return to Ida

Is everybody in ? Something special is about to begin. Or is it ? Some would say you can't have the Doors without Jim Morrison, but for people like myself, a chance to hear the music that has stood the test of time, live and see some of the musicians that gave birth to it, was a chance of a lifetime. Judging by the full house, there were certainly more of the latter joining me tonight.

As the lights went down, an outburst of excitement and disbelief consumed the crowd. A familiar shadowy figure then stalked on stage, the lighting briefly concealing the identity of this leather clad demon. Astbury looked nothing short of a reincarnation, a picture of an ageing Morrison injected with life. As Ray & Robbie joined the ensemble, the realisation was complete, we weren't dreaming. They kicked into "Roadhouse Blues" & "Break on Through" and the whole place erupted.

Ray & Robby took charge of the show and everybody else was just happy to be there. Although most eyes were on Astbury, these are the guys we came to see. "When the music's over" showed us the fever between the two of them as they pushed each other over & over again. But when they played "Back Door Man" & "Five to One" back to back, I didn't think it could get any better. Astbury seemed possessed, his only reluctance was respect for the shoes he was filling.

As the rest of the band left stage, Robbie took his Flamenco guitar and proceeded with an awe inspiring five minute intro into "Spanish Caravan", a real treat. The band returned and they ran through "People Are Strange", "Not to Touch the Earth" & "Wild Child" and Ray was electric. He and Robbie played like they knew something the rhythm section didn't.

Astbury continued his homage. With the occasion of his true voice breaking through he was exceptional and should have put any doubts to rest. "LA Woman" climaxed what was an exuberant set and if they hadn't come back for an encore, you wouldn't have blamed them. But as the storm from the start of "Riders" rolled in and the haze of smoke rose up from the crowd , they returned.

When Ray announced the last song, he asked the question of what the audience would like to hear. With the choice between "Light my Fire" and "Peace Frog", I think all band members were surprised to get a bigger response for "Peace Frog". We all knew they couldn't leave without playing "Light my Fire" so we got two for one.

While the band took centre stage, I pinched myself one last time just to be sure. And as the roof lifted with applause they took a bow, said their thanks and were gone. A celebration of music shared with the people who are & made it and the people who feel & love it. My only regret is that John Densmore couldn't be a part of this. I hope he soon has a change of heart. And finally thank you Jim, whom without, none of this would have been possible.