector mag
'When You're Strange' gets its Canadian premiere next month in Toronto at the Canadian Music Week's Film Festival.  The film will be shown at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the Royal Cinema.  Read the full story at: http://twitchfilm.net/news/2010/02/canadian-music-week-announces-titles-for-film-festival-program.php Ticket info is at: www.canadianmusicfest.com   And here is another story:  http://www.chartattack.com/news/79490/john-lennon-biopic-doors-documentary-getting-canadian-premieres-during-cmw-2010

The press release about 'WYS' news that appeared in Variety a few days ago, includes the info that the soundtrack will feature 13 songs chronicling The Doors' six albums with studio versions of classic tracks mixed with live cuts including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Isle of Wight Festival.  The soundtrack will be released on March 30 from Rhino.  Read the full story on a blog at:  http://thisismyhappening.blogspot.com/2010/02/when-youre-strange-film-about-dorrs.html

'Robby Krieger: The Doors Distinctive Fret Master' is the title of an interview in the March 2010 Premiere Guitar, on-line at:  http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2010/Mar/Robby_Krieger_The_Doors_Distinctive_Fret_Master.aspx  According to the interview, Robby has been writing that book that we've all been hoping for!

'When You're Strange' has a new official poster.  The names of the Director and the Narrator both appear prominently.  Very nice!  See it at the top of the home page or else here.

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

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 February 16, 2010        new DiCillo blog <> Robby to play MN <> new fan site <> Roadhouse Blues cover
'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has added a new post today regarding yesterday's story in Variety with the new details about release cities, etc.  DiCillo reminds us that TV and print advertising will be limited due to a small release budget, which means that word-of-mouth will be critical:  hence, a call-to-action for Doors fans to help spread the word!  We have all been waiting for this film for many years ... maybe even since Oliver Stone's 1991 film.  Read DiCillo's latest blog #65 'The Release' at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/

Robby Krieger's Roadhouse Rebels are on the list of artists scheduled to appear at the Bella Vida Music Fest in Geneva, MN during the holiday weekend of May 28-29-30 according to the festival website at: http://www.bellamusicfest.com/

A new Doors fan site described as 'Collective Archives and Online Marketplace' has surfaced.  It looks very promising.  Check it out at: http://mildequator.com/ (thanks, Gilles)

'Roadhouse Blues' gets covered by Los Lonely Boys on their EP "1969" which was released last October.  (thanks, Chris)

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 February 15, 2010        'WYS' story in Variety
'When You're Strange' got an informative write-up in Variety today.  The story fills in some blanks that many of us have wondered about, such as the cities that the film will open in on April 9:  New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle and San Francisco.  The DVD will be released three months after that.  The film's soundtrack is scheduled for release on March 30.  Read the full Variety article at:  http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118015269.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 or here.

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 February 12, 2010        H.B. to RM <> John performs in March <> WYS new release date <> WYS reviews <> 8512 SM Boulevard
Happy birthday wishes to Ray Manzarek who turns a very young 71 today.

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

'When You're Strange' is now scheduled to be in theaters on Friday, April 9 according to the official film website at: http://www.whenyourestrangemovie.com/ This is a week later than previously reported.  I do not have any info on what selected cities are the lucky ones (besides LA and NYC) ... but as David Letterman likes to quip "I just pray that your city has been selected."  Now, if they would just correct the poster on that site, and get Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's name restored to a prominent position, things would be much better.

'When You're Strange' is currently at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.  Here is one reviewer's write-up from the UC Santa Barbara paper Daily Nexus: http://www.dailynexus.com/article.php?a=20220 Here is another one from the Santa Barbara/Carpinteria Noozhawk newsletter:  http://www.noozhawk.com/arts/article/021110_mark_brickley_new_rockumentary_opens_doors_of_perception

8512 Santa Monica Boulevard was 'ground zero' for The Doors, once upon a time, when it was their 'workshop' rehearsal space and office.  For the past 15-20 years, it was an excellent Italian restaurant called Benvenuto, which I documented during its renovation several years ago.  Last year it became Mexico Restaurante y Barra.  I stopped in there last evening for an early meal en route to a nearby concert.  They have a terrific 'happy hour' food and drinks menu from 5 to 7 pm.  (I recommend the blackberry-coconut margarita!)  The restaurant is always linked on this home page (below), but I wanted to give it a fresh shout-out.  If you go, request my favorite server Sergio, who is a long-time fixture there.  Check out their website at:  www.gogomexico.com

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 February 9, 2010        Santa Barbara screening added
'When You're Strange' has had a third screening added at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, currently underway.  This one is Wednesday, February 10 at Metro 4 at 10:15 p.m.  For more info, go to:  http://sbiff.org/main/

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

I have noticed that 'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's name no longer appears prominently on the latest poster for the film, as shown on the official website at: http://www.whenyourestrangemovie.com/. Johnny Depp's name has been added as narrator and, of course, his star power should be included and touted on the poster.  His narration is important, maybe even critical ... but DiCillo wrote the script that Depp narrates.  Should the "Directed by Tom DiCillo" line be totally removed, fer crissakes?  We would have nothing without DiCillo.  Am I the only one who feels this needs a sanity check?

A movement is underway to name the proposed plaza on Dudley Avenue outside the Venice West Cafe location, after Jim Morrison.  This ties in with other recent stories about efforts to have that building site given historical status.  The story about the plaza naming appears in the free local Venice Beachhead paper, February issue.  The story is challenging to get to directly, so I have copied and pasted it onto a new page and am hopefully giving proper credit to the source document.  Read the full story here. (thanks, Ben)

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

'When You're Strange' got a real nice review from a writer who saw it in Santa Barbara.  Read it at: http://www.independent.com/news/2010/feb/06/doors-documentary-emwhen-youre-strangeem/

Frank Lisciandro's photo website link is: www.lisciandrophotos.com.  My LINKS page had an outdated URL and has now been updated for this website.

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 February 5, 2010        Jampol at ASCAP conference <> new 'I Remember' order link
The Doors' manager Jeff Jampol is one of the many music executives confirmed to participate in ASCAP's 2010 MusExpo in Los Angeles in late April.  Read the full story about this large industry conference at: http://encore.celebrityaccess.com/?encoreId=231&articleId=33856

There is a new link to order Alan Graham's revised Jim Morrison remembrance, "I Remember".  Check it out at: http://irememberjimmorrison.com/

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 February 4, 2010        Doors exhibit at Grammy Museum
In April 2010, the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles will launch an exhibit honoring Hendrix, Joplin and The Doors.  The Doors official website homepage has a scroll now about the future exhibit and is giving fans the opportunity to loan important artifacts, which reads: Call for Doors memorabilia for the Grammy Museum!  April 2010, The GRAMMY Museum® in Los Angeles, California will launch a one-of-a-kind exhibit taking visitors into the hearts, minds and music of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Janis Joplin.  In order to make this "Strange Kozmic Experience" complete, the museum needs YOUR help, the ardent fans and collectors! We want to find the most important and meaningful Doors artifacts that exist and include them for the world to see.  If you own a piece of music history that you think should be included, and would like to see your name on a plaque next to the words "Graciously on loan from the private collection of ________", please send us an email with a photo and description of your artifact, to StrangeKozmicExperience@gmail.com. It's important to note that often once an artifact is displayed in a museum, its value increases. All artifacts will be insured, properly secured and exhibited in Smithsonian standard temperature and humidity controlled cases. The exhibit will run in Los Angeles for approximately one year, after which your items will be returned or may be included (at your discretion) in a tour of 8-10 national and international museums.  Although the Grammy Museum is nowhere near as large as Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, they have put on some great programs and exhibits.  I was there last night for an 'education course' on Elvis Presley and the Birth of Rock & Roll, which ties in with some pretty amazing photographs of him taken at the current 'Elvis At 21' exhibit. There were 39 items from my own personal collection on loan to the Rock Hall's "Break On Through" Doors exhibit which ran in 2007 and 2008 and yes, it's a heck of a thrill so see your name printed on those "on loan from" cards in the display cases!  The Grammy Museum's website is not advertising about this next exhibit yet, but their URL is:  http://www.grammymuseum.org/

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 February 3, 2010        Robby at Riviera PGA event <> The Warehouse anniversary
Robby Krieger was one of the special guests making the rounds greeting veterans and their families and posing for photos at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, where he is a member.  The 2010 Northern Trust Open happens at Riviera this week.  During the tournament, there is a special picnic, golf exhibition and private hospitality venue for veterans provided by the PGA, including one day free tickets to military vets and their families.  In the story link which follows is a photo of Robby with David Pillsbury, President of the PGA Tour Golf Properties.  Read the full story at: http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2010/02/03/pga-2010northern-trust-open-honors-military-veterans/

The Warehouse in New Orleans is where The Doors played their last ever concert with Jim Morrison on December 12, 1970.  Last Friday, there was a 40th anniversary commemorating that venue held at Harrahs Casino where they showed a 15-minute trailer of the forthcoming documentary on The Warehouse.  A photo of Jim from that night can be seen on the website at: www.warehousemovie.blogspot.com.  A Doors friend attended the anniversary event and asked the film director if there were many pictures of The Doors that night, and he said no.  A professional photographer named Sidney Smith took countless pictures of performers there, but did not make it to The Doors show on December 12, 1970. (thanks, Joe)

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 February 1, 2010        WYS screening in Dublin <> WYS news page <> Crystal Ship cover
The 'When You're Strange' screening at the 2010 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival will be on February 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Cineworld, according to this ticket purchase link:  http://jdiff.ticketsolve.com/shows/23497702/events (thanks, Mark)

I have created a page dedicated to news and updates on 'When You're Strange'.  All stories will continue to be shared on this home page, but they will also be collected on the separate page.  The link appears below these latest news stories, or directly at:  http://idafan.com/when_youre_strange-movie_news.htm

'Crystal Ship' gets covered by The Hot Rats on "Turn Ons" which came out in January.  Based on this Wikipedia write-up, it sounds like a fun CD with lots of great covers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hot_Rats

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 January 31, 2010        'WYS' in Dublin
'When You're Strange' will be shown at the 2010 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, according to a story at: http://www.meg.ie/?p=5719. It looks like this festival runs from February 18 - 28.  (thanks, Paolo)

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 January 29, 2010        Harrison Ford's "CRS"
Harrison Ford once worked on a film crew with Paul Ferrara, photographing The Doors.  This was referenced in Paul's autobiography, 'Flash Of Eden'.  During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel earlier this week, Harrison spoke of it and admitted he can barely remember the experience.  Read Harrison's remarks on an entertainment blog at: http://blog.taragana.com/e/2010/01/29/ford-cant-remember-life-on-the-road-with-the-doors-85238/ 'Flash Of Eden' is available at: http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=47760 and/or http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Eden-Paul-Ferrara/dp/1434340708

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 January 28, 2010         'WYS' in Santa Barbara <> new 'I Remember' edition <> Ray & Roy this weekend
'When You're Strange' will be shown twice at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival next month.  The screenings are on Friday, February 5 at the Lobero Theater (7:00 pm), and Sunday, February 7 at Victoria Hall (9:30 pm.  I have been unable to find a link to buy single tickets, only 'packages', but I'll keep trying.  Meanwhile, the festival link is: http://sbiff.org/main/

'I Remember' is a book put out a few years ago by Al Graham.  Al is the former husband of Jim Morrison's sister Anne, and the father of Jim's nephews and niece.  'I Remember' was filled with personal stories and anecdotes and family photos.  The book has been re-issued, but differs from the first edition.  'I Remember' has a new cover because it has been re-edited and revised:  some stories from the first edition have been deleted and other stories have been added.  The link to order 'I Remember' is:  http://irememberjimmorrison.com/  Be certain to check out the other links on that site, especially the About Kimberley tab.  (thanks, Al and Gilles)

Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers play shows tonight and tomorrow night in Seattle and Port Townsend, Washington.  Details are in the calendar below.

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 January 26, 2010         'WYS' in USA Today <> vinyl releases <> book inspired by Pam's grave
'When You're Strange' and its May 26th broadcast on PBS got a write-up in USA Today a few weeks ago.  Read it at: http://blogs.usatoday.com/livefrom/2010/01/the-doors-on-pbs.html

'Live In New York' gets a vinyl release on March 16 and is available for pre-order at Amazon.com:  http://www.amazon.com/Live-New-York-Doors/dp/B0031Y4ADK/ref=sr_1_2   According to the 'more about this product' link, this is a single disc ... however, the artwork shown indicates it is a 2-LP set from the first show and the price seems to support a double-LP set.  The Amazon link offers a 2-fer with 'Absolutely Live' on vinyl, also showing a March 16 release date.  (thanks, Simone)

Pamela Courson's burial place here in Orange County, California was the impetus for a book by a local man named Michael Barry.  Read about the story behind "Final Resting Places, Orange County's Dead and Famous" at: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/barry-230882-book-buried.html

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 January 24, 2010         Robby's golf today
The Bob Hope Desert Classic continued play today, again under the most magnificent of weather.  Robby's team #A-28 played at Palmer Private at PGA West and finished with a Round 4 team score of -31:  http://www.bhcc.com/10amateurteams.html.   Tomorrow's final round is for the professionals only, so I guess the 'amateurs' are done playing at three instead of four days which was curtailed due to the excessive rain last week.

