John news only
July 23, 2003 John will appear in Flagstaff
John Densmore performs on August 1 with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and Burning Sky at Fort Tuthill County Park Amphitheater in Flagstaff, Arizona. Tickets are $20. http://www.flagstaffsymphony.org/special.php
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July 9, 2003 John Densmore on L.A. radio today
John Densmore was an in-studio guest on L.A. radio station KFPK 90.7 this morning on a world music program called Global Village. During the interview, he discussed The Actors' Gang a 100-seat theater where he first met his wife, Leslie Neale. He currently is on the Board of Directors there. This coming Sunday evening, and the second Sunday of every month, John will be co-hosting 'World Music Night" along with David Robbins, brother of actor Tim Robbins. Armenian percussionist musician Arto is this month's performer, and John "may sit in" with him.
In the interview, John said his Tribal Jazz album will be out this fall on Hidden Beach Records, and that the band will play live to support the album. He described the music as a synthesis between a traditional jazz quartet (Coltrane) with African and Brazilian drumming.
John went on to say that he has found himself writing quite a bit. He has been involved in some legal battles, and he hopes to put a book out, about money. He said it might be called 'The Greed Gene.' John added that "money doesn't talk ... it swears."
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July 4, 2003 John will be on local radio <> John call-in to radio station last year
John Densmore will be a guest on L.A. area radio station KPFK 90.7 FM sometime between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. next Wednesday, July 9th. (thanks, David my son)
John Densmore called in to Bob Rivers Show on radio station KZOK 102.5 FM last year. If you click on this link and search on Densmore, you can listen to the phone interview.
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June 29, 2003 Densmore petition
John Densmore participation with The Doors of the 21st Century is now the subject of a petition which was sent to me for sharing on this website. If interested in viewing the petition or signing it, go here
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June 28, 2003 Densmore performance videos
John Densmore can be seen in two performance videos, with Michael C. Ford and with Reza Derakshami by going to this link and scrolling down to find the John Densmore listings: http://www.henhousestudios.com/video/index.php
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June 17, 2003 John in 'Square Pegs' TV re-run
John Densmore appeared in several episodes of "Square Pegs" in 1982, which get re-run periodically on TV Land channel. June 28th is another broadcast of the "Open 24 Hours" episode #1.8, first broadcast November 22, 1982. Storyline: Marshall appoints himself as Johnny Slash's manager. Johnny's band 'Open 24 Hours' plays a gig in a grocery store, and John is introduced as "John Densmore of the original Doors."
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June 11, 2003 review of John Densmore appearance
John Densmore and Adam Saroyan performed in Los Angeles last night at Skirball Cultural Center in an evening of poetry and percussion, spoken word, and music. read review
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May 25, 2003 John Densmore appearance
John Densmore and Aram Saroyan will be performing on June 10 at Skirball Center in L.A. for an evening of poetry and music, voice, and percussion. Tickets are on sale. more info (thanks, David my son)
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May 15, 2003 more media stories about John's lawsuit
John Densmore's lawsuit again Robby and Ray is covered in several more media stories. The second one in this link includes a photo of Ray and Danny Sugerman, mis-identified as Ray and John along with a few errors in the story. read here
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May 13, 2003 update on John's lawsuit
John Densmore's lawsuit against Robby and Ray suffered a setback in court on Monday, according to two similar media stories that can be read here (thanks, Beverly)
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April 22, 2003 update on John's lawsuit
John Densmore's lawsuit against Ray, Robby, Ian, and Stewart (!!) was continued yesterday until the next hearing on June 24, according to the L.A. Superior Court website. The progress of this case can be followed by going to this link: http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/civilCaseSummary/ and inserting Case Number: BC289730 JOHN DENSMORE ET AL VS RAYMOND MANZAREK ET AL
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April 18, 2003 John Densmore appearance tomorrow is cancelled
John Densmore was scheduled to perform tomorrow at a poetry celebration in the L.A. area. I was notified by the organizer that John had to cancel. The event is still on, in case anyone was planning to attend.
