Prior News

Prior News & Reviews

April 2006

April 30, 2006 Dave Dutkowski named Doors Archivist

Dave Dutkowski has been appointed as an Official Doors Archivist effective tomorrow, May 1. The announcement was made yesterday in a statement on the Lizard Lounge, the message board on The Doors official site. Dave is well known within Doors circles. Besides being a long-time fan, he is Webmaster for both http://raymanzarek.thedoors.com/ and http://robbykrieger.com/ He is known as 'Familiar Freak' as the Moderator on the Lizard Lounge and the forums on Ray's and Robby's sites. The announcement from band manager Jeff Jampol explains that Dave will be responsible for helping to organize vaults, work on archival materials, and even work on the forthcoming documentary. Congratulations to my friend Dave. Well done! To read the post with the full announcement, go to: http://messageboard.thedoors.com/index.php?showtopic=30028

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April 29, 2006 Ray magazine interview <> R&R cars exhibit extended <> Angelo's band

Ray Manzarek is interviewed in the May 2006 issue of U.K.'s Classic Rock Magazine (cover: Axl Rose). Read the entire interview on-line on Ray's site at http://raymanzarek.thedoors.com/classic_rock06.html

The closing date of Encore! Cars & Guitars of Rock 'n Roll II at the Petersen Automotive Museum on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles has been extended to Sunday, July 30th. The exhibit was previously scheduled to end on Sunday, June 4th. John Densmore's 1968 Ford F-250 Camper Special is currently on display. see photos

Angelo Barbera's band i-94 is playing a special show for the EMMY daytime award winners. The set time is 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night, April 30th at 'The Good Hurt' at 12249 Venice Boulevard, Venice, California. For more info, call (310) 390-1076 or visit i-94's website at: http://i94music.com/

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April 28, 2006 Doors music on "Invasion" <> The Cult on tour in June

'Riders On The Storm' was used as part of this week's episode of "Invasion." The episode is titled 'The Son Also Rises.' (thanks, Bob)

Ian Astbury will be back in Europe in June with The Cult. According to Pollstar.com, The Cult will play 3 dates in Spain beginning June 3 through June 5. There is a Lisbon, Portugal date on June 7, and then Copenhagen, Denmark on June 23. For more Cult news and details, always visit their official website at http://www.thecult.us/

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April 25, 2006 Madrid set list <> Tribaljazz release <> Benvenuto update

Riders On The Storm played Madrid, Spain last Thursday night. Thanks to a fan who was at that show, the show's set list has been added to the Set Lists 2006 page. Once again, the band played both new songs, 'Forever' and 'Eagle In A Whirlpool.' (thanks, Miguel) set lists 2006

The long-awaited release from Tribaljazz, John Densmore's band, is said to be coming in May 2006. No other information is available at this time, but the CD does contain their rendition of 'Riders On The Storm.' (thanks, Michael)

Benvenuto Cafe, the restaurant at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard where The Doors had their rehearsal space and office, expects to have its grand re-opening in about 2-1/2 weeks, which should put it at the second weekend in May. The vertical steel beams that will support the overhead upstairs deck are in place, and the concrete patio for the restaurant level will be poured on Thursday of this week. Won't be long now!

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April 23, 2006 L.A. Woman on list <> Window of Opportunity review <> Angelo Barbera appearance

"L. A. Woman" is #4 on another list, this time about songs that pay tribute to Los Angeles .. The Top 25 Songs About L.A. Ray Manzarek also gets a mention in the #1 song, "Los Angeles" by X. read story

"Window of Opportunity," the John Densmore-co-produced play currently at the MET Theatre in Hollywood, got a write-up on backstage.com (thanks, Jim) read it

Angelo Barbera, former bassist for The Doors of the 21st Century, will be appearing this Friday night, April 28th at Molly Malone's in Hollywood with his band, i-94. Check out the band's website for details at http://i94music.com/

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April 22, 2006 Robby's absence from Barcelona show <> Paris set list <> Jim #11 on list