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 January 23, 2010         Robby's golf today <> Robby interview <> 5 Questions with RK
The Bob Hope Desert Classic resumed play under the most magnificent weather conditions today.  There was not a cloud in the sky, the mountains around Palm Springs were covered in snow from the many days of rain this week, and temperatures were delightful ... even warm by mid-day.  I drove out to the desert early this morning to attend along with my friends who live in La Quinta, just a few miles from the course.  Robby's team #A-28 played at Nicklaus Private at PGA West and finished with a Round 3 team score of -21:  http://www.bhcc.com/10amateurteams.html.  A number of friends and fans followed his play around the course, including Steve Molitz of Particle with his dad.  A special shout-out goes to Robby's friends Alan and Don; they let me tag along with them as we followed Robby's play and interpreted the action for me.  Today should have been the last day of play for the amateurs, but they play again Sunday to make up for the rain-out.  According to the latest info at: http://www.bhcc.com/10pairings4.html, Robby tees off at 10am with Pro #31 at Palmer Private at PGA West. To stay up to date on schedules or delays, check the official website at:  http://bhcc.com/  Here is a UPI photo of Robby arriving this morning: http://www.upi.com/enl-win/266687898a0b533ce958e9e7a361ca8d/

Robby was interviewed by the website MyDesert.com ... here it is: http://www.mydesert.com/article/20100123/EVENTS02/301230007/-1/sportsfront/Robby+Krieger

'Guitar Edge' Magazine, January 2010 issue (cover:  Breaking Benjamin) has "5 Questions With Robby Krieger" on page 7.  The questions deal with 'When You're Strange'; what gear he uses onstage when he and Ray tour; whether he picks with his fingers for tone or as a by-product of his flamenco background; who his influences were; and about other celebrities he has golfed with.  (thanks, David my son)

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 January 22, 2010         Robby's golf rain-outs <> 'WYS' soundtrack release <> The Doors on 'Cold Case'
Robby Krieger's participation in this year's Bob Hope Desert Classic in La Quinta, California has been in a holding pattern for the last two days due to the incredible rain storms that have been pelting all of southern California.  The teams did get to play the first scheduled day on Wednesday, even though there was intermittent rain.  Robby's team #A-28 finished with a Round 1 team score of -11:  http://www.bhcc.com/10amateurteams.html.  Round 2 and Round 3, scheduled for yesterday and today, were cancelled due to the weather.  According to good friends who live nearby in La Quinta, the rain is continuing this afternoon and evening.  Weather permitting, play will resume tomorrow.   This is the first time in 30 years that the Bob Hope Desert Classic has had to cancel play due to rain.  To stay up to date on schedules or delays, check the official website at:  http://bhcc.com/

The 'When You're Strange' soundtrack is available for pre-order from Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/When-Youre-Strange-Doors/dp/B0033G9OFA/ref=sr_1_1 The website says the release is schedule for March 16.  (thanks, Simone)

Music of The Doors will play exclusively throughout the February 21 episode of CBS show "Cold Case" titled 'Metamorphosis', in which the team investigates the 1971 death of a teenaged circus aerialist.  The featured songs will be 'Light My Fire', 'Waiting For The Sun', 'Love Her Madly', 'Wild Child', 'Riders On The Storm', 'Moonlight Drive', and 'People Are Strange'.  Read the full story at:  http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20100121cbs03 (thanks, Paul)

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 January 19, 2010         Robby's golf this week <> Jac Holzman's ex-wife
Robby Krieger is one of the celebrity golfers at the Bob Hope Desert Classic which runs from this Wednesday through Saturday in La Quinta (Palm Springs), CA.  The bad news is that the weather in southern California this week will have a huge impact on the event.  There have been major rainstorms and even some tornado activity, with plenty more heavy rain predicted for the balance of the week.  My friends in La Quinta have reported incredible rainstorms in their area.  The golf tournaments each day will be covered on the Golf Channel.  For all the details about the event, check out the official website at:  http://bhcc.com/

Nina Lamb is the ex-wife of Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman.  Apparently she is quite the cook and got a big write-up in the LA Times.  There are plenty of Doors references in the story at:   http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-rocknroll20-2010jan20,0,784237.story

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 January 17, 2010         Ray at Napa Library
Ray Manzarek's upcoming appearance at the Napa City-County Library on Thursday, January 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. got written up in the TimesHerald on-line at:  http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_14210448 Attendance is free and admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Another story about this appearance is in the January 13th news below.

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

Ray Manzarek posted a series of messages on his Facebook page this evening sharing info about projects he is keeping busy with.  In brief, Ray is working on a series of three hour-long videos with Pablo.  This is in addition to a series of performances he has coming up with slide-guitarist Roy Rogers.  Those dates are in the calendar below.   You can read the full content of Ray's posts on his Facebook page. 

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 January 13, 2010         Ray at Napa Library <> new DiCillo blog
Ray Manzarek will make a special appearance at the Napa City-County Library on Thursday, January 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.   Ray will talk about the social and literary influences that inspired him, including Allen Ginsburg and Jack Kerouac, and everything from 'his college days to cosmic consciousness.'  Attendance is free and admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Read the story and get the address and phone # for more info at: http://www.napavalleyregister.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/article_7a2b4c52-34b5-5b99-90b6-5cef4d56a992.html

'When You're Strange' Writer and Director Tom DiCillo has added new blog #64 titled "From Mr. D" in which he re-posts the Johnny Depp remarks about the film and adds more comments about the forthcoming PBS broadcast, probable theater release, and DVD and soundtrack releases.  Read it in its entirety at:  http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/ 

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 January 12, 2010         Depp on 'WYS'
6:00 p.m. revised:  A Johnny Depp statement about 'When You're Strange' actually first came from Tom DiCillo's blog at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=214#comments.  Since comments can be hard to find or can quickly get buried as additional remarks are added, I am posting it here: “DiCillo’s ‘When You’re Strange’ is a meticulously crafted, exhilarating ode to one of music’s greatest, most exciting ensembles, The Doors. Watching the hypnotic, hitherto, unreleased footage of Jim, John, Ray and Robby, both on and off the stage, I felt like I was there, with them, living and experiencing what they were experiencing, seeing it all through their eyes. Ultimately, Jim has been resurrected here to remind us that he is to this very day, one of the most significant frontmen/poets/shaman to ever grace a stage and that the band behind him, kept the music alive every step of the way, adding fuel to an already raging fire, all along their wild and electrifying ride into history. The raw material entrances throughout. In terms of a rock n’ roll documentary, or any kind of documentary for that matter, it simply doesn’t get any better than this. What an honor to have been involved. I am as proud of this as anything I have ever done.” After WYS Writer & Director Tom DiCillo shared it on his blog on Sunday, it was re-posted on Depp's forum yesterday at:  http://johnnydeppreads.com/index.php?showtopic=8627

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 January 8, 2010         HB to RK <> Robby in film project <> Venice Beach building update
Happy birthday to Robby Krieger, born 64 years ago this date.  What a lucky occurrence that homework assignment was, to go home and write some new songs over the weekend!

An independent film called 'Rockin' The Wall' has begun production according to a blog at:  http://www.patriotshistoryusa.com/blog/update-on-rockin-the-wall/ The blog says that in two weeks they will be in Los Angeles to film Robby Krieger, among others.  I have no idea what this project is about (yet).

The Venice Beach building once called Venice West Cafe and frequented by Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, and was a significant gathering place for the L.A. beatnik scene, was recommended as a city historic-cultural monument in a unanimous 3-0 vote.  This nomination is subject to review by the Los Angeles City Council.  Read more at:  http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/01/old-venice-west-cafe-gets-landmark-status-.html (thanks, KDW)

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 January 7, 2010         Venice landmark <> new WYS trailer <> Door Jamz video <> RM & RK in Rhino video <> Doors on OGWT
A Venice Beach building once called Venice West Cafe and frequented by Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, and was a significant gathering place for the L.A. beatnik scene, is a candidate to be designated as a city historic-cultural monument.  The issue was set to be decided yesterday.  Read full story at: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-venice-west7-2010jan07,0,4587583.story

A new trailer for 'When You're Strange' was released recently which contains some of the Johnny Depp narration.  Check it out at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7KnnGmmN3o&feature=youtube_gdata (thanks, Paolo)

A 2-1/2 minute video of Robby Krieger's "Door Jamz" show last Wednesday night featuring Brandino on 6-string bass, can be seen at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9qdRPFwVpo&feature=youtube_gdata. This jazz segment last for 3 or 4 songs, then the program returned to rocking out with Doors songs.  If you missed reading about that show and/or seeing the 3 dozen photos, go to:  http://idafan.com/krieger-door_jamz-12-30-09.html

Ray and Robby appear in a fun and chatty Rhino video that includes some familiar story-telling, their picks of fave songs for a time capsule, and discussion of Jose Feliciano's LMF arrangement.  Check it out at:  http://www.rhino.com/article/video-ray-manzarek-and-robby-krieger-talk-about-live-new-york

The Doors without Jim appeared on several TV shows during their 1972 European tour.  One of those was the Old Grey Whistle Test on the BBC.  According to Greg Shaw's excellent 'The Doors On The Road' book, the date was May 9, 1972.  The following YouTube clip is described as an outtake.  This performance of Robby singing 'I'm Horny I'm Stoned' from the "Other Voices" LP is a delightful rarity!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxEXlajIsjU (thanks, Simone)

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 January 6, 2010         'WYS' on PBS in May <> ex-roadie's book
'When You're Strange' will get aired on PBS during "sweeps week" in May, according to a reply to a fan's question on Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's blog at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=214#comments last evening.  DiCillo says that PBS has secured the first TV rights and that there will be a DVD release in the U.S. sometime after that.  This makes my heart sink a little, but he goes on to say that he is still expecting news about a U.S. theatrical release within a few weeks.  As "sweeps week" approaches in May, I will be on this like white-on-rice to track down and post all the scheduled TV screenings that I can find.

'Inside The Fire:  My Strange Days With The Doors' by ex-roadie Doug Cameron, is discussed in a blog at: http://jimhagerty.blogspot.com/2010/01/author-recounts-days-as-doors-roadie.html. Info on ordering the book follows at the end of the blog.

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 January 5, 2010         Ray to play Santa Barbara <> remembering Danny Sugerman <> Jim & Rose Bowl Parade <> Sunset Strip news
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers perform on Saturday, February 27 at SoHo Restaurant & Music Club in Santa Barbara, CA.  It does not look like tickets are on sale yet, but the venue website is:  http://www.sohosb.com/index2.html

Danny Sugerman is remembered in a brief story today at:  http://www.rockstarweekly.com/content/view/1353/149/    Danny passed away five years ago this date.

Jim Morrison was mentioned during the annual Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day.  I was not watching, but both of my sisters perked up their ears when they heard Jim's name.  The parade commentator announced that the next float that was coming was sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America ... and then went on to list some well-known people who were Boy Scouts.  My sister swears that Jim Morrison was the first name he said!  (thanks, Bobbie & Joan)

The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood is going to get re-paved for the first time in 75 years.  It seems every story about that famous stretch of street manages to include a mention of Jim Morrison in some context, and this one is no different:  http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/sunset-strip-getting-first-facelift-in-75-years.html

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 December 31, 2009         Robby's "Door Jamz" review <> Live in NY in WSJ <> John 'first person' story <> pix from "Door Jamz"
Robby Krieger played with oodles of friends and musicians last night at the Waterfront Concert Theater in Marina Del Rey.  There was way too much going on to condense into a paragraph for this home page, so you can read all about it in detail here.  I am missing the names of many of the musicians who participated.  If and when I get that info, I will update the page to give proper credit.

'The Doors Live in New York' recently released 6-CD box set got itself a write in the Wall Street Journal!  I didn't realize the WSJ had a rock music critic, but here it is: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703278604574624540834882968.html

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

My friend Beverly is sharing 35 photos from last night's 'Door Jamz' show at Waterfront Concert Theater in Marina Del Rey.  Thank you, Beverly!   See them at: http://picasaweb.google.com/BeverlyJKelly/RobbyKrieger123009?authkey=Gv1sRgCMOajrHKt4rQMw&feat=directlink#

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 December 30, 2009         Robby's "Door Jamz" tonight
Robby Krieger plays tonight with friends at the Waterfront Concert Theater at 4211 Admiralty Way in Marina Del Rey.  I have been told there will be surprises.  Since I like surprises, I am not going to try to find out more, so please don't contact me about that.  A friend tells me that today's LA Times says Ray Manzarek will be joining in tonight.  I have no idea if that is true.  When I looked at L.A. Times events on-line, I saw this show listed erroneously for Waterfront Cafe in Garden Grove.  DO NOT go to Garden Grove tonight looking for Door Jamz!  For tickets:  http://www.thewfr.com/calendar/tickets/buy.php?event=33

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 December 29, 2009         Ray to play San Diego
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers perform on Sunday night, February 28 at Anthology in San Diego, according to that venue's website at:  http://www.anthologysd.com/music-calendar-february-2010.html

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 December 28, 2009         Robby's Door Jamz <> Morrison triptych <> Hyacinth House cover <> Doors e-cards
Robby Krieger "and friends" play 'Door Jamz' this Wednesday, December 30th at Waterfront Concert Theater in Marina Del Rey.  Robby will be supported by Tom Vitorino and Evan Marshall sharing vocals; Phil Chen, Angelo Barbera and Kevin Brandon share bass duties; Ty Dennis and Owen Goldman will share drum duties, and there will also be some musicians on keys and horns!  Opening bands are the Waylon Krieger Band (Robby's son!), and Marco Moir as "Howlin' Wolf".  Sounds like a lot of fun.  The address is 4211 Admiralty Way in Marina Del Rey (second floor).  Advance tix can be purchased at:  http://www.thewfr.com/calendar/tickets/buy.php?event=33  Is there any better way to start ringing out this troubled past year?  I think not! 