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April 3, 2003 John Densmore organizing benefit all-star concert
John Densmore is organizing an all-star concert for early 2004 as a major fund-raiser to benefit 'For The Arts,' a community organization dedicated to establishing a $15 million endowment fund to support programs in the Santa Monica - Malibu Unified School District. More details will be provided as they become available. The story from the April 3rd Santa Monica Mirror can be read here (thanks, Beverly)
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April 2, 2003 John Densmore performs as part of Earth Day poetry celebration
John Densmore will perform as part of the Freshwater Marsh Ecopoetry Celebration on Saturday, April 19 between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Playa Vista's Fountain Park in the L.A. area. Parking is very limited and is by permit only; carpools are encouraged, and the park is easily accessible by the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. Go here to get more details about the event, its purpose, the performers, parking permits, and public transportation.
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March 24, 2003 John in 'Square Pegs' TV re-run
John Densmore appears as himself in a 1982 episode of "Square Pegs" entitled 'Muffy's Bas Mitzvah' episode #1.9, first broadcast November 29, 1982. Devo performs in this episode, and John appeared at the very end drumming behind 'Johnny Flash' singing onstage at the end of the show. John was mentioned by name early in the episode, and in the credits he is listed as appearing as himself. The episode will be re-run again on Saturday night, April 5, on TV Land channel according to TiVo.
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March 22, 2003 John in 'Square Pegs' TV re-run
John Densmore appeared in several episodes of "Square Pegs" in 1982, which get re-run periodically on TV Land channel. Yesterday was another broadcast of the "Open 24 Hours" episode #1.8, first broadcast November 22, 1982. Storyline: Marshall appoints himself as Johnny Slash's manager. Johnny's band 'Open 24 Hours' plays a gig in a grocery store, and John is introduced as "John Densmore of the original Doors."
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March 9, 2003 John was part of "Lysistrata Project"
John Densmore played percussion for the reading of the recent L.A. production of the "Lysistrata Project" as part of a global peace effort. Julie Christie, Alfre Woodard, Christine Lahti, Mary McDonnell, Eric Stoltz and Jose Zuniga also appeared in the L.A. production. read more here (thanks, Beverly)
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February 27, 2003 John wrote to editor of L.A. Weekly
John Densmore wrote to the editor of the latest L.A. Weekly. His letter appears on page 8 of the February 28-March 6 issue, as follows: WHEN IS A DOOR NOT A DOOR? If Greg Burk had turned 14 pages past his Concert Pick of the Week ["The 21st Century Doors," February 14-20], to the Politics Pick of the Week on Page 150, he'd have had the answer to his question (which was written quite eloquently, I would like to add). Obviously, if I am playing a benefit "For the Arts" in Santa Monica schools, I am over the ear affliction. It's the integrity thing that is holding me back from cashing in with the 19th Century Doors (to me, they are looking backwards). signed: John Densmore, Los Angeles
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February 20, 2003 Rolling Stone magazine mention
Rolling Stone Magazine (March 6, 2003 issue - cover: Phish) has a small blurb on page 22 about John's lawsuit: "The Doors Sued" Doors drummer John Densmore has filed suit against his former bandmates, claiming they are deceptively touring under the group's name. The Doors recently re-formed with a new singer, Ian Astbury, and drummer, Stewart Copeland. "The Doors are Jim, John, Ray and Robby," Densmore says. "I don't care if they call themselves 'former members of The Doors,' 'the Hinges' or 'the Windows.' I just want clarity." The revamped group recently tweaked its name to the Doors 21st Century, but Densmore claims the change is undetectable in promotional materials. Calls to the Doors 21st Century were unreturned at press time.