Robby Krieger was absent from the Barcelona, Spain show last night (Friday night), which was also the last date on the Riders On The Storm European tour. I have been contacted by the band's manager, Tom Vitorino, and asked to assure concerned fans everywhere that it was simply a bad case of food poisoning that took Robby out of action and put him in the hospital. While the rest of the band flew home from Europe today, Tom stayed over an extra day with Robby, and they will travel home to L.A. on Sunday. The band's long-time soundman Bob Carsten was called upon to pinch-hit for Robby at the Barcelona show. (thanks, Tom V and Dave D)

Riders On The Storm played Paris, France on April 18th. The set list from that show has been added. The band played 'Forever,' the new song they debuted in Denmark during the first night of this tour. They also played 'Eagle In The Whirlpool' at this show. (thanks, Frédéric & www.raymanzarek.us)

Jim Morrison comes in at #11 on an AOL listing of the Blender 50 Most Awesomely Dead Rock Stars. Read the write-up at http://music.aol.com/home/blender/dead_rock_stars_4 (thanks, Lou)

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April 21, 2006 John supports candidate <> Doors will announce virtual box sets

John Densmore is mentioned in today's California Chronicle as part of a group environmental activists who are supporting State Assembly candidate Kelly Hayes-Raitt, co-founder of Heal the Bay and former executive director of the Coalition for Clean Air. read story

The Doors plan to announce on Monday that fans will be able to create "virtual box sets" of live and studio Doors performances by going directly to the band's Web site. Fans will be able to re-create their favorite Doors album using live tracks from concerts, or create a CD with several live versions of the same song from different concerts. This info was reported today on informationweek.com read story

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April 20, 2006 future Cult tour plans

Ian Astbury will be returning to Europe with The Cult several times later this year, according to information posted on the band's official website at http://www.thecult.us. The site says the band will do a full European tour in the summer, including Spain and Portugal, with a U.K. tour in the fall.

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April 19, 2006 Frankfurt set list <> Berlin MP3's <> Riders Amsterdam set list <> John & RAN event

Riders On The Storm played the last of three shows in Germany on Monday night in Frankfurt. With thanks to http://www.raymanzarek.us, that show's set list has been added. Last night they played Paris, and Thursday and Friday they wrap up this tour in Spain. set lists 2006

Riders On The Storm played Berlin, Germany last week. A fan has posted MP3's of the entire concert on Robby's forum. To listen or to download them, go to: http://forum.robbykrieger.com/index.php?showtopic=87 (thanks, Gary)

The Amsterdam set list for Riders On The Storm's show there on April 14th has been added to the Set Lists 2006 page, thanks again to the info posted on http://www.raymanzarek.us If anyone has the set list or feedback on last night's show in Paris, we'd all love to get it. set lists 2006

John Densmore is one of the co-hosts of an invitation-only event hosted by Rainforest Action Network in Santa Monica tomorrow evening. RAN will present a new way forward to break America's oil addiction and save the last of Earth's remaining old growth forests. more info

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April 18, 2006 Ray in TV documentary

Ray Manzarek is one of the interviewees in a documentary called 'The Drug Years' from VH1 and Sundance Channel. The 4-part series looks at the rise of illicit drug use and its cultural impact in the second half of the twentieth century. The series debuts on VH1 on June 12 at 9:00pm e/p and encores on Sundance Channel beginning June 16th at 8:00pm e/p. Broadcast dates are listed in the events calendar below. more info

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April 17, 2006 Strange Days album cover <> Mary-Beth's photos

Sniffen Court in New York City is where the Strange Days album cover was photographed. A brief story about the photo shoot appears on Gothamist.com as part of a series on album covers that feature New York City. There is even a link to a video posted on YouTube.com read it

Mary-Beth is a moderator on the forum at www.robbykrieger.com who traveled with her husband to Dublin to see Riders On The Storm perform at RDS Hall last week. Mary-Beth has sent along some photos to share and is working on a write-up the show, too. (thanks, Mary-Beth) see photos

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April 16, 2006 Arthur Lee news