'The Morrison Triptych' is a painting that artist R. E. Breitenbach collaborated with Jim Morrison on in the winter of 1970-71.  That painting as well as a letter from Jim on Doors stationery can be seen at http://tebreitenbach.com/morrison.htm but you can look forward to learning lots more about this collaboration in an updated version of Rui Pedro Silva's Portugese book called "Contigo Torno-Me Real".  I had the pleasure of spending many hours with Rui a few weeks ago just prior to his return to Portugal after spending three months at UCLA in their Portugese studies department.  Rui told me the book has been translated into English, so its publication is definitely something to look forward to.  When there is more info available about that, it will be shared here.

'Hyacinth House' gets covered on the eponymous debut album from Cheval Sombre.

If you are looking for some Doors-themed e-cards, check out these links: http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/e27ec7227805bbc52eaaf1cbfc34dafa  and   http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/f9d85665ce4951ea33bd08a813b1a871

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 December 22, 2009         Ray & Roy Rogers add shows <> Ray & Dorothy anniversary
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers continue to add shows for early next year.  They will perform together on Friday, March 26 at Freight & Salvage in Berkley, California: http://www.thefreight.org/roy-rogers-ray-manzarek 

Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers will perform together on Sunday, February 26 at DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom in Bakersfield, California

Ray and Dorothy Manzarek celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary yesterday.  Congratulations to them on that achievement!

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 December 19, 2009          D21C in A.C. on DVD <> another Morrison bobble head <> eBay auction
The Doors of the 21st Century (Ray, Robby, Ian Astbury, Ty Dennis and Phil Chen) and guest artists played a special show in Atlantic City, New Jersey in August 2005.  Produced by Barry Summers and filmed for the debut episode of VH1's Decades Rock Live series, legal action prevented the October 8, 2005 broadcast of that show as planned, and it has never seen the light of day.  However, there were several songs performed that evening that The Doors do not own the rights to, and those will be included in a 'Best of Decades Rock Live' DVD release planned for winter 2010.  'Back Door Man' from that show is one of the performances that will be included, and can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gghl83OUqcM 

Another Jim Morrison bobble head doll from Funko is being offered on EntertainmentEarth.com's website.  It is advertised for a February 2010 release.  This appears to be the same head and body as the other one (see news story from November 12), but with a different shirt and posed differently.  See for yourself at: http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FU2012 (thanks, Tim)

'An American Prayer' on reel-to-reel was an eBay auction item that ended earlier today with no takers for the $700. starting bid.  Check out item #140366427328 on eBay.  (thanks, Gilles)

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 December 18, 2009          Ray & Roy in Seattle <> John in Record Collector Mag <> PAS on Portugal AI
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers will perform together at the Triple Door in Seattle, Washington on Thursday, January 28 according to their upcoming events calendar at: http://www.thetripledoor.net/Calendar/Events/January-2010/Ray-Manzarek---Roy-Rogers.aspx?date=2010-01-28

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

'People Are Strange' was covered on the Portugese version of American Idol last Sunday by a 16 year old unknown named Inȇs Laranjeira.  Unless you are Portugese-fluent, you may prefer to skip to 2:30 to see her performance at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqwUMVfjHDQ  (thanks, Rui P.)

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 December 17, 2009          The Warehouse documentary <> WYS showing in London
The Doors played their last-ever show with Jim Morrison on December 12, 1970 at The Warehouse in New Orleans.  That venue is long gone, but some local film makers have come together to produce a near-completed documentary called 'A Warehouse on Tchoupitoulas.'  Read the full story at:  http://bestofneworleans.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A66143

'When You're Strange' may be getting a screening in London on February 19, IF I am understanding this website listing correctly:   http://www.curzoncinemas.com/whats_on/preview_when_youre_strange_plus_introduction#/events/doc_days/preview_when_youre_strange_plus_introduction

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 December 16, 2009          John in magazine story <> Doors on t.v. <> LMF cocktail
John Densmore is featured in the January 2010 issue of 'Modern Drummer.'  The story title is '14 Reasons To Love John Densmore.'  The story can be read on the home page at www.johndensmore.com  and/or downloaded from a link there.  (thanks, Jim)

Several Doors shows are coming up on t.v.:  'No One Here Gets Out Alive' is on tonight on VH1 Classic at 9pm (west coast time); 'Classic Albums, The Doors' is on VH1 Classic at 4pm (west coast time) on December 23; and Oliver Stone's 'The Doors" is on CineMax on December 22.  These have been added to the calendar below.

'Light My Fire' is the name of a cocktail being served at the LeLu Coffee Lounge in Sarasota Key, Florida, according to the Herald Tribune which uses a photo of Jim in the story (but, Robby wrote that song!!!!).  The link to the story is:  http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091203/ARTICLE/912031011    Since I don't know how long that link will be live, here's the recipe:  3 parts Patron Silver tequila; 1 part chipotle pineapple syrup; splash pineapple juice; splash orange juice; splash lime juice.  Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.  Strain into a glass filled with ice.  Garnish with lime wedge or slice of grilled pineapple.  (thanks, sister Bobbie)

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 December 14, 2009         'Best of' get RIAA's Diamond Cert <> Ray & Roy in Petaluma <> WYS film review
'The Best of The Doors' hits compilation has been awarded Diamond Certification by RIAA.   According to this story, Diamond status is 10x Platinum, and has been awarded to only 104 releases in its history.  Read full story at: http://www.information-online.com/node/28473

Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers, along with Country Joe McDonald, will be performing on Saturday, March 20 at McNear's Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, California according to the venue's website at:  http://www.mystictheatre.com/show/detail/24980

'When You're Strange' got a nice write-up after its recent appearance at the London Film Festival on a film blog website.  Check it out at:  http://laurasfilmblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/london-film-festival-review-when-youre.html

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 December 11, 2009         Robby's tree house on TV <> Patricia Kennealy interview
Robby Krieger and his very cool tree house, along with its builder and designer Dustin Feider, were featured on E's 'That Morning Show' recently.  Check it out on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGH7z65m09k   In case you missed it last month, I shared a link to a magazine story about this at: http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/st_treehouses/

A lengthy Patricia Kennealy interview ran on December 8 on BoomerCity.com ... check it out at: http://www.boomerocity.com/patriciakennealymorrison.html    (thanks, Gilles)

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 December 10, 2009         Ray & Roy Rogers show <> Robby tix <> Jim's 66th birthday
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers will be performing together on Friday, January 29 at the Upstage Restaurant in Port Townsend, Washington according to the upcoming events calendar at: http://www.upstagerestaurant.com/ThisMonth.html

Robby Krieger and friends will be jamming at the Waterfront Marina Restaurant in Marina Del Rey on Wednesday, December 30.  I do not have the ad yet, but the show does appear on the venue's concert calendar at:  http://www.thewfr.com/.  I think the evening will be called Door Jamz.  It looks like tickets are $10. (I told you it would be affordable!) but Goldstar is offering half-price tix at:  http://www.goldstar.com/events/marina-del-rey-ca/robbie-krieger-presents-door-jamz.html

Renowned photographer Michelle Campbell can be seen in this YouTube video of a remembrance at Jim's grave earlier this week on what would have been Jim's 66th birthday.  Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5GfFRetvP8

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 December 9, 2009         Robby & Friends concert <> Robby in Bob Hope Desert Classic <> Henry Diltz slide show
Robby Krieger & Friends played a benefit concert in Agoura Hills on November 16th, following the 2nd Annual Scott Medlock Celebrity Invitation Golf Classic.  The events were for the benefit of the Pat Tillman Foundation. Here are two videos from the concert featuring a young lady named Sacha Edwards on vocals.  Ty Dennis and Phil Chen can be seen playing on stage with Robby.  Check out the 2009 Robby & Friends benefit videos at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDMGipNbHys  and   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAQs-b9K3lE

Another story about Robby Krieger's invitation to play in the Celebrity Tournament at the 2010 Bob Hope Desert Classic in the Palm Springs, CA area next month appears at www.MyDesert.com but I seem unable to link to the story, so it's copied here.

'Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History 1955 to Present' is an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art which runs through January 31.  According to the story linked here, the exhibit includes photographer Henry Diltz's wonderful slide show, which I have been lucky enough to see several times.  In this case, the slideshow features 80 images of Jim Morrison and Joni Mitchell.   Read the full story at:  http://www.thelmagazine.com/newyork/the-slideshow-for-the-soundtrack-to-our-lives/Content?oid=1462719

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 December 8, 2009         Jim's birthday <> Robby in Bob Hope Desert Classic
Jim Morrison would have been 66 today.  We will never know and can only continue to speculate on what Jim's life would have been like in 2009.  Would he still be performing with his original band mates?  Would he be rocking a solo career?  Or would he have followed an entirely different path?  He died young and he stayed pretty, so we'll never know.  I spent December 8, 2003 in Paris.  That was the last time I was there, but my mind wanders there often.  I still look at Paris weather to see if his grave is cold or wet or sunny; according to the internet weather, today was a cold rainy day there.

Robby Krieger's name has been added to the list of celebrity players at the 2010 Bob Hope Desert Classic in January in Palm Springs, CA.   Read the story about this at: http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=11641979

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 December 7, 2009          Robby show later this month <> Ray & McClure doing benefit
Robby Krieger is playing a show on Wednesday, December 30th at the Waterfront Restaurant, 4211 Admiralty Way in Marina Del Rey, CA.  The show tickets will be very affordable!   I will have more information to share soon, including an ad for this show.  

Ray Manzarek and Michael McClure will take part in a benefit in NYC on December 18th at the Players Club for the Living Theatre, along with Martin Sheen, Olympia Dukakis, and Anne Waldman.  For more information and reservations, read the source story at: http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/news/12-2009/martin-sheen-olympia-dukakis-ray-manzarek-et-al-se_23359.html

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 December 5, 2009          pix from Medlock tourney <> NYC 'Annex' closing <> Mosquito in Turkish
Some great photos from the 2nd Annual Scott Medlock Celebrity Invitational Golf Classic and Concert starring Robby Krieger, can be found at this link on Picasa:  http://picasaweb.google.com/PPMGPICS/2009ScottMedlockCelebrityGolfInvitationalPrivateRockConcertWithRobbyKriegerTheDoors#   You have to love Robby's pants.  He was as colorful as the bagpipers! 

Jim Morrison's handwritten poem is one of the artifacts housed in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum's "Annex", housed in SoHo in New York City.  It has just been announced that the Annex will be closed as of 8:00 p.m. on January 3, 2010.  Read the full story at:  http://www.theimproper.com/music/?p=147

A YouTube video of 'The Mosquito' sung in Turkish (I think) by a child (I think), accompanied by Middle-Eastern instruments (I think), tickled my fancy this morning:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QKsk7HHWa8.  If you are not familiar with the original, it appears on 'Full Circle' and was sung by Robby Krieger.  'Full Circle' was the last album recorded by The Doors following Jim Morrison's death and has never been officially released on CD, although it can be found as an "import" and the vinyl can still be found in stores that sell used records.  (thanks, Gilles)

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 December 4, 2009          Ray at Jazzmouth Festival <> Alta Cienega visitor
Ray Manzarek will headline Jazzmouth Poetry and Jazz Festival along with Michael McClure on April 24, 2010 at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, according to a story at:  http://jazzmouth.org/  Tickets are on sale at: http://www.themusichall.org/calendar/event_detail.asp?eventID=891

Alta Cienega Motel in West Hollywood apparently got a visit from Andrew Stockdale and other members of Wolfmother recently.  How strange.  I hope they took the opportunity to visit Mexico Restaurante y Barra across the street, the actual 'ground zero' of The Doors activities.  Read the story at:  http://www.mtv.com.au/news/a56bb5f3-wolfmothers-triumphant-summer-return/

 December 2, 2009          Scott Medlock tourney summary
The 2nd Annual Scott Medlock Celebrity Invitational Golf Classic and Concert starring Robby Krieger and Friends gets summarized nicely in a press release which can be found at:  http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Scott-Medlock-Celebrity-Golf-Invitational-1084260.html   The event was held on November 16th in Malibu and benefited the Pat Tillman Foundation.

