RIDERS ON THE STORM

Antelope Valley Fair, Lancaster, California

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

This show was a must-attend because it is the last scheduled show for the foreseeable future.    Showtime was listed as 7:30;  at 7:40 the now-familiar strains of O Fortuna from Carmina Burana began playing to signal everyone to get to their seats.   The announcer introduced them as Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors and Ian Astbury of The Cult -- Riders On The Storm -- as they filed onstage.

Roadhouse Blues opened the show and got everyone up on their feet, dancing.

Fashion report:  Ray wore a long-sleeve white shirt over a white shirt with a pattern on front and dark slacks.   Robby wore a bright green short-sleeve shirt and dark slacks.   Ian wore a black satin jacket and tight ripped blue jeans, along with a wide white headband with a small pattern on it.  Ty was all in black on the drum seat.  Phil was also in a bright green shirt and white slacks.

Break On Through and Love Me Two Times followed, with the audience still standing and dancing.   After When The Music's Over finished, Ian removed his jacket to reveal a black short-sleeved tee-shirt with a white print on front.   Ray introduced Ian, Ty, Phil, and "a mother" and the best guitarist he's ever played with:  Robby Krieger!    Robby then replied:  "Wait a minute, I'm the only guitar player you've ever played with!!"    Ray laughed.   Robby went on to say that this guy, who was sitting on the beach in Venice, was the only guy who knew that Jim Morrison was a genius:  Raymond Daniel Manzarek.

Alabama Song and Back Door Man followed.  Robby put on a white hat which said Taylor-Made across the front.  Ian told some people in front on Ray's side of the stage, that they could sit on their ass at home!   During Five To One, Ian seemed to be talking to security guys, telling them it was inevitable, that it was going to happen and to allow it ... with that, there was a mass surge of fans into the open area between the barrier and the front row which security had been keeping fan-free up until then.   Ian's mid-song rap included a shout-out for a special friend:  as he spoke to Ray, Ian said they were going to go out into the desert in a Lamborghini, with seating for 5,000!   Some "Please, please, listen to me children" was also inserted into the song.  Ian addressed someone in the crowd:  "Young man, front and center ... look at me, boy ... you are the one who can save the world!"

Following Wild Child, Ray said that one was for all the blood of the native Americans on this soil.  Robby asked for a silent prayer for all the people in New Orleans.  He said he knows a few people there, and encouraged everyone to send money or something, because they need help.

Leading into Not To Touch The Earth, Ray said "This one's for the desert."  Ian ended the song with "Jim Morrison, the Lizard King ... he did everything."

Ray introduced Ty and Phil again, and then Robby, as they began their thundering intro to Touch Me.  Robby waved his hat to the crowd to acknowledge the applause that followed that rocker!!

Ray introduced L. A. Woman.   The band left the stage following that one, except for Ian who lingered to say:  "If you want to hear more music, you know what to do."

It was now 8:55, and Riders On The Storm manager Tom Vitorino came center stage to thank everyone for coming out.  The crowd knew he was teasing and booed him.   He said, 'Oh, you want to hear more?   Then, make some real California noise."   

The band returned to the stage as sounds of thunder played over the darkened stage to play Riders On The Storm.   Following that, Ray said they were going to play a 'famous radio song.'    It's the one that everyone always wants to hear ... their signature song, penned by Robby Krieger:  Light My Fire.   During Ray's keyboard solo, the two green shirts jammed together.   I think my favorite part of Ray's solo --- more than his playing with the right foot, or sometimes playing with his elbow or even his forehead --- is when he uses his bass-playing left hand to play that missing, phantom bass keyboard!    Robby included runs of 'Elinor Rigby' and 'My Favorite Things' into his solo section.   All the band members crouched for Ian's return to the stage following the solos.

At 9:20 the song ended, the band took their bows and said their goodbyes, and Ray announced that Ian was leaving for India the following day.

Backstage after the show, the band members posed for pictures inside a reception tent with what appeared to be "beauty pageant  contestants" ... young ladies with tiaras and sashes identifying what town they each represented.   The band and crew members then mingled with the fans and supporters who were waiting to see them and wish them well during their well-deserved time off.   We all hope to see each other again real soon at another D21C / ROTS concert.

"The future's uncertain and the end is always near" was ringing very true this night for everyone.

Thanks to Robby, Ray, Ian, Ty and Phil for all the great music they have been bringing to the fans.   And, special thanks to Tom, Marco, Artski, Owen, Bob, Darren, and Kenny for pulling it all together behind the scenes.   See you soon!

by Ida  9/2/05

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