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February 17, 2003 Entertainment Law Digest filing summary
Entertainment Law Digest dated today has a summary of the lawsuit, and identifies the plaintiffs and defendants. (thanks, Beverly) http://www.entlawdigest.com/story.cfm?storyID=2557
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February 16, 2003 "People" magazine mentions lawsuit
"People" magazine, February 24th issue (cover: Love, Sex and Dating in 2003) mentions the Doors lawsuit on page 75, under "SUED" :
On Feb 4 in L.A., John Densmore, 58, the former drummer for the Doors, sued his ex-bandmates, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, 63, and guitarist Robby Krieger, 57, for using the rock group's name in a reunion concert this month. The name and logo of the '60's band, which broke up several years after the 1971 death of lead singer Jim Morrison, is owned by the three surviving members and Morrison's estate. "It shouldn't be called the Doors .... It could be Windows, the Hinges, I don't care," Densmore said. Manzarek said the band is billing itself as "The Doors, 21st Century." (thanks, Deva)
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February 14, 2003 LA Times Calendar today: Ray calls John a hothead
Ray Manzarek 'fired back' yesterday at John Densmore on the topic of the lawsuit according to today's LA Times Calendar. (thanks, Felicia) Read it here or on-line at http://www.calendarlive.com/cl-et-boucher14feb14,0,830787.story
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February 13, 2003 Ray and Robby respond to John's lawsuit, according to Variety
According to Variety.com
dated February 12th: (thanks, Dave B.)
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February 9, 2003
Burning Sky benefit showsBurning Sky's latest
album with John Densmore guesting on several tracks, was nominated recently for a Grammy. The band is performing several benefit concerts to raise money to travel to NYC for the ceremony. A concert last week included an auction with Doors memorabilia. There is another benefit concert coming up this week on February 12th. There are raffles occurring through the end of the month for John-signed Doors memorabilia. Read the whole story in Arizona Daily Sun. (thanks, Beverly)===========================================================
February 6, 2003
Official press release re Densmore's lawsuit on websiteAn official press release from The Doors 21st Century management regarding the John Densmore lawsuit is now on The Doors 21st Century website at http://robbykrieger.com/doors/doorsnews.htm
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February 5, 2003 Doors debate on KCAL-TV tonight??
Unconfirmed so far: it's possible that John Densmore will appear later tonight on LA's KCAL-TV Channel 9 news program, to debate or discuss his legal challenge to the other band members. This channel runs news & entertainment from 8pm thru 11pm ... I'll update this item if I confirm the appearance later. (thanks, Larry)
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February 5, 2003 another news story about John's legal action
Yahoo! News - Former Doors Drummer Sues Bandmates Over Reunion (thanks, nephew Tom)
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February 4, 2003 John Densmore has taken legal action over use of The Doors name
John Densmore's attorneys filed a legal action in Los Angeles County Superior Court today, charging breach of contract, trademark infringement, and unfair competition against Ray and Robby. The full press release can be read here. (thanks, John E!)
Rolling Stone has an on-line story about this legal challenge. (thanks, Avery) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16122&item=2156101970
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February 4, 2003 Burning Sky CD with guest John Densmore has earned a Grammy nomination
The Burning Sky CD "Spirits In The Wind" released November 2002 on Canyon Records with John Densmore guesting on several tracks, is Grammy-nominated in the best Native American Album category..
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February 3, 2003 Burning Sky CD with guest John Densmore has earned a Grammy nomination
The Burning Sky CD "Spirits In The Wind" released November 2002 on Canyon Records with John Densmore guesting on several tracks, is Grammy-nominated in the best Native American Album category.
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January 24, 2003 John Densmore will perform at an art benefit auction on February 8th
John Densmore will perform at a benefit art auction on Saturday, February 8th in Century City, CA to support public school programs in the Santa Monica-Malibu School District providing instruction in music, visual arts, dance and drama. The entire press release can be read here (thanks, John E!)
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January 14, 2003 John Densmore spotted in Joni Mitchell DVD
John Densmore and his wife, Leslie Neale, can be seen in the audience of a 1999 Joni Mitchell DVD called 'Painting With Words & Music.' There are frequent close-ups of audience members at the show, which was filmed in the round at a soundstage in L.A. At one point while Joni is telling a story, the camera shot shows John & Leslie enjoying the moment. (thanks, Chris)
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December 18, 2002 John Densmore's new CD <> Bright Midnight cube 'makeover'
John Densmore's new group Tribal Jazz has completed their first album, and it will be released by Hidden Beach Records in Spring 2003 .... this according to the official Doors website at http://www.thedoors.com/news/?fa=news&id=88
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December 12, 2002 John's article from 'The Nation' is reprinted in Rolling Stone
John Densmore's letter against selling out which was printed in 'The Nation' in their July 8, 2002 issue is reprinted in the new Rolling Stone issue (RS 912/913 - cover: 2002 Rock & Roll Yearbook) on pages 44 & 45. read here (thanks, Joe C.)
