UNCUT MAGAZINE September 2004
In the "Dispatches" section of this issue of Uncut Magazine (cover: The Kinks) is a quarter-page article about the testimony at the Doors trial of Nigel Wiliamson.
Included in the story are a photo of John Densmore and Nigel Williamson, as well as a photo of one of the courthouse entrances.
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'Standing in the dock in LA'
Uncut man in Doors courtroom drama
Uncut contributing editor Nigel Williamson was summoned to give evidence in an LA courtroom last month in the multi-million-dollar legal battle between former members of The Doors over the right to use the band's name.
The estate of Jim Morrison and former Doors drummer John Densmore are attempting to stop the band they've formed with Cult vocalist Ian Astbury. Known as the 21st Century Doors, the group performs original Doors material with Astbury singing Morrison's parts.
"It's not a case of whether Astbury is a good singer," Williamson told the court during his two-hour testimony. "He's not Jim Morrison, so the band he's singing with cannot be The Doors. It's a tribute band, with the added twist that it includes two original members."
Krieger and Manzarek have filed a countersuit claiming that Densmore is in neglect of his "fiduciary duty" by vetoing lucrative offers to use Doors music in TV ads.
Outside the courtroom, Williamson met Morrison's parents, who attended court to hear his evidence. Said Uncut's man: "Jim's father is now 86 and when The Doors were singing songs like 'The Unknown Soldier' he was commanding ships in the US Navy during the Vietnam war. Now he's fighting to preserve the integrity of his son's legacy. It's a funny old world."
A brief synopsis of Mr. Williamson's testimony on July 13th can be found in Trial Diary Week 3
As an expert witness for the plaintiff, he was paid $350. per hour for his opinions, and his airfare from London and hotel accommodations were also compensated.
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