Arthur Lee and Love were not only The Doors' bandmates on Elektra, but reportedly it was Arthur Lee who first suggested to Jac Holzman that he check out The Doors. The rest is history. Since his release from prison a few years ago, Arthur returned to performing and I have been lucky to catch some amazing shows. Arthur Lee & Love even shared the bill with The Doors of the 21st Century at the San Diego Street Scene in September 2003. Rolling Stone on-line brings the news that Arthur is now battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He is currently in his third week of chemotherapy. To help with the singer's estimated $100,000 medical bill for the treatment -- he is without health insurance -- an all-star benefit concert is in the works that will hit New York, Los Angeles and London. Although no artists have been confirmed, Robert Plant and Jack White have reportedly been approached. For more information, visit http://www.thelovesociety.com/ read about Love & The Doors on myspace.com

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April 15, 2006 Dortmund set list <> Amsterdam photos

Riders On The Storm played their second show in Dortmund, Germany tonight at Westfalenhalle. With thanks to the info posted at http://www.raymanzarek.us, that show's set list has been added. The band gets the day off on Easter Sunday. On Monday night they play Frankfurt, Germany, then it's on to Paris, Spain, and back home. set lists 2006

Riders On The Storm played the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, The Netherlands last night, April 14. Several dozen close-up photos from that show have been posted in the Photo Gallery at http://www.raymanzarek.us. To see the Amsterdam photos, go to: http://raymanzarek.thedoors.com/amsterdam06/amsterdam.html

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April 14, 2006 Berlin set list <> "Atonal Head" is available

Riders On The Storm played their first-ever show in Berlin, Germany last night at the Tempodrom. With thanks to the info posted at http://www.raymanzarek.us, that show's set list has been added. Tonight the band plays in Amsterdam, and then returns to Germany for two more shows. set lists 2006

"Atonal Head," the collaboration between Ray Manzarek and Bal, is now available at many internet stores. For more information or to hear samples, go to: http://www.pbmrecords.com/ (thanks, Bal)

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April 13, 2006 Patricia Kennealy appearance <> Dublin set list <> L.A. Weekly play review

Patricia Kennealy will visit the St. Bonaventure University campus in St. Bonaventure, New York to speak to journalism classes from April 19 - 21, according to the university's website. The story also says that she recently finished writing “The Crystal Ship: The Priestess and The Shaman — The Spiritual Voyage of Patricia & Jim Morrison,” a spiritual memoir. read full story

Riders On The Storm played Dublin, Ireland two nights ago, the second date of their current European tour. With thanks again to the info posted at http://www.raymanzarek.us, that show's set list has been added. (thanks, Dave) set lists 2006

"Window Of Opportunity" is the play currently running in Hollywood, co-produced by John Densmore. The show was reviewed in this week's L.A. Weekly. The column gave the play the GO, as in, go see it. read review

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April 12, 2006 Denmark set list <> Dublin fan report

Riders On The Storm are underway with their first tour of 2006. With thanks to the info posted at http://www.raymanzarek.us, there is finally a reason to start a new 2006 Set Lists page!! On the first show of this European tour, the band debuted a new song called "Forever," said to be a Robby Krieger composition ... so we know it's got to be a great tune! set lists 2006

Riders On The Storm played the second of their 9-show schedule last night in Dublin, Ireland. From a fan's report, the band started out with "Roadhouse Blues" and nearly took the roof off the place! They also gave "Eagle In The Whirlpool" its Irish debut at the show. (thanks, David)

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April 11, 2006 new merchandise coming <> youtube.com <> new show for The Cult <> Ray magazine interview <> John photo added to story

More information about the band's future releases and new merchandise is contained in a lengthy story that ran on monstersandcritics.com Included is news that Signatures Network will be launching 5:1, a high-end merchandise line. read full story

Youtube.com is a website for videos. The friend who sent the link described it as 'Napster for videos.' A search can get you to some rare Doors stuff like 'Tightrope Ride,' Jim's promo video at FSU, and a brief interview of Jim in San Diego regarding the Miami trial. Go to http://www.youtube.com/ (thanks, Chris)

Ian Astbury and The Cult will be returning to San Diego on Friday, June 9th at the Coors Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. There are six tour dates scheduled for the month of May throughout Canada. The May tour begins in the west in Vancouver and ends in Montreal. For the latest updates on The Cult, keep checking their official website at: http://www.thecult.us/

Ray Manzarek is interviewed in the May 2006 issue of U.K.'s "Classic Rock" magazine (cover: Axl Rose). The story on page 34 includes a photo from the 60's. (thanks, Gilles)