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December 11, 2002 John Densmore appearance announced
John Densmore performs on Saturday, December 14 in a free event, "A Special Night Of Music" with friends Lisa Raphael and master percussionist Miguel Rivera at 8:00 p.m. at Tia Chucha Cultural, 12737 Glenoaks Boulevard #22, Sylmar, CA 91342 www.tiachucha.com phone 818/362-7060 This is posted on the official Doors site, www.thedoors.com (thanks, Steve C.)
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December 1, 2002 John Densmore's birthday
John Densmore turns 59 today. Thank you for being one of rock's most innovative and spontaneous drummers, and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery from your tinnitus.
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November 24, 2002 John onstage last night at Tom Petty show
John Densmore appeared onstage last night at L.A.'s Great Western Forum, where Tom Petty was playing. John introduced legendary L.A. deejay Jim Ladd. Jim Ladd then introduced Tom Petty. Tom Petty's latest hit "The Last DJ" is said to be about Jim Ladd, and Jim has been introducing TP at all his recent area shows.
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October 24, 2002 John's politics
John Densmore will perform with members of his new jazz band at a fund raiser for Measure JJ, the Santa Monica Living Wage Initiative. Read more
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October 23, 2002 more info about forthcoming CD featuring John
John Densmore is special guest artist on "Burning Sky - Spirits In The Wind" CD scheduled for release on November 26th. Read more
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October 22, 2002 John on new CD
John Densmore is featured on a forthcoming CD release due out on November 26 called "Burning Sky - Spirits In The Wind". The "one sheet" indicates that this is "joining the haunting Native American flute with acoustic guitar and ethnic percussion." John is listed as special guest artist on dumbek and rattles. Read more
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September 27, 2002 John Densmore interview
John Densmore and Tribal Jazz performed at the Faces of Rock charity auction last evening in Hollywood. I had a brief discussion with him following the band's performance. There are also some letters written back to The Nation in response to John's essay, included at the end. Read it
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September 25, 2002 Found old interview with John
John gave this interesting interview ... from the references, I'd guess it was mid-1990's
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September 16, 2002 John Densmore in TV re-run
John Densmore appeared as himself in a 1982 episode of "Square Pegs" entitled 'Muffy's Bas Mitzvah' episode #1.9, first broadcast November 29, 1982. Devo performed in this episode, and John appeared at the very end drumming behind 'Johnny Flash' singing onstage at the end of the episode. John was mentioned by name early in the episode, and in the credits he is listed as appearing as himself. The episode was re-run this past Saturday night on TV Land channel.
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Bright Midnight Records will release The Doors show recorded at the House of Blues last Tuesday, September 3rd, according to Danny Sugerman.
Danny spoke to John Densmore before that show. John said if he could be rehearsing with the band, he would. read the rest here (thanks, Carol)
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John Densmore will perform a live jazz set on September 26th at a City of Hope Cancer Center Rock Photography Auction in Hollywood. Jim Marshall is among the photographers featured, and Jim Morrison is listed as one of the subjects. Read more here, or go to: http://www.955klos.com/viewentry.asp?ID=227125&PT=Jocks If the link doesn't work, just go to http://www.955klos.com and click on EVENTS.
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This is an interesting article by John Densmore, but it will not help to heal any rifts between he and Ray.
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20020708&s=densmore
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Robby news only
Ray news only
http://www.henhousestudios.com/ John is involved in Hen House Studios, a community recording studio in Venice, CA
return to Ida's L.A. Woman Confidential home page
for more Doors news and reviews
