"Everybody was telling us to stop performing," says 64-year-old keyboardist Ray Manzarek, a founding member of the legendary '60s rock outfit. "We're just going to keep on playing because we love the music."

Original guitarist Robbie Krieger and vocalist Ian Astbury of the Cult fame join Manzarek on tour.

Drummer John Densmore passed on the outing, citing a hearing disorder. He later sued his former bandmates, trying to halt the use of the Doors name for the tour.

He was replaced with ex-Police drummer Stewart Copeland, who also was replaced after a series of shows and an injury. Copeland, too, shot back with a suit in February. The parents of late vocalist Jim Morrison and his common-law wife, Pamela Courson, are suing, as well.

Now, 32 years after Morrison's death, Manzarek and Krieger are trying to move forward with singer Astbury. "He comes from that same mental space that Jim Morrison occupied," Manzarek says. "He's like Morrison, but he's not imitating Morrison. He's into Buddhism, Native American spirituality, and he's got that shaman quality. For me, it's kind of spooky. He's there in all his presence, and he's doing a fabulous job."

Still, there's the question, "Why tour?" Manzarek insists it isn't about money. "It's for the art of playing music live in front of an audience," he says. "You don't understand what a rush it is to step out on that stage and start playing these songs live."

> THE 411: $36.50-$69.50. 8 p.m. Friday. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.