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

The Recording Academy's full press release which lists all the 2010 song inductions in addition to Riders On The Storm, can be found here. (thanks, Ken)

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 November 29, 2009          ROTS in Grammy Hall of Fame <> Robby at Whisky <> 'Live In New York' box set <> NOHGOA on VH1 Classic
The Recording Academy recently announced its list of 25 recordings that have been added to the Grammy Hall of Fame, and 'Riders On The Storm' is among the 25 inductees for 2010.  This news is posted on The Doors' official website at: http://thedoors.com/ The Grammy Museum is located at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.

Robby Krieger did perform at the Whisky last Sunday night with the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp, but I have no other info about how long or what he played!

I am absolutely LOVING the latest release from Bright Midnight and Rhino, the 6-CD set 'Live In New York' recorded at the Felt Forum over two nights and four shows in January 1970.  It is excellent sound quality, the shows are terrific, Jim is loose and playful ...  actually the whole band is.  I was lucky to be at the amazing fourth and final show, which I also think is the best of the lot.  It's a thrill to hear this show in particular!  I wish I had a photographic memory.  If you have been selective about which Bright Midnight releases you have purchased, this is one that should make your list.  The box set can be ordered through the official website at:  http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_23393  but it is also available through records stores (if you can find any!), Amazon.com, and retail stores that carry music such as Borders Books. 

'No One Here Gets Out Alive' gets broadcast on VH-1 Classic channel numerous times between now and December 6th.  Check your local listings for show times.

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 November 28, 2009          BOT in ice skating routine
'Break On Through' was the music that 3-time U.S. National Figure Skating Champion Michael Weiss performed to on the ice at Rockefeller Center during Friday's edition of NBC's Today Show.  Not some "muzak" version of BOT, but the real deal.  What a hoot!  Kudos to my sister Bobbie for recognizing the song and alerting me from the east coast, so I could catch it on the west coast broadcast.  She has learned well.

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 November 20, 2009         WYS sold for Germany theaters
'When You're Strange' has found itself a deal for a theatrical release in Germany, according to a new post on WYS Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's News page at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192.   DiCillo goes on to summarize the other major territories that have bought the film, which include France, Britain, Australia, Canada and Japan ... and possibly a few others.  He assures us that there is still progress on a U.S. distribution deal, so let's keep the faith!

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 November 17, 2009         Robby video interview <> Crystal Ship cover <> merch lawsuit <> YouTube video
Robby Krieger appears in a 6-minute video interview from yesterday's Second Annual Scott Medlock Golf Classic at the Malibu Country Club to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation.  Check it out on on RockerRazzi.com at:  http://www.rockerrazzi.com/2009/11/doors-robbie-krieger-exclusive.htmlRay

'Crystal Ship' has been covered by Nevermore and appears on their new release called "The Obsidian Conspiracy."  Read about it at: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=130391 (thanks, Brad)

A huge lawsuit has been filed in Los Angeles' federal court by Bravado International Group against businesses that are allegedly cashing in on merchandise of certain musicians, including Jim Morrison, claiming they have the exclusive right to the merchandising.  Read about it at: http://www.tmz.com/2009/11/14/michael-jackson-rolling-stones-doors-guns-roses-led-zeppelin-red-hot-chili-peppers/

"Jim Morrison - The First American Punk" is the name of a YouTube video with musings by Joey Ramone, Ray Manzarek, Tom Petty and Dave Stewart.  See it at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqXTlAW8v1U  (thanks, Gilles)

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 November 12, 2009         Pat Tillman golf event on-line <> Ray performs this weekend <> Morrison bobble head doll <> Manzarek-Ford show details <> John at UCLA <> Ray will not be at Monday night benefit
The Second Annual Scott Medlock Golf Classic (with Robby Krieger) next Monday, November 16 benefiting the Pat Tillman Foundation will be broadcast on-line at www.ubroadcast.com.  Read the full story at:  http://www.sys-con.com/node/1184185   For more info on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the event, go to:  http://www.pattillmanbenefit.com/

Ray Manzarek and Michael C. Ford perform together on Saturday, November 14 at University of the Pacific according to the story at:  http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091112/A_ENTERTAIN1001/911120325/-1/a_entertain#STS=g1xrkd7n.hlp

Jim Morrison has been immortalized in so many ways, I suppose it was only a matter of time before he became a 6-inch tall bobble head doll.  I'm pretty sure this is not "licensed" merchandise, so who knows how long this will be available before a 'cease and desist' occurs.  For now, check them out at http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FU2001 for $10.99, or else http://www.rock-n-roll-action-figures.com/fujimmolikiw.html  for $13.95.  I haven't compared shipping rates, so I don't know which is the better deal overall.

More details about the Ray Manzarek and Michael C. Ford performance this Saturday:  the program is at 1:00 p.m. at the Pacific Theatre, University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA and titled 'Relationships, Jazz, Poetry and Improvisation.'  Tickets are $15 and $30.  For more info, call (209) 946-7745 or go to:  http://asuop.pacific.edu/index.asp

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

Ray Manzarek will NOT be performing on Monday night at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA following the Second Annual Scott Medlock Golf Classic (see first news story today).  I have just received that late-breaking change of plans.

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 November 11, 2009         Ray & Robby on Rockline <> Felt Forum release next week <> poetry contest <> Pat Tillman Foundation event
Ray and Robby did a fun interview on 'Rockline' tonight, the 90-minute live radio interview show that takes listener calls during the show.  Lots of cuts were played from the forthcoming 'Live In New York' 6-CD set which documents the two nights and four shows at NYC's Felt Forum in January 1970, accompanied by some great reminiscing and storytelling by both of them. Rockline is a nationally syndicated show.  The show is archived and available for listening for two weeks, so go to: http://www.rocklineradio.com/ to check out the affiliate stations that will carry the show in your area. 

The 'Live In New York' release was pushed back a week to November 17th.  If you've been looking for it, that's why!  It can still be pre-ordered along with some souvenir items including a tee-shirt through the official website at:  http://thedoors.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1127_23393   If I recall correctly, this release will be available at major retail outlets.

There is a poetry contest through The Doors message board.  The winner gets announced on December 8th, Jim's birthday, and will receive a 'Live In New York' box set.  For more info, go to the home page at  http://thedoors.com/   and read the scroll.

The Second Annual Scott Medlock Golf and Concert Classic next Monday, November 16 benefiting the Pat Tillman Foundation got a nice write-up at http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_13757696   The highlight (in my humble opinion) has to be the Robby Krieger & Ray Manzarek & Friends show that evening at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA.  For more info on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the event, go to:  http://www.pattillmanbenefit.com/

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 November 9, 2009         Robby's tree house <> more Amsterdam WYS screenings
Robby Krieger has a geodesic tree house in his back yard and it got written up in Wired Magazine.  Check this out at: http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/st_treehouses/  (thanks, dvo)

'When You're Strange' has had two more screenings added at the IDGA Film Festival in Amsterdam.  In addition to November 26, it will also screen on Saturday, November 21 and Saturday, November 28.  For more info, go to:  http://www.idfa.nl/nl/Festival/films-2009/film.aspx?id=020c890a-21ee-4185-8766-70847cffee64 (thanks, Jan)

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 November 4, 2009         WYS to screen in Amsterdam <> two new books
'When You're Strange' will be screened at the IDGA Film Festival in Amsterdam on November 26, according to the listing at this site: http://www.idfa.nl/nl/Festival/specialeselecties/rockumentaries-3doc12.aspx The fan who sent me this info already has his ticket for the screening, so it must be true!  (thanks, Jan)

A new book available through Amazon.co.UK is titled "Inside the Fire:  My Strange Days With The Doors" by authors B. Douglas Cameron and David R. Greenland.  This is a 168-page paperback.  On the Amazon page you can "leaf" through some pages and learn a bit about the author.  Check it out at:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inside-Fire-Strange-Days-Doors/dp/1449012752/ref=sr_1_157?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257338185&sr=1-157 (thanks, Gilles)

Another paperback book available through Amazon.co.UK titled "Jim Morrison - the Poet and the Singer:  The Character, Personality and Thinking of Jim Morrison" is described by author Victoria Sereg as a thesis which focuses on Morrison's poetry: "In my thesis I am focusing on Jim Morrison's life, his career as a rock star, and his poetry. The last of these, his poetry, is not so widely known. It is because of this that I am concentrating on his poetry separately, as I feel that in order to get a complete picture of Jim Morrison it is essential to discuss this as well. There are many overlaps in his poetry and lyrics. This is why it is essential to view his works in unison. Morrison was influenced by numerous poets and writers from which I am introducing the most prominent and important ones. A lot of people say a lot of things about Morrison - friends, colleagues, The Doors members, journalists and fans. They remember a lot of things and they even write long books on him, his life, career, death, and also his poetry. They study his life and try to give a trustworthy analysis on his personality and his writings. This is not an easy task for his mind and behavior were very complex, and nobody ever knew what he was going to do next. My purpose is to dissolve prejudices about him and present the poet, not only the rock star, through introducing his character, thoughts and one of his longer poems."   The publication seems kind of pricey for a 72-page paperback, but that's just my humble opinion. Check it out at:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jim-Morrison-Character-Personality-Thinking/dp/3836498502/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257340936&sr=1-44 (thanks, Gilles)

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 October 27, 2009         Doors event at MoHo Gallery SoHo
The Morrison Hotel Gallery SoHo in New York City hosted an "Invite Only" event this evening that was dedicated to The Doors.  From the description on the listing linked at the end of this, it sounded like an interesting event: "Rolling Stone said it best: “Sex, death, reptiles, charisma, and a unique variant of the electric blues, gave The Doors an aura of profundity that not only survived, but has grown, during the 30 years since Jim Morrison's death.” On Tuesday, October 27th, learn more about the minds behind the hits ‘Light My Fire’, ‘Break On Through (To The Other Side)’and ‘Riders on the Storm’, during The Society Screening Series special presentation of Under the Doors – a personal profile of the iconic band. Join The Society and Zacapa Rum as we look through the lens at one the most notorious bands of the ‘60s. Hosted by Executive Producer Peter Blachley at his exclusive Morrison Hotel Gallery Soho loft, members will enjoy rum cocktails as well as an intimate and interactive Q & A with Peter after the film! Experience the psychedelic sights and sounds made famous by these masters of classic rock."   http://guestofaguest.com/calendar/2009/10/the-society-screens-under-the-doors/

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 October 26, 2009         Ray & McClure at West Fest
Ray Manzarek and Michael McClure performed at West Fest in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park yesterday.  There are some photos on this website:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/davegolden//4048136137/

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 October 24, 2009         Robby & Ray to play Pat Tillman benefit <> WYS review by TimesOnLine
Robby Krieger & Ray Manzarek & Friends will be playing the Pat Tillman Benefit show at Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA on Monday, November 16th.  Tickets for this benefit show are available through Ticketmaster at: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09004357CF458715   The concert is in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Charity Benefit Golf Tournament hosted by Scott Medlock at Malibu Country Club.  For more info on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the event, go to:  http://www.pattillmanbenefit.com/   where you can also see clips from last year's event with lots of Robby footage.

'When You're Strange' was reviewed in the UK's Timesonline following the recent BFI London Film Festival screenings.  Check that out at:   http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/london_film_festival/article6884285.ece

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

Tom DiCillo has posted another fascinating blog at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/ Titled 'Spanish Caravan', this one takes us through his experiences at the recent film festivals in San Sebastian, Spain and in Woodstock, New York.  The Writer & Director of 'When You're Strange' is for sure, one entertaining storyteller!

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 October 19, 2009         Monterrey review & pix
Manzarek-Krieger played Monterrey, Mexico last night.  It was the last night of their latest tour.  For fans who are bi-lingual Spanish, here is a review and some photos:  http://www.milenio.com/node/305582

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 October 18, 2009         Tom DiCillo news
Tom DiCillo, the writer and director of 'When You're Strange', has posted a new entry on his news blog at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192    Tom mentions that The Works, the UK distributor, has been tracking the film since Sundance.  He also assures us that there is strong forward momentum on sales to other countries AND the U.S. 