John Densmore's production of "Window Of Opportunity" got a nice write-up in the L.A. Times on-line, as I mentioned yesterday. A photo of John and the other principals that appeared with the story has been added to the story page. (thanks, George) go here

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April 10, 2006 Window of Opportunity <> Doors in Las Vegas <> Simpsons do The Doors

"Window Of Opportunity," the John Densmore co-produced play which is currently playing at MET Theatre in Hollywood, got a nice write-up in today's L.A. Times Calendar on-line. In the story, the title of the book he is working on, is revealed: 'The Greed Gene.' (thanks, Beverly) read full story

Recent statements from The Doors manager included remarks about a Las Vegas show. Another story in today's L.A. Times Calendar reveals more information. According to Jeff Jampol, the band members and Morrison's estate are "negotiating a deal in the "tens of millions of dollars" to build a special theater of 800 to 1,200 seats at a Las Vegas casino and tailor-design a standing show. Although the music of Queen, Bob Dylan and Billy Joel has in recent years been repurposed as stage shows, Jampol said: "We don't feel a Broadway show or dance piece or circus piece fits what The Doors stand for." The story goes on to include some ideas for the production. Targeted to open in 2008, the Las Vegas show will be helmed by video director Jake Nava. (thanks, Michael) read story

A few seconds of "The End" was used in last night's episode of The Simpsons. I missed the show myself, but the episode was called 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bangalore.' The storyline was that Homer learned the nuclear power plant is being shut down and outsourced to India. Homer thinks he is a god to the Indians, and there is a boat going upriver to find him like in Apocalypse Now. (thanks, Bob)

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April 9, 2006 news of more projects and releases <> Benvenuto update <> Alta Cienega Motel

Billboard.com ran a story two days ago about some upcoming Doors projects. There have been more on-line stories which contain news of additional upcoming projects and releases. In addition to those listed in yesterday's news (below), there are even more in the pipeline: iTunes is expected to offer digital albums, virtual box sets and downloads of live and rare tracks; a coffee table book with photos and unpublished Morrison poetry; a 4- to 8-hour radio special; a TV special; and a completely revamped line of merchandise. A lengthier story can be read at either http://www.raymanzarek.us/doors40th.html or at http://robbykrieger.com/doors40th.html. Read Billboard story for other related comments.

Building renovations at Benvenuto at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard are on track for a late April re-opening of the restaurant, despite all the recent rain. Shortly before the restaurant re-opens, their website will be back on-line and will include photos of the construction. I'll share the link here when it goes live on-line. To see photos of the progress as of last Thursday, go here

Alta Cienega Motel is just across the street from Benvenuto, the former site of The Doors rehearsal space and office. The motel has a plaque on Room 32 which calls it the Jim Morrison Room. For more information, go to: www.altacienegamotel.com

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April 8, 2006 more re-issues coming plus exciting exhibits and news

Billboard.com ran a story yesterday detailing a number of forthcoming projects on and/or from The Doors. We can look forward to yet more re-issues of the same six albums with bonus tracks, DVDs with 5.1 remixes, and bonus material. The story also says that there will be a vinyl boxes set of the first six albums, as well as 2-CD versions of the albums released individually. Sadly, there is no mention of more unreleased shows from Bright Midnight. Much more interesting than re-issues of re-issues, are a show in Las Vegas targeted to open in 2008; a traveling Doors memorabilia exhibit, and a Rock and roll Hall of Fame exhibit set to open in April 2007. And lastly, not one but two coffee-table books. There is even the hint of a suggestion that "maybe" John would agree to allow The Doors music to be used for a commercial, given an appropriate opportunity, as an effective way of reaching a new generation of listeners. With the emphasis on "maybe" and the applications needing to be for environmentally friendly products or even cutting-edge Internet or mobile platforms, this indicates a willingness to consider some options. Fair enough!!! (thanks, George) read full story

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April 7, 2006 John's production opens tonight <> another Doors documentary <> play opening

John Densmore is co-producer of a play, "Window Of Opportunity," which opens tonight at the MET Theatre in Hollywood. Last night was its preview performance; the show runs through May 14th. To see the flyer or banner for the show, go here For additional show information, go here

