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LACONIA — The Doors of the 21st Century opened the eyes of more than 3,000 cheering fans on Thursday when they headlined a festival that proved that 1970s rockers haven't lost much over the years.

One of the most famed and controversial groups in history was the lead act in a Strange Days Festival that evoked the psychedelic spirit of residents who flocked to Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center.

The newest version of The Doors shared the stage with Steppenwolf, Vanilla Fudge, the Yardbirds and Pat Travers.

While many people attending the show said the loved all the bands, it was easy to see from the crowd's reaction that The Doors elicited the most enthusiastic greeting as they delved into a set that was unrelenting and chaotic.

Blaring overtures and purple strobes set the stage for the band as they launched directly into the rollicking "Roadhouse Blues."

The Doors redux are served well by new lead singer Ian Astbury (formerly of The Cult) as he wailed and spun around the stage taking on the spirit of Jim Morrison.

More than one fan said they were thoroughly impressed by Astbury, who not only looks like a young Morrison, but more importantly can sing just like the self-proclaimed Lizard King.

Astbury borrowed from Morrison in both encouraging and taunting the audience on numerous occasions with his raspy voice.

During their performance of "When the Music's Over" the band slowed down the song for an extended period as if to draw the crowd into a musical trance that lasted more than 10 minutes. When the playing was reduced to a simple drum beat in the darkness Astbury asked the crowd: "Are you feeling uncomfortable yet?"

He then proceeded to jump out of the darkness screaming as a cacophony of sound enveloped the crowd.

Astbury teased the crowd in stating that he liked New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die" mentality. He joked that Harley Davidson riders in California ride with pink helmets while Granite Staters aren't required to wear them at all.

"I'm with you baby," he said.

While a black-clad Astbury more than fulfilled his role, he was quick to point out that it was the original Doors members who deserve the biggest kudos.

He reminded the audience that pianist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger are living and breathing music machines.

"I don't see any Viagra in the cupboard," he screamed into the microphone.

Manzarek showed off his prowess on the organ in songs like "Light My Fire" and "Alabama Song(Whiskey Bar)."

Krieger noodled away on ear-piercing solos on "Break on Through" and "Peace Frog."

Few sat in their seats during the show as they danced in the aisles and threw their hands in the air. The crowd was encompassed by a mixture of old and young people.

Those attending the concert said they were impressed by the enthusiasm of a band that has been playing for more than 30 years.

"It's fantastic ... I knew they would have the energy and get everyone going," said Barry Shubert, 51, of Derry.

Brian Munger, 49, of Sanbornville said he thought Astbury performed beyond expectations in capturing the spirit of a young Morrison in his prime.

"If you went to see The Doors in the '70s you wouldn't see this type of show ... Morrison would come out drunk and exposing himself," he said.

Munger said Meadowbrook is his favorite venue and pointed out that the Strange Days festival represented a return to his younger years.

"I never thought I'd ever see any of these bands in my life ... I grew up on this," said Munger.

John Kay of Steppenwolf wasn't short of male posturing as he led the crowd through high-paced hits Magic Carpet Ride and Born to be Wild.

The lead singer left the crowd wanting more when he departed with the words.

"Stick around, have a great summer and stay wild!"

For George Gillette of Pittsfield the Strange Days show was his first in 20 years.

""I love The Doors," he said, pointed out that his last concert was a more toned down Arlo Guthrie.

Robin Cummings of Ashland said Krieger and Manzarek couldn't go wrong no matter who they chose to sing lead vocals.

"The music is there ... they're fantastic," said Cummings.

Meadowbrook Spokesman John Vorel said more than 3,800 people bought tickets to Thursday's show, which was the second of the season at the venue.

He said venue officials are pleased with what has been a strong start to the summer concert series.

Geoff Cunningham Jr. can be reached at 524-3800 ext. 5931 or via e-mail at gcunninghamcitizen.com
 

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