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 October 17, 2009         fan review of Las Vegas
Doors fan Jeff wrote me with some of his impressions and comments of Ray and Robby & band at Wasted Space in Las Vegas last weekend.  He and his family drove 700 miles from New Mexico to see the band perform there on Sunday.  It was the third time Jeff has seen them in concert, the first time with Brett, and he feels it was the best of all 3.  He described Wasted Space as very intimate with room for only a couple hundred people standing, and a few tables in the rear.  The small stage was only 3 feet high and the band was right to the edge.  Just before the show began, a guy jumped up on the stage and was pretending to play the keyboard; he was removed from the concert.  Jeff described the fun of having Ray stop and work on arrangements, giving a view of the inner workings of the group.  Ray said 'this was the best rehearsal they have had.'  Robby gave many more solos than Jeff had seen before.  During one of the songs, Brett's ring flew off and he had to stop for a minute to ask folks to look for it.  When the song ended, someone found it in their drink and returned it.  What are the odds of that?  The band played about two hours with no encore.  Ty Dennis and Phil Chen came out for autographs after the show, but no other band members after 45 minutes.  (thanks, Jeff)

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

Speaking of 'When You're Strange', the UK film rights have been picked up by The Works UK Distribution and plan to release it next year, according to this story:  http://www.screendaily.com/news/distribution/uk-ireland/the-works-picks-up-uk-rights-to-when-youre-strange/5006901.article And yet still, no US distributor for this film?  That is just wrong, fer crissakes!  >=(

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 October 14, 2009         Wasted Space set lists and reviews <> 'West Fest' info
Ray and Robby and the band played Saturday and Sunday nights at Wasted Space in Las Vegas.  Doors fan Eric was at both shows and sent me the set lists and show recaps for both.  (thanks, Eric)
Saturday, October 10:  O Fortuna ~ Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through (with Dead Cats, Dead Rats) ~ Love Her Madly ~ When The Music's Over ~ Peace Frog ~ Waiting For The Sun ~ Alabama Song ~ Alabama Song ~ Back Door Man (partial, played through guitar solo only) ~ Five To One ~ Robby's flamenco guitar solo ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Soft Parade ~ Soft Parade reprise ~ Touch Me (with 'sex machine' intro') ~ L. A. Woman People Are Strange ~ Light My Fire. 

Sunday, October 11:  O Fortuna ~ Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through (with a 'dope' interlude) ~ Love Her Madly ~ When The Music's Over ~ Peace Frog ~ Blue Sunday ~ Not To Touch The Earth ~ Waiting For The Sun ~ Alabama Song ~ Back Door Man ~ Back Door Man reprise ~ Five To One (with 'Purple Haze' intro) ~ The Changeling (with 'Sunshine of Your Love outro) ~ The Changeling and 'Sunshine of Your Love' reprise ~ Robby's flamenco guitar solo ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Moonlight Drive ~ Horse Latitudes, then reprise ~ Wild Child ~ Touch Me (with 'sex machine intro') ~ Riders On The Storm (with Indians on the highway vocal intro by Ray) ~ Light My Fire.  Eric added some comments:  After Back Door Man finished, Ray re-started it in the instrumental section before the second verse (during Robby's solo), so they could segue directly into Five To One.  Eric felt that The Changeling sequence was probably developed for the Phoenix Symphony show, which he also attended.  Halfway through Horse Latitudes, Ray stopped the band and said they needed to make noises like the symphony did.  Ray then speed-read the first half, and the band started going wild as they finished.  At the beginning of ROTS, Ray asked for thunder and lights to be turned down low, then he asked everyone to imagine the dead-indians-on-the-highway story and went on to describe it before playing the song.  Thanks for all the extra details, Eric!

Ray Manzarek and Michael McClure perform in San Francisco at 'West Fest' on October 25.  A story about that event along with the listing of other performers, is at:  http://www.sfbg.com/blogs/bruce/2009/10/40th_anniversary_of_woodstock.html   The event poster is also pictured.

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 October 13, 2009        Ray & Robby on Rockline <> Las Vegas pix <> artist identified! <> R'n'R induction on DVD
Ray and Robby will be the guests on 'Rockline' on November 11th.  Rockline is a nationally syndicated radio show.  Go to: http://www.rocklineradio.com/ to check out the affiliate stations that will carry the show in your area. 

Ray and Robby and the band played Wasted Space in Las Vegas on Saturday and Sunday nights.  Here is another link with photos:  http://www.vegasnews.com/14210/backstage-with-the-doors-exclusive-photos-by-erik-kabik.html

Norton Wisdom is the name of the artist who painted and performed onstage last Tuesday night while Robby and Ray were performing at Club Nokia.  This is the same artist who painted onstage behind Robby at last May's 'Willie Waldman Project' at The Mint.  I never knew the artist's name, and a fan was nice enough to write and fill me in.  To see some of his constantly morphing creations, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/BeverlyJKelly/ManzarekKriegerNokiaLive100609?authkey=Gv1sRgCM2FutLPt8GtRg&feat=directlink#   and  here.  (thanks, Matt)

A nine-disc DVD set called 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live' will be released on October 20 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the R'n'R Hall of Fame and Museum.  It is a collection of induction speeches, performances and backstage footage, and includes Eddie Vedder's performance with Ray, Robby and John when they were inducted on January 12, 1993 and performed Light My Fire, Break On Through and Roadhouse Blues.  Read more about this DVD at:  http://www.macon.com/248/story/878375.html

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 October 12, 2009        Ray & Robby in Las Vegas
Ray and Robby and the band played Wasted Space in Las Vegas on Saturday and Sunday nights.  I found this link with photos from the Saturday show:   http://www.vegasnews.com/14124/ray-manzarek-and-robby-krieger-of-the-doors-at-wasted-space.html

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 October 10, 2009        Ray & Robby in Anaheim
Apparently, no matter how many times I see Ray and Robby and the band play ...  (and trust me, I have seen them many many times) ...  I never lose the thrilling anticipation and then the astonished delight at how exciting and masterful they are.  I saw them on Tuesday night in L.A. and was blown away (as usual) ... and then just a few hours ago at the Grove of Anaheim.  I'm still wide-eyed and too wired from the show to go to sleep yet!   Once again, Pearl (Aday, daughter of Meat Loaf) opened the show with a nice bluesy set accompanied by three guitarists.  She has a great voice.  At 10:00 the pièce de résistance took to the stage to the sounds of O Fortuna, and then:  Love Me Two Times (with Dead Cats, Dead Rats) ~ Break On Through ~ Love Her Madly ~ Robby mentioned that they  played in Phoenix the night before with the symphony orchestra, and said some of the songs had different endings in that show which might happen again tonight ... and with that, they reprised a different ending for Love Her Madly ~ When The Music's Over ~ Peace Frog / Blue Sunday ~ Waiting For The Sun with an intro by Ray ~ a "band huddle" ~ Alabama Song ~ Back Door Man ~ Changeling ~ Robby's flamenco solo ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Soft Parade (with drum tech Owen Goldman on second drums) ~ Soft Parade reprise, with Robby and bassist Phil Chen hamming it up as they criss-crossed the stage ~ Crystal Ship (thank you!) ~ "sex machine" intros leading into Touch Me ~ L.A. Woman.   Phew ... it was 11:45, and they returned for an encore of Light My Fire, finally taking their bows at 12:05 a.m.  Despite having traveled back from Phoenix earlier in the day, they were energetic and even playful!   Thank you to Ray, Robby, Brett, Ty and Phil for another amazing night of timeless Doors music. 

Doors fan Beverly is once again sharing the great set of photos that she snapped last night at the Grove of Anaheim show.   Check them out at:  http://picasaweb.google.com/BeverlyJKelly/ManzarekKriegerTheGrove100909?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK36KWqw_uiTQ&feat=directlink#  To see the shots she took on Tuesday night at Club Nokia, go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/BeverlyJKelly/ManzarekKriegerNokiaLive100609?authkey=Gv1sRgCM2FutLPt8GtRg&feat=directlink# (thanks, Beverly)

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 October 9, 2009        Ray & Robby & symphony <> John at London WYS screening <> Robby makes another 'greatest' list
Ray and Robby and the band played their first ever show with a symphony orchestra last night at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix.   Several fans have written to tell me how much they enjoyed it.  Doors fan Eric sent me the set list with some added comments:  Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through (with Dead Cats, Dead Rats) ~ Love Her Madly ~ Waiting For The Sun (with Ray intro) ~ Strange Days ~ Moonlight Drive with Horse Latitudes outro ~ Wild Child ~ The Changeling with Sunshine Of Your Love outro by Brett ~ Wishful Sinful ~ Not To Touch The Earth with symphony intro and solo in middle ~ intermission ~ Robby's flamenco solo ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Crystal Ship ~ People Are Strange ~ Five To One ~ Touch Me ~ Riders On The Storm ~ encore:  Roadhouse Blues ~ Light My Fire ~ encore: Love Me Two Times with Ray and Robby on vocals, no Brett.  Doors fan Scott added that the orchestra really added another dimension on Strange Days and Not To Touch The Earth in particular.  He felt it was great that they did not change the original arrangements of the songs, but that the orchestra added to the original arrangements and complemented them without changing or watering them down.  (thanks, Eric and Scott)   An on-line review of the show can be found at:  http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2009/10/09/20091009doorsrev.html

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

Robby Krieger is listed among the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" in the September '09 Special Collectors Edition issue of Classic Rock Magazine.  John Perry (guitarist in The Only Ones) wrote (page 67):  "Taste and Economy"  'Technique is meaningless unless it serves the song.  I like taste and economy.  Robby Krieger with The Doors is brilliant.  One of the most perfect solos - not a note wasted - is Moonlight Drive.  I also love one-note solos as a form.  Get the tone right and you combine beauty with a big 'fuck you' - always desirable in real rock.'

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 October 8, 2009        pix from Club Nokia show <> RnR Book of The Dead <> Trust: Jim Marshall pix
Doors fan Beverly is sharing the great set of photos that she snapped on Tuesday night at Club Nokia.  To see them, go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/BeverlyJKelly/ManzarekKriegerNokiaLive100609?authkey=Gv1sRgCM2FutLPt8GtRg&feat=directlink# (thanks, Beverly)

Another book!  'The Rock and Roll Book of The Dead' by David Comfort discusses the deaths of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Jerry Garcia ... and of course, Jim Morrison.  Read an interview with the author about his subject matter at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/an-interview-with-author_b_307354.html

Another book!  'Trust:  Photographs of Jim Marshall' by Dave Brolan has a self-explanatory title.  This link on RollingStone.com has a slideshow of more than a dozen of his photos, including one of Jim Morrison from the Northern CA Folk Rock Festival in 1968:  http://www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/30243499/iconic_rock_shots_from_trust_pho/photo/8 (thanks, David my son)

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 October 7, 2009        Ray & Robby show last night <> Kubernik interview <> Robby artwork <> DiCillo interview
Ray and Robby were on fire last night at Club Nokia in L.A.   The show opened with a really nice set from Pearl (daughter of Meat Loaf!).  KLOS deejay Cynthia Fox came onstage to introduce the band, but first she mentioned that KLOS would be hosting a screening of 'When You're Strange' (no other details provided).  At 9:40 'O Fortuna' announced their return to a SoCA stage for the first time in almost two years, with Ray taking his place behind a Vox Continental.  Yes, you read that right!  The set list went like this:  Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through ~ Love Her Madly ~ When The Music's Over ~ Peace Frog ~ Waiting For The Sun (with a nice Vox intro from Ray and stunning slide work by Robby) ~ Alabama Song ~ Gloria ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Touch Me ~ L.A. Woman.  At 11:05 the main set ended, and the band returned to the stage with the familiar sound effects that signaled Riders On The Storm was the first encore song.  Brett introduced his friend Yogi (from Buckcherry and other bands) to join in on Roadhouse Blues.  The final tune was, of course, Light My Fire.  Between Peace Frog and WFTS, Ray talked about the forthcoming film 'When You're Strange' and said it would be released in 2010.  During Robby's guitar switch to play his flamenco solo which leads into Spanish Caravan, his pants got tucked into what was then revealed to be boots with a guitar on the front of each one.  What a hoot!  Hopefully I'll be able to share some photos from the show, including a close-up of Robby's boots!  I'm pretty certain that Robby's Gibson Signature Guitar was in play during some of the songs.  I got a few close-up pix of it in May when he played at The Mint in L.A.  It should also be mentioned that throughout the entire Manzarek-Krieger performance, the same artist who created constantly changing art at that Mint show was creating art at this show, behind Robby and Phil Chen.  Unfortunately, I still don't know the name of the artist, but you can see some of his work in the photos on the link for the Mint show.  To see those photos, go here.

I have made several mentions of a new book by Harvey Kubernik titled 'Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and Music of Laurel Canyon' with foreword by Ray Manzarek.  A lengthy interview with the author can be found at:  http://blog.goldminemag.com/forgottenboy/2009/10/07/Uncovered+A+History+Lesson+On+Laurel+Canyon.aspx

Robby Krieger artwork will be part of the KZ106 Classic Rock Art Show in Chattanooga, Tennessee from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25.  For more info, go to:   http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_160409.asp

'When You're Strange' Writer and Director Tom DiCillo recently attended the screenings of the film at the Woodstock Film Festival.  To see a brief YouTube clip of him discussing it, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2X770JSxGw  (thanks, Stuart)

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

Ray Manzarek wrote the foreword for author Harvey Kubernik's latest book, 'Canyon of Dreams:  The Magic and Music of Laurel Canyon.'  To see a summary posted on the Barnes & Noble website, go to:  http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Canyon-of-Dreams/Harvey-Kubernik/e/9781402765896

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 October 2, 2009       new Prochnicky book <> Manzarek-Krieger opening act <> When You're Strange screenings <> preview of M-K with Phoenix Symphony
Yesterday was the release date of the new Led Zeppelin hardcover photobook by Doors biographer Jerry Prochnicky.  This is relevant here because Prochnicky is planning a new Jim Morrison visual biography book with 200+ photos scheduled for release July 2011 or sooner, and this Led Zep book is the blueprint for that forthcoming Morrison photobook.  "Led Zeppelin:  Good Times, Bad Times" is available now and can also be ordered at a discount through Amazon.com at:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jerry+prochnicky&x=0&y=0

Some of us have been wondering who the Manzarek-Krieger opening act named Pearl is.  She is listed for both the Club Nokia show on October 6, and Grove of Anaheim on October 9.  Mystery solved:  she is Pearl Aday, daughter of Meat Loaf!  http://www.myspace.com/pearl   If her voice is anything like her dad's, it's going to be great.  I'm looking forward to it!

