Don't knock the Doors 'til you've heard new singer

When Robbie Krieger and Ray Manzarek announced they were resurrecting the Doors with the Cult's Ian Astbury on lead vocals, I was appalled. What were they thinking trying to replace a front man as celebrated as Jim Morrison?

Well, as their performance Saturday at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre proved, Krieger and Manzarek knew what they were doing. Astbury was incredible, channeling Morrison's vocals and moves without a full-on impersonation. Plus the band sounded great, merrily ripping through classics like "Roadhouse Blues," "Light My Fire," and "L.A. Woman."

Astbury definitely changed my mind about the Doors of the 21st Century, as they're now known, swaggering across the stage in leather and denim. I doubt any other singer could have pulled it off so well. When his long dark curls fell in his face or he sang with his hands gripping the mike, covering his mouth, the resemblance was a little creepy, but gave the show a cheap time-traveling effect (although fans couldn't really be transported to the '60s staring at the un-rock-star-like attire of Manzarek -- an oatmeal colored knit sweater, and Krieger -- camos and soccer jersey).

Despite one of the poorest turnouts in recent memory, they played as if they'd been dying to get on stage for 30 years.

Skeptical fans may have stayed away, but those who came were pleasantly surprised.

That skepticism may be the case when INXS and TLC, who are both hosting reality series to find replacements for deceased band members, parade the "winners" in front of old fans.

Whether that's in good taste or not is debatable. Contestants may surprise us, but I doubt any of them will capture their predecessors as well as Astbury has.