"Six Nights, Six Records, Six Years" is the title of a Doors documentary in the works from filmmaker Stacy Peralta. According to ContactMusic.com, this is described as a 'social history set to Doors music.' This project is separate from and in addition to, the "official" documentary that is in the works from Dick Wolf and Bill Guttentag that will include interviews with members of the Morrison family. read stories

"Window Of Opportunity" is the John Densmore-produced play that had its opening earlier tonight at the MET Theatre in Hollywood. The theatre was pretty much filled to capacity, which included band manager Jeff Jampol. The cast of six portrayed an interesting story with some unexpected plot line twists and turns ... it was a very enjoyable production!

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April 5, 2006 Robby's website updates

Robby's website has a new look on its homepage. In addition, the latest 'Guitar Of The Month' feature is a 1960 Sunburst Les Paul which Robby says is his most collectable guitar. Click on each small picture and check out the added comment under each photo of Robby and his guitar. Go to: www.robbykrieger.com

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April 4, 2006 release date for soundtracks to Ray projects <> audio samples from "Atonal Head"

The soundtrack to Ray Manzarek's "Love Her Madly" movie, as well as the soundtrack to the "The Third Mind" DVD with Ray and Michael McClure, will be released from Oglio Records on June 6th. (thanks, Mark)

Speaking of Ray's projects, audio samples from his forthcoming collaboration with Bal called "Atonal Head" were added to Ray's website recently. To listen to them, go to: http://www.raymanzarek.us/atonal_head_cd.html

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April 2, 2006 book about Laurel Canyon residents

"Laurel Canyon: The Inside Story of Rock-and-Roll's Legendary Neighborhood" is a forthcoming book from Michael Walker due out on May 2nd (from Farrar Straus and Giroux.) According to the L.A. Times writeup, the book chronicles the canyon's decadent musical menagerie as it came to be defined by the rock royalty that lived there -- members of the Doors, the Byrds, the Mamas & the Papas, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Frank Zappa and Joni Mitchell, among many others. The author is himself a Laurel Canyon dweller, and is quoted: "Two dozen of the baby boom generation's signature artists were neighbors in a place with a history of tolerating unapologetic behavior. There was a lot of energy and creativity. A lot of what turned out to be the 20th century's most lasting compositions were recorded in Laurel Canyon." The book's cover artwork is in the style of the old Bill Graham Fillmore and Family Dog concert posters. see book artwork

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March 31, 2006 The Cult on t.v. tonight <> symphony performs Doors music <> Carmina Burana at the Bowl <> Paul Rothchild & Joplin photo

Ian Astbury and The Cult will be on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS tonight. This show is not a re-run, so it will probably be the band's performance of Love Removal Machine, the other song they performed at the show taping. (thanks, Lorie)

The Charlotte Symphony performs 'The Music of The Doors' in an upcoming show at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, April 8th. This orchestra has previously performed The Music of Led Zeppelin and The Music of Pink Floyd. For more info, go to: http://www.charlottesymphony.org/home.asp (thanks, Lorie)

The Los Angeles Philharmonic performs "Carmina Burana" on Thursday, September 14 at the Hollywood Bowl. For more info, go to: http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/index.cfm (thanks, Beverly)

Doors producer Paul Rothchild is pictured along with Janis Joplin in an undated photo. Take a look! (thanks, Gilles) see photo

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March 29, 2006 no more Riders '06 dates? <> Jim's Vegas arrest <> The Cult to tour Canada

There may be no more Riders On The Storm tour dates following next month's European tour. This is according to a post on The Cult's forum which says that Tom Vitorino (manager of both Riders On The Storm and The Cult) indicated that the balance of 2006 will be all The Cult, and that we can expect more Riders On The Storm dates in 2007, 40 years after the first album by The Doors was released. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Riders fans will not have to wait that long to see them play again in the U.S. (thanks, Jes)

Jim Morrison was arrested in Las Vegas in January 1968 for public intoxication, vagrancy, and failure to possess adequate identification. Last week the Las Vegas Review Journal ran a story about Jim's arrest report and mug shot on display at the Hogs & Heifers Saloon there. (thanks, Gilles) read more