'When You're Strange' is currently showing at the Woodstock Film Festival.  Tonight's screening is listed as 'sold out' but tickets are still available for tomorrow night.  For more info: http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/festival2009/details.php?id=20981

The world debut of Manzarek-Krieger playing with a symphony orchestra occurs next Thursday October 8 when they join forces with the Phoenix Symphony at the Dodge Theater.   There is an on-line story about this show including Ray's comments at:  http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2009/10/02/20091002doors1004.html For more info, go to:  http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/411363 At this late date, I am kicking myself for not jumping on cheap advance purchase airfares to be able to catch this show!  I will console myself by seeing them twice next week locally at Club Nokia in LA and Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim. 

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 September 29, 2009       Robby and Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp
In mid-August I shared the story that Robby was expected to join in on the final night of this year's Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, which would be a jam at the Whisky on November 22nd.  Now several stories indicate that there is a press release that Robby is actually going to participate in the actual camp, along with Meat Loaf, Ace Frehley of KISS, Jon Anderson of Yes, and Kenny Aronoff.   Those lucky kids!  Read the full story at:  http://www.bravewords.com/news/123006

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 September 28, 2009       Walk of Fame star <> Morrison Hotel
The Doors star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has several cracks!  One crack runs above the band's name, the other crack extends from both sides of the brass music symbol.  It is located in an extremely high traffic area between the Hollywood & Highland complex and the Graumann's Chinese Theater.  There is a Hard Rock Cafe opening soon in the space formerly occupied by Virgin Megastore.  The star is in a great location but it's getting beat up!  This photo was taken last Saturday.  

Morrison Hotel is still standing, but it remains padlocked and boarded up with no indication of what lies ahead.  I was near there recently and stopped by to take a few photos.  front entry photo  and building front photo

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 September 25, 2009       Ray at Golden Bear tribute benefit <> Ray & Robby add Mexico show <> Rhino Records
Ray Manzarek did a funny and charming 40-minute set tonight at the jam-packed 'Sweet Relief' benefit which was a tribute to the Golden Bear of Huntington Beach.   Starting the first show was Jack Tempchin, followed by David Lindley.  Ray took to center stage alone and began with the beautiful Riders On The Storm, followed by a very brief mention of his Chicago and St. Rita High School days, and the blues influences there which led to a boogie-woogie number.  He then mentioned moving to UCLA where he met Jim Morrison and Dorothy Fujikawa, that he and Dorothy now live in Napa, and mentioned his son Pablo, Sharmin (his daughter-in-law) and their three grandchildren.  Ray seems genuinely thrilled about being a grandparent, and played a beautiful number for Camille (the granddaughter born in May).  He then played a rousing Break On Through followed by Crystal Ship (always my fave).  Ray took a few questions from the audience and finished his set with Light My Fire.  A local band called Honk that was a Golden Bear favorite back in the day closed out the first of the two shows this evening.  Beverly and I got to visit with Ray backstage after his set.  Thank you, Ray!

Ray and Robby have added another Mexico show onto their upcoming October tour which begins October 6 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.  According to their official websites, Manzarek-Krieger will play in Rio Santa Catarina in Monterrey, Mexico on October 18th. 

Rhino Records had a bloodbath today ... as in, a major lay-off of employees across the board.  Will this affect future Doors releases and projects?  I am unclear on the exact relationship but from this story, it is hard to imagine that there would be no impact.  http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2009/09/24/rhino-records-layoffs-reissues-box-sets/

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 September 24, 2009       Ray at benefit tomorrow night <> new Kubernik book
Ray Manzarek makes a rare solo appearance tomorrow night (Friday) when he performs in Huntington Beach, CA on the first of a two-night benefit for the 'Sweet Relief' charity in a tribute to the legendary but long-gone Golden Bear club in that city.  The local papers have been running stories about these shows: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-golden-bear25-2009sep25,0,401409.story  and  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bear-golden-music-2576681-beach-memory

Harvey Kubernik's new book 'Canyon of Dreams:  The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon' is discussed in this LA Weekly on-line story: http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/off-the-record/canyon-dreams-book-kubernik-la/    Ray Manzarek appears with the author at San Francisco's 'Booksmith' on September 30.  See calendar below for a link to more info.

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 September 17, 2009       WYS London screening dates <> Berlin memorial to Jim
'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has posted the London Film Festival screening dates on his News Page at http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192.  Friday, October 16 and Sunday, October 18 are the dates.  The direct link for the info is:  http://www.bfi.org.uk/lff/node/532

A merchant in Berlin established a memorial for Jim Morrison in 2003.  Check it out at this link:  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jim_Morrison_Memorial_Berlin.jpg (thanks, Gilles)

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 September 13, 2009       Jim Carroll RIP
Ray Manzarek has lost one of his friends and collaborators with the reported death of Jim Carroll in NYC of a heart attack.  Jim Carroll appeared on Ray's and Michael McClure's 'The Third Mind' and sometimes as part of their spoken word act.  If memory serves, Ray used to state that some of the new music that he and Robby (as The Doors of the 21st Century) were working on some years ago, included lyrics from Carroll's poetry. 

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 September 9, 2009       WYS at Deauville
'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has posted a new blog entry this morning.  Simply titled 'Deauville', it recounts the trip he has just returned from to Deauville, France for the film screening in that city's film festival.  I won't paraphrase or synopsize, read it for yourself at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/     Additionally, Tom's news page says the screening dates for the San Sebastian Film Festival have been finalized:  September 24, 25 and 26, all at 4:30 p.m.

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 September 5, 2009       Ray & Robby's full tour announced
Ray's and Robby's websites now have the full schedule for the October tour.   The dates for L.A., Phoenix, Anaheim, Portland and Seattle have previously been found and posted on this site.  The balance of the shows that are new news are two dates in Las Vegas (October 10 and 11), and two shows in Mexico (October 16 and 17) in Queretaro and Puebla, respectively.  Venue info is included in the calendar below.  

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 September 4, 2009       R&R not going to Woodstock screening <> John the 'quiet activist' 
Ray and Robby will NOT be at the Q&A following the Woodstock screening of 'When You're Strange', as reported yesterday according to an on-line story I shared.  So much for believing everything that you read on-line (but you already know that)! 

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

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 September 3, 2009       WYS Q&A at Woodstock with R&R
'When You're Strange' will be screened at the Woodstock Film Festival (among others), as reported yesterday with details in the linked story.   In a story about this festival's line-up, the blurb about WYS says that after the screening there will be a Q&A with Writer & Director Tom DiCillo and Ray and Robby!   This info is contained in the following story: Scroll down to the section headed 'Documentaries In Competition.'  http://www.vimooz.com/festivalticker/2009/09/the-woodstock-film-festival-10th-anniversary-line/  

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 September 2, 2009       WYS gets lots more film festivals
'When You're Strange' has been entered into a slew of film festivals, most of them outside the U.S.  This news comes from an on-line story at: http://www.examiner.com/x-21763-The-Doors-Examiner~y2009m9d1-When-Youre-Strange-a-Doors-documentary  but I have also verified this info.  As previously advised by Writer & Director Tom DiCillo on his blog and news, a distributor deal has been secured in France, but so far no US or North American distribution deal or DVD release have been announced.  All the available film festival info has been added to the Calendar below.

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 August 31, 2009         remembering ... 
To commemorate my very first concert by The Doors at Asbury Park Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ on this date in 1968, I share this all-too-brief YouTube clip of footage filmed by Paul Ferrara for 'Feast of Friends.' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3DElGznXIE&feature=fvw (thanks, Laura).  More than four decades later I learned that Owen Goldman, who is now the drum tech for Manzarek-Krieger of The Doors when they tour, was at the very same late show on that momentous life-changing (for me) night. 

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 August 30, 2009         Ray appearance
Ray Manzarek will appear with author Harvey Kubernik at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30 at Booksmith in San Francisco.  Harvey's newest book is called 'Canyon of Dreams', described as a lavishly illustrated insider's look at 80 years of music and culture in Laurel Canyon that traces the history of the community and its enduring legacy.  For more info, go to:    http://www.booksmith.com/events.html and scroll down to September 30th.

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 August 29, 2009         Robby side project
Robby Krieger will be playing in Denver, Colorado on September 17 with a side project titled 'The Strange Days', according to an ad for a club called Owsley's Golden Road (phone 303-297-1772).  The ad with this show listing is actually for Quixotes, apparently a promoter for a whole bunch of clubs in the area: http://www.quixotes.com/   The line-up sounds similar to the group billed as the Willie Waldman Project, which Robby played with in May at The Mint in L.A. for a night of improvised music spanning rock and psychedelia, jazz and experimental.  This band's line-up lists:  Steve Molitz (Particle); John Avila (Oingo Boingo); Willie Waldman (Banyan, WWP); Tony Austin (Santana); Adam Iscove (Particle, Allrise); and special guest live painter Norton Wisdom, who also provided a mesmerizing backdrop at the Willie Waldman Project show.  To see pix from that show, go here.

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 August 28, 2009         Anaheim pre-sale until tonight <> new Jerry Prochnicky books <> WYS distribution deal!
The pre-sale for the Manzarek-Krieger show at the Grove of Anaheim on October 9 is on until 10 p.m. this evening.  Yesterday is mistakenly typed that the pre-sale ended at 10 a.m. today.   The pre-sale password is FIRE.  To get in on this pre-sale, call their box office at 714-712-2700 or else copy & paste this link:  http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/090043199E2F5698?artistid=746460&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1&brand=nederlanderla&camefrom=cfc_ndrcon_grv

Author Jerry Prochnicky is known to Doors fans as co-author of the amazing biography 'Break On Through: The Life and Death of Jim Morrison.'  There is great news coming for us, because Jerry is planning a new Jim Morrison visual biography book with 200+ photos.  Scheduled to mark the 40th anniversary of Morrison's death, the book is scheduled for release July 2011 (or sooner).  To whet our appetites for this, we can take a look at a Led Zeppelin 8x10 hardcover photobook scheduled for October 1 release.  This book is the blueprint for the forthcoming Morrison photobook, and also contains more than 200 striking Led Zep photos.  Since many Doors fans are also Led Zep fans, this LZ book should have a lot of crossover interest.  Titled "Led Zeppelin: Good Times, Bad Times" it can be pre-ordered ahead of its October 1 release (at a big discount) at Amazon books at:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jerry+prochnicky&x=0&y=0   While on that page, you'll see that this new release is actually the second Led Zep book he has co-authored:  check out "Whole Lotta Led:  Our Flight With Led Zeppelin".

‘When You’re Strange’ Writer and Director Tom DiCillo posted terrific news today on his “NEWS” page at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192 :  "When You're Strange" has just secured an official theatrical distribution deal for France. The company is MK2, a well-respected French distributor with experience in both documentary and narrative features. MK2 will be assisting at the premiere of the film at the upcoming Deauville Film Festival September 6 in France. I know it seems to have taken months for this development.  It has.  But this development is huge.  Others are looming."   Yippee!!!

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 August 27, 2009         Anaheim pre-sale today <> Robby on Felt Forum shows
There is a pre-sale for the Manzarek-Krieger show at the Grove of Anaheim on October 9.  The pre-sale hours are from 10 a.m. today (Thursday) through 10 a.m. Friday 8/28.  This is a seated show!  This venue offers many options for their seated shows; here's the deal:  first five rows are chairs in the pit area for $67.50, which includes free parking and access to the VIP restaurant/lounge.  Tier 1 tickets are seated for dinner and cost $67.50, which includes a $20. credit toward your meal purchase.  Tier 2 tickets are $47.50, and Tiers 3, 4 and 5 are $37.50 (and probably GA standing).  (Refer to Seating Chart A).  This venue has great sound, perfect sightlines with no obstructed views, and good quality video screens.  The pre-sale password is FIRE.  To get in on this pre-sale, call their box office at 714-712-2700 or else copy & paste this link:  http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/090043199E2F5698?artistid=746460&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1&brand=nederlanderla&camefrom=cfc_ndrcon_grv

Robby Krieger briefly discusses the forthcoming 6-CD box set release that documents the band's two nights / four shows at NYC's Felt Forum on Spinner.com.  Read it at: http://www.spinner.com/2009/08/27/the-doors-break-on-through-live-in-new-york-song-premiere/

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 August 26, 2009         Green Day
Green Day included a few lines from 'Break On Through' as part of a brief medley of songs woven inside the Isley Brothers' "Shout" at last night's tour-ending show at LA's Forum.  The medley also included 'Satisfaction' and 'O Sweet Child of Mine'.  It's always cool to hear my favorite band get a 'shout-out' of some kind from another band on stage!

