Lizard prince

Getting panned actually made the difficult job of walking in Jim Morrison's shoes easier for Doors of the 21st Century singer Ian Astbury. The British-born singer, who first achieved fame in the Eighties fronting the Cult, is eager to get back on the road.

"We did a show in New York and the audience responded incredibly," he says. "They loved it. But the New York Times ripped the whole thing to shreds, tore it to pieces, saying the past should stay in the past. After that, I was like, 'Fuck it. It doesn't matter. I can't please everyone.' Then it was clear sailing ahead."

Having now played the part of Morrison alongside original Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek for the past couple years, Astbury cherishes the role.

"It's really been an incredible experience for me, such a blessing," he says. "My first duty is to Ray and Robby. I try not to overplay it, but not underplay it. I am a forty-year-old man and I do have experience so I'm not out there showboating, especially when Jim Morrison's name is involved. I have no delusions of replacing Morrison. I'm there to pay homage to a great American poet and a great American mind."

With Doors drummer John Densmore sitting out the tour due to continuing legal issues with the other original members, the current lineup consists of Ty Dennis (the Motels) on drums and a rotation of bassists that includes Angelo Barbera (Motels, Lita Ford) and Phil Chen (Rod Steward, Jeff Beck).

Doors tour dates:

4/23: Minneapolis, The Orpheum
5/1: Atlanta, Music Midtown
5/2: West Palm Beach, Sunfest
5/5: New York, Roseland Ballroom
5/6: Uncasville, CT, The Mohegan Sun Arena
7/4: Chicago, Loopfest
7/31: Manitoba, Summerfest: Grand Beach

COLIN DEVENISH
(April 15, 2004)