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 August 25, 2009         Pam's fashion <> Harvey Brooks <> Larry Knechtel <> Robby & Ray come to Anaheim
Pam Courson's fashion sensibilities get a feature in Dossier.  Read it at:  http://dossierjournal.com/style/fashion/pamela-courson/ (thanks, kdw)

Bassist Harvey Brooks reminisces briefly about his time spent playing and recording with The Doors in an on-line interview at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3766686,00.html

Speaking of bass players who played with The Doors ... Larry Knechtel passed away last week.  His obit appeared in yesterday's LA Times:  http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-larry-knechtel24-2009aug24,0,3190712.story.  (thanks, Dan)

Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger will perform at the Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA on Friday, October 9.  Tickets go on sale this Saturday, August 29.  For more info, go to:  http://www.grove-of-anaheim.com (thanks, GP)

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 August 24, 2009         Ray & Robby add tour dates
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger will perform at Portland, Oregon's Crystal Ballroom on Tuesday, October 13.  For more info, go to:  http://www.stgpresents.org/artists/?artist=1123   You can find them at Seattle's Moore Theater the next night, on Wednesday, October 14.  I'm unsure about Portland, but Seattle's tickets go on sale this Saturday, August 29.   For more info, go to:  http://www.stgpresents.org/artists/?artist=1122

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 August 23, 2009         John in Tucson <> Robby at Pioneertown benefit <> fan's Facebook page for Phoenix Symphony show <> lots of new releases and re-releases
John Densmore was expected to join musician John Coinman and writer Michael Blake last night in Tucson, Arizona at a concert and multimedia presentation to raise awareness and money for endangered wild horses.  Read the full story here:  http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/305715

I previously reported that Robby Krieger is going to play at the '3rd Annual Clean Air, Clear Stars Festival' in Pioneertown, CA.  Here is a story about the event:  http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2771514.htm

Ray and Robby will perform with the Phoenix Symphony October 8th, as previously reported.  A fan has created a Facebook page for the event at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124327426781#/event.php?eid=124327426781&ref=nf  (thanks, Eric)   For the venue and direct ticketing info, go to: http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/411363

Rhino will release 180-gram vinyl versions of all six Doors studio albums on September 15.  These were previously available only in 2007's 'The Doors Vinyl Box.'  These original stereo mixes will be available individually at all vinyl retail outlets for a suggested list price of $24.98 each and can be pre-ordered at www.thedoors.com.  (thanks, Gilles & Simone)

Rhino and Bright Midnight will release the "The Doors Live In New York" box set, a six-disc collection containing all four of The Doors' performances at the Felt Forum in New York City on January 17 and 18, 1970.  (I was lucky enough to be at the late show on January 18.)  This collection will be available at all retail outlets on November 10 as well as at www.thedoors.com, with a suggested list price of $89.98.  (thanks, Gilles & Simone)

Audio Fidelity is releasing 'The Soft Parade' and 'Morrison Hotel' on remastered 24 Karat Gold CDs.  Read more about these releases at:  http://www.live-pr.com/en/audio-fidelity-releases-two-classic-doors-r1048312128.htm

'Maggie M'Gill' appears on the original motion picture soundtrack Rhino is releasing for "Taking Woodstock" due for release on August 25th.  Read about it at: http://www.rhino.com/store/ProductDetail.lasso?Number=520987 (thanks, Gilles)

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 August 17, 2009         Robby to jam at RnR Fantasy Camp finale
Robby Krieger is expected to join in the fun and jam at the Whisky-A-Go-Go on the final night of this year's Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, which takes place in Hollywood from November 17 to 22.   Some of the camp 'counselors' include Meat Loaf, Ace Frehley, and Jon Anderson.  Read the full story at:  http://www.vvdailypress.com/entertainment/frehley-13938-loaf-meat.html

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 August 15, 2009         San Diego Symphony tribute <> new Riders On The Storm cover
The San Diego Symphony presents a one-night-only tribute to The Doors on Thursday, August 27.  According to the site info, this show features a rock band, rock concert lighting, and the San Diego Symphony led by concert/arranger Brent Havens.  For more info, go to:  http://www.sandiegosymphony.com/summerpops/event.php?id=14   For additional info about the performers (which do NOT include Robby or Ray or John), click on the 'Performer Bio' link in the right column.   Apparently a similar program was done to honor Led Zeppelin.  (thanks, Steve C.)

'Riders On the Storm' gets newly covered on the latest from Infected Mushroom.  They are a psychedelic electro group from Israel who are managed by The Doors manager Jeff Jampol.  Read more at:  http://www.inthemix.com.au/news/intl/43859/Infected_Mushroom_hook_up_with_Korns_Jonathon_Davis_Perry_Farrell_and_Jim_Morrison

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 August 13, 2009         Ray to play benefit <> Robby to play festival <> Brett Scallions 're-fuels'
Ray Manzarek is going to perform at two shows in Huntington Beach, CA on September 25 according to a story in today's Orange County Register.  Ray is listed for the first of two nights of shows to honor a legendary but long-closed rock venue called The Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, CA.  The event is a benefit for 'Sweet Relief', a charity that aids career musicians with illness, disabilities or age-related problems.  Some of the other musicians listed include Chris Hillman and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  To read the full story, go to: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bear-golden-concert-2527551-reunion-huntington

Robby Krieger will be performing with a band called Treehouse at the '3rd Annual Clean Air, Clear Stars Festival' in Pioneertown, CA, according to the Pappy & Harriet's show calendar at:  http://huntcal.com/cgi/aview/palace/shows?vm=rs-L&showDescr=1&yr2=2009 Scroll down to September 18-19-20 for the festival information. I did not see any details that reveal which day(s) Robby will be there.  (thanks, George)

Brett Scallions has formed a new band called Re-Fueled with a former Fuel bandmate and several other musicians, according to a story at:  http://tunelab.com/2009/08/13/brett-scallions-forms-re-fueled/ You can't blame Brett for exploring other musical outlets; the Manzarek-Krieger tour schedule has been pretty thin this year, although there are a few tour dates starting to be announced now.  Re-Fueled have already booked some tour dates which are listed in the linked story.  (Note:  these shows DO NOT include Ray or Robby, just to be clear.)

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 August 10, 2009         Ray & Robby in Phoenix story corrected link <> WYS update <> Ray & Robby to play L.A.
There was a troublesome link in the story I was trying to share yesterday regarding the Manzarek-Krieger show with the Phoenix Symphony.  This link should be the fix: http://fromthecrowd.com/836/ (thanks,Stephanie)

'When You're Strange' writer & director Tom DiCillo posted today on his NEWS link at: http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192 that WYS has been selected for a series of special screenings at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain in late September.  DiCillo commented that this inclusion indicates a strong vote of confidence.  This is in addition to his previous news that WYS has been accepted into the Deauville (France) Film Festival's Documentary Section.  He thinks a tentative screening date is September 6th, subject to change. 

This show has been announced on the venue website:  Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger and band will play Club Nokia at L.A. Live on Tuesday, October 6th.   Tickets go on sale on Saturday.  For more info, go to: http://clubnokia.com/eventdetail.php?id=24176    If my memory serves, this will be their first southern CA show since early December 2007 when they played the San Diego House of Blues ... so WOO HOO, welcome home!

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 August 9, 2009         Ray & Robby LA show <> Ray & Robby in Phoenix story <> revamped website
Los Angelenos can look forward to a Manzarek-Krieger show at a large club in early October.  This show has not yet been announced, so stay tuned for details!  (thanks, DJ)

Speaking of Manzarek-Krieger, their October 8th show in Phoenix with the Phoenix Symphony goes on sale tomorrow morning.  Read a write-up about the event at: http://fromthecrowd.com/836/ray-manzarek-robby-krieger-perform-the-doors-with-the-phoenix-symphony%E2%80%99s-full-orchestra/

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

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 August 4, 2009         Ray & Robby tour date <> revamped websites <> Robby private gig
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger play The Dodge Theater in Phoenix, AZ on Thursday, October 8th.  The tricky thing is that this show is being billed as 'The Music of The Doors' which sounds like it might be a tribute show.   I phoned the box office and was told that it will indeed be Manzarek & Krieger, along with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.  There is a Live Nation pre-sale on August 7th, and general on-sale on August 10th.  For more info, go to: http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/411363   Presumably there will be more shows of this ilk, which was hinted at earlier this year.

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

Robby Krieger recently played a private gig in San Francisco along with Jimmy Buffet, Clint Black, and Mickey Hart, according to news on his website.  He also will be doing an art exhibit in Mexico in November.

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 August 3, 2009         'When You're Strange' news
'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has added Blog #61 "Dog Daze" at:  http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/  wherein he shares a little bit of WYS news.  DiCillo once again assures us that the developments are good but is unable to provide details to fans at this time.  However, he does say there is serious interest from US distributors for a theatrical release, as well as several offers from France for a theatrical release in that territory ... which would pave the way for other international offers.  The film has been invited to the Deauville International Film Festival in France in early September.  DiCillo has been to this festival with four previous films, and his 'Living In Oblivion' won Best Picture there in 1995.

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 August 1, 2009         off-line for awhile <> John & east L.A. mural <> Ray interview <> no WYS news
I have been off-line for about ten days thanks to a double-whammy of minor surgery which occurred in the middle of a bout with a nasty computer virus, which had my PC out for repair and restoration for a period of time.  There hasn't been much news lately anyway.  For now, this website continues.

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

Ray Manzarek can be heard in a one-hour on-line interview at:  http://susanmariethinktwiceradio.blogspot.com/2009/07/one-hour-interview-ray-manzarek-doors.html

'When You're Strange' Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has still not posted any news about the film getting picked up by distributors.  It is not necessary to write to me and ask about it.  When I learn of an announcement, I will share it here.  Until then, no news is no news.

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 July 21, 2009         Ray on t.v. show
Ray Manzarek participates in an upcoming two-hour show that airs on the History Channel next Monday, July 27.  The program is called 'Sex In '69 - Sexual Revolution in America.'   It is described as 'Stories of celebrities and ordinary people caught between old values and new sexual desires in the turbulent and swinging year of 1969.'  "Travel back to 1969 and uncover fascinating trends, people and events that forever changed the way Americans think about and have sex. Viewers will travel from the Playboy Penthouse in Los Angeles to San Francisco's Hippie crash pads, New York's Gay bathhouses, the boardwalk in Atlantic City, a court room in Miami, and other spots across America to meet some of the women and men who found themselves caught between old values and new desires in 1969, and decided to do something about it. Some of them, like Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner, actors Dyan Cannon and Jim Brown, and Ray Manzarek of The Doors, will be famous. Others will be average Americans whose lives were transformed by the sexual tides coursing through the nation as the Sixties came to a close. But they will all have one thing in common--they will all have fascinating stories to tell."   It airs on the west coast from 6pm to 8pm, and is repeated from 10pm to 12 midnight.  Check local listings.  http://www.history.com/schedule.do?action=daily&NetworkId=&start=1248750000000&end=1248755400000

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

 July 11, 2009         Robby interview <> vintage Ray interview <> WYS: still waiting <> Doors in music games <> Jim's women <> another book
Robby Krieger talks guitars and The Doors in a new interview on MusicRadar.com at: http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/robby-krieger-talks-guitars-and-the-doors-212284

Ray Manzarek was interviewed in March 1973 when he, Robby and John were in London in a search for a new singer.  Interview Jeff Katz has included the interview, titled 'Other Voices', in his blog at:  http://maybebabyoryouknowthatitwouldbeuntrue.blogspot.com/2009/07/other-voices.html

There is still no announcement about distribution deals for 'When You're Strange' on Writer & Director Tom DiCillo's blog.  He does tease us with the news that there is a very prestigious sale in the works for France, which would spur the interest of other European territories.  He says the response to the NYC screening was strong and there should be some significant news within a few weeks.  When I get wind of something, I'll share it here. 

The Doors are on a short list of 'Top Five Classic Artists That Deserve More Songs In Music Games' according to an on-line story today on Examiner.com: Oh the Doors. Psychedelic, original, and influential to many of today’s current bands, the Doors were short-lived, but nonetheless worthwhile. Another band that would benefit from a keyboard attachment, the success of the Doors was and still is at cult status and, as with most great bands, a subject of great controversy. Lead singer and songwriter Jim Morrison’s unpredictable behavior and strange lyrics would put the band in the spotlight, and often also land them in hot water. However, that doesn’t change the fact that this is one of the best classic bands that has yet to be fully explored in music games.  Read the full story at:  http://www.examiner.com/x-16297-Columbus-Video-Game-Examiner~y2009m7d11-Top-5-classic-artists-that-deserve-more-songs-in-music-games

'Jim Morrison-The Women' is the title of a YouTube video collage of many of the women in Jim's life, include Pam, Mary Werbelow, Gloria Stavers, Patricia Kennealy and others.  Watch it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogdCXHFwIfs (thanks, Gilles)

'The Jim Morrison Manual Case' is a book by South American journalist Adriana Rubio that examines the possibility that Morrison faked his death by ingesting a drug used to induce the 'zombie' state in voodoo ceremonies, and is still alive today.  Pretty bizarre, if you ask me.  Read the full story about this book at:   http://www.examiner.com/x-8359-Denver-Books-Examiner~y2009m7d11-Did-Jim-Morrison-fake-his-death

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

The recent screenings of 'When You're Strange' at the L.A. Film Festival were low profile, possibly due in part to the late submission of the film.  I don't believe there were any press screenings, so reviews have been hard to find ... but I finally found one.  Read it at: http://www.pronetworks.org/index.php/independent_films/post/my_review_of_when_youre_strange_at_2009_la_film_festival/

This would not have been a good day (or days) for Doors fans trying to visit several band landmarks.  Their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is just a few doors down from the famous Chinese Theater where celebrity handprints and footprints are immortalized in concrete ... and that is where Michael Jackson's star is.  The fans continue to line up behind barricades on the sidewalk to file past MJ's star.  You'd have to become part of that crowd to visit The Doors star!   The Morrison Hotel is within walking distance of Staples Center where Jackson's memorial service was this morning.  The police barricades to hold back non-ticket holders at Flower Street is just a short block east of the corner of Hope and Pico where the shell of Morrison Hotel still stands, shuttered and shackled.  A local Doors friend makes rounds of landmarks on July 3rd and takes photos, and sent me several of the front of the building that he took last Friday.  He also got a photo of Alta Cienega's Room 32 with the door slightly ajar, so that the graffiti-covered wall is visible.  Check out the photos here.  (thanks, Mark)

A few days ago I mentioned the upcoming re-run of 'Married With Children' that features Robby and a group of other 60's artists as part of the 1992 episode titled 'Rock of Ages'.  In case you don't get the channels that often show those re-runs, a fan has found a YouTube clip of just the performance at the end of the show when they are all singing "We Are The Old", a take-off on "We Are The World".  I still recommend seeing the entire episode but if you can't, check this out at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06idaVz84Z0 (thanks, Danny)

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 July 5, 2009         July 3 in Paris <> 'The Beaches of Agnes' <> Robby on vintage TV <> John on vintage TV
I have received a bunch of YouTube videos from Pere Lachaise on July 3rd of fans sitting around playing instruments, singing, and/or reading poetry to commemorate the 38th anniversary of Jim's death.   I'm sure you can find them with YouTube searches, if those interest you.  I will include only one here, which has renowned Morrison grave photographer and friend Michelle Campbell in the background posing for photos and reading Jim's lyrics and poetry.  Michelle is an American who moved to Paris from Texas several decades ago.  Her amazing photos of Jim's grave through the years are prevalent in many books.  See video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16I0krq88GI&feature=channel_page   (thanks, Gilles and Stuart)

Jim Morrison can be seen in a brief segment in French film maker's new film 'Les Plages d'Agnès' ('The Beaches of Agnes') which has been showing at a few select theaters in the L.A. area.  The Los Angeles Times recently ran some stories about her life and career.  Read them at:   http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-agnes3-2009jul03,0,898119.story  and  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-beaches3-2009jul03,0,1255725.story.  Parisian Doors fan, collector and friend of Jim Morrison Gilles Yepremian sent me a YouTube clip from the movie which shows Jim and Alain Ronay on a film set of Agnes's husband, Jacques Demy.  Check it out at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qipn_EQ-Xdg&feature=related  (thanks, Gilles)

Robby Krieger appeared on TV's "Married With Children" back in 1992.  The episode is titled 'Rock of Ages' and includes other 60's rockers Spencer Davis, John Sebastian, Richie Havens, Peter Noone, and Mark Lindsay.  The storyline is that Al Bundy won a contest to sell the most shoes to win a trip to Hawaii.  During the last ten minutes of the show, the Bundy clan encounter Robby and the others in an airport lounge.  Robby has both a speaking part and a singing part!!!  This show is being re-run on TBS Channel on Wednesday, July 15 at 2:00 a.m. (west coast time).  Check local listings.  A MUST-SEE for Robby fans! For more info on this episode, go to:  http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0642364/

John Densmore appeared in an episode of "Beverly Hills 90210" in 1992, which is currently in re-runs on SOAP channel.  Episode #2.23 is entitled 'Cardio-Funk' and was first broadcast February 27, 1992.   John plays Ben, Dylan's sponsor.   This episode is scheduled to air Sunday, July 12 at 6:00 a.m. (west coast time).  Check local listings.

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 June 26, 2009         Jac Holzman on 'WYS'
Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman was at a private screening of 'When You're Strange' last week, which was also attended by Johnny Depp and John Densmore, among others.  Writer & Director Tom DiCillo has posted Holzman's letter to him on blog #60 Strange in LA at:  http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=204 DiCillo's preface to sharing the letter should also be read, but here is the content of Holzman's email: 

Tom - I saw the screening over the weekend and was just knocked out. There have been many attempts at a Doors film AND so many abject failures that I had despaired of anyone getting it “right.” And by “right” I meant just letting the band and their music hit a contemporary audience full blast.

I have lived with The Doors for 43 years and understand that the sheer power and danger of the group had to come out through their music even more than in live performance footage. You got that just right. In the context of all the music that flowed into the mighty rock ‘n’ roll tributary, The Doors still excite, chill, inform and challenge the listener.

The canny addition of the HWY material as context-within-context, the intense editing without showiness, sound mixing, Johnny Depp’s subtle phrasing and solid narration all fuse into one of the great films about music and the crazy, driven people who have no choice but to create it. Pondering the movie later I realized what guts it took for Ray, Robbie and John even to get on a stage with Jim. Only the best and most committed musicians could have made that work.

When You’re Strange viscerally plugs into that tremulous period when The Doors represented the furthest edge to which one might aspire without actually getting arrested. I’ve alerted my associates at Warner Music Group about the June 30th screening in New York. I’ve told them this is a “must see” music movie.    Jac

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 June 25, 2009         Westwood! <> more on L.A.F.F. <> Alta Cienega graffiti <> Mexico Restaurant
A few words about Westwood:  what a week it's been for that town. The reinvigorated L.A. Film Festival started last Thursday and continues through this Sunday.  The Federal Building was the site of large demonstrations and candlelight vigils for the political drama unfolding in Iran last weekend . Ed McMahon passed away at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on Tuesday morning.  And this afternoon, Michael Jackson was transported to that same hospital before the news of his death was confirmed.  I apologize in advance if this sounds crass or callous, but it's from the perspective of a movie-goer:  it is a lucky break for attendees of 'When You're Strange' screenings that none were planned for late this afternoon or this evening!  It probably would have been near impossible to get into town, let alone find parking.  'Nuff said.

Speaking of the L.A. Film Festival and 'When You're Strange' again ....  I have seen some pix on-line from the LAFF that indicate that Johnny Depp was there for the premiere of his newest film last week.  Maybe he got to attend a private WYS screening before he took off on the promotional tour for 'Public Enemies.'  I also heard that Jac Holzman saw it.  I know I've been grousing about there being no Q&A sessions following the two screenings here this week; I should clarify that the absence of Writer & Director Tom DiCillo was not intentional on his part, but was due to his own schedule and the producers' decision to keep the film 'low profile' at this film festival.  (But I still missed them!)

When I left Westwood yesterday afternoon after the WYS screening, I decided to kill some time to wait out the rush hour traffic.  I headed for the intersection of La Cienega and Santa Monica Boulevards to visit the new Mexican restaurant that occupies 8512 Santa Monica, formerly Benvenuto.  As I sat waiting for the light to change, I spotted new graffiti on the wall beneath Room 32 at Alta Cienega, so I returned on foot to take a photo.  It says:  Jim's Joint  is the best in the west. see photo here.  You'll notice HWY written on the wall to left of the window.

The new Mexican restaurant called Mexico Restaurante y Barra was my actual destination before I detoured to take the photo at Alta Cienega.  I will upload some of the photos I took within the next few days.  For the time being, I can report that the latest incarnation of the former rehearsal space and office of The Doors in the 1960's appears to be doing very well so far.  Mexico opens at 5:00 p.m. 7 days a week and closes at 11 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday, and at 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.  And there are 'happy hour' prices, too!  The beautiful upstairs lounge is open until 1:00 a.m.  To say that this place is colorful is an understatement, and it has many authentic touches!  I was glad to see that many of the wait staff from the Benvenuto era were still there, especially Sergio and Luis! The brass plaque that was installed on the front pillar explaining The Doors history there, is still in place!!!  Until I get my own pictures uploaded, check out their website at:  www.gogomexico.com    The L.A. Times featured them in their 'Scene Setter' piece last week which you can read (and check out photos) at:  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-earlybird22-2009jun22,0,5955877.story

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 June 24, 2009         'When You're Strange' screening #2
'When You're Strange' had its second and final screening at the L.A. Film Festival this afternoon at The Regent in Westwood, just south of the UCLA campus.  I am pretty sure this show was sold out because before the screening began, the theater people were scurrying around looking for empty seats and then directing late arrivals to those. Ray & Dorothy Manzarek, along with Robby Krieger and his son Waylon, entered the theater from a front side door to audience cheers and applause.  I also spotted Jim's oldest nephew, Dylan Graham (Anne's son).  Once again, a festival employee read a statement from Writer & Director Tom DiCillo before the film rolled.  The film was applauded and cheered as the credits rolled by.  As I mentioned in my Sunday night screening re-cap, it is unfortunate that the WYS audiences at this film festival in particular did not have the benefit of the Q&A segment with DiCillo, which he conducted after every Sundance showing.  What with the proximity to UCLA, and the 'hometown' nature of this locale, there may have been some interesting and lively discussion points brought up by attendees!  Next week there is a buyer's screening in New York City.  Here's hoping this film gets a theatrical release very soon!

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 June 23, 2009         'When You're Strange'
It should be noted that Tom DiCillo is not only the Director of 'When You're Strange' but he is also the Writer. I keep neglecting to credit him for the terrific script that weaves together all the footage and tells the story in a new and fresh manner.  I've inserted that descriptive in yesterday's news story and will try to remember to give him that credit going forward!  That being said ... in the News section of DiCillo's website today at http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?page_id=192 he mentions that there will be a buyer's screening in NYC on June 30th.  Now, this is important!  The film needs a buyer in order to get it into distribution as a feature film so audiences everywhere can see it as it is intended:  in a theater on a large screen with a great sound system, with that pristine HWY footage and outtakes!  DiCillo has been really good about communicating what is going on on his website, so we can look forward to more blog updates.  He goes on to say that Johnny Depp saw the film over the weekend and was 'extremely complimentary.'  It's all good!  By the way, if you scroll down to the bottom section of DiCillo's blog at http://www.tomdicillo.com/blog/?p=181, you will find some comments from others who were in the audience on Sunday night, and his responses.

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 June 22, 2009         'When You're Strange' premiere
'When You're Strange' had its L.A. Film Festival premiere last night at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood.  It was the first screening at this festival, located in the heart of Westwood near UCLA where Morrison and Manzarek and Ferrara all fatefully came together. This was also the first public screening of the film with the new Johnny Depp narration.  I never had a problem with the original narration by Writer & Director Tom DiCillo, but I certainly do like the Depp contribution.  The new and improved narration is leaner (less talking over the footage) and Depp's nuanced inflections hit the right marks!  This version includes some newly added footage that was not in the earlier, DiCillo-narrated version.  The HWY footage edited in from the newly-surfaced original negative is nothing short of stunning!  I can't stress that enough!!  If you have ever seen a grainy, time-coded bootleg of HWY, you may understand what I'm trying to impart. The music is rich sounding and many of the songs get to play out in their entirety.  Prior to the screening, one of the L.A.F.F. people read a statement from the absent DiCillo; that included a well-deserved acknowledgement of cinematographer Paul Ferrara who was in the audience with his wife Sandy.  At the Sundance Festival screening I attended in January, the audience benefitted from both a brief introduction from Director DiCillo, as well as a Q&A with him following the film.  In that regard, this festival audience missed out on something!  I did not see any members of The Doors there, but that's not to say there were none just because I didn't spot any. Celebrity sighting: we noticed actor Adrian Grenier (of Entourage) walking past us to get into line.  There is only one more chance to see 'When You're Strange' at this film festival.  Tickets can still be purchased on-line for theWednesday afternoon (2:00) screening at The Regent:  http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=5305

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 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.'

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 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!

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 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

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 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

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 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. 

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 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)

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 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)

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 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!

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 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.

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 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

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 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!

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 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

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 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.

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 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/

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 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/

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 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.

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 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!

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 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)

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 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

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 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

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 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 s