Ian Astbury will be on tour with The Cult in Canada during May. For more information on The Cult and their tour dates, go to: www.thecult.us

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March 27, 2006 John producing play in Hollywood <> Ian & The Cult in Tucson

John Densmore takes on the role of Producer of a new play opening in Hollywood next week. "Window Of Opportunity" previews on Thursday, April 6 and opens on Friday, April 7 at the MET Theatre at 1089 North Oxford Street. The play is directed by Billy Hayes of "Midnight Express" fame and runs through Sunday, May 14. For the full press release and details, go here

Ian Astbury will be performing with The Cult on April 29th at the Sports Park in Tucson, Arizona for KFMA-Day along with The Strokes and other bands. That gives Ian a one-week break after he returns from Europe with Riders On The Storm. To see a poster for the show, go here

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March 26, 2006 Jim included in museum exhibit

The National Heritage Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts will pay tribute to American music history in an exhibit titled “Gershwin to Gillespie: Portraits in American Music,” April 15 through Sept. 17. The exhibit will feature portraits of Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and many others from photographers including Philippe Halsman and Annie Leibovitz more info

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March 24, 2006 Norway dates for Riders On The Storm are cancelled

Riders On The Storm were scheduled to play two festival dates in Norway on April 7 and April 8. According to a statement that has been posted on the official websites for Ray and Robby, the promoter failed to meet his obligations and Riders On The Storm will not be playing at those shows. Apparently the festival dates are still on, but they will be Rider-less, so to speak.

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March 23, 2006 Paul Ferrara photos <> Ray's high school yearbook <> quest for the Blue Lady <> Tribaljazz concert dates

Paul Ferrara has contributed several wonderful photos to the Photo Gallery on Ray Manzarek's website. One photo is of the three surviving Doors, a great photo! One is of Ray from the Nite City era, and the last is a photo of the Nite City band. Watch for more photos from Paul to show up there. They can be seen at http://www.raymanzarek.us/photo_ferrara.html And as a reminder: Ray's website can be accessed through any of these urls: www.raymanzarek.org or www.raymanzarek.net or www.raymanzarek.us or raymanzarek.thedoors.com/

Ray Manzarek's yearbook from St. Rita High School 1956, has popped up in an eBay auction which ends on March 31. The auction shows a photo of Ray as a high school senior. You can also see all the activities he participated in during high school. The eBay auction # is 7602740623

A collector has surfaced on one of the Doors message boards seeking information on Jim's Shelby GT500, the car he got as a gift from Elektra Records. The fate of the 'Blue Lady' is one of those unsolved mysteries in Doors history. The post indicated that Collector Car Central is owned by a huge Doors fan who happens to be an actor. He is on a quest to find this Mustang and is considering making a film about the search. A Yahoo Group has been created at: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MorrisonsMustang/ for the gathering of information, stories, and interested people. Paul Ferrara told me that the license plate # that was on the car during the HWY shoot was CA VRD389, that Babe Hill is the person who named it the 'Blue Lady' after one of the characters in the "Hitchhiker," and that the car was taken away from Jim by The Doors management. I know that many people have tried to solve the mystery of the whereabouts of that car, so it'll be interesting to see where this quest goes.

John Densmore & Tribaljazz have announced three concert dates, according to today's Newsletter #2 from John's webmaster. There will be two shows in Venice, California on May 19 and May 20 at the Electric Lodge Performing and Visual Arts Center. Tribaljazz also makes a return appearance at the annual Topanga Days Country Fair in Topanga, California.

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March 19, 2006 Barney's Beanery history <> July 3rd tribute to Jim

Barney's Beanery is a landmark eatery in Doors lore. Today's L.A. Times ran an interesting back-story about the restaurant and its place in the community. read it

"Poetry In Motion" is a poetry reading tribute to Jim Morrison scheduled for July 3rd in Paris in the area just outside of Pere Lachaise. For more information, go here (thanks, Stuart)

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March 18, 2006 Morrison Hotel is boarded up & shut down

The Morrison Hotel at 1246 Hope Street in Los Angeles is closed. The windows and doors are boarded up and there is a heavy chain and padlock on the entrance. This building was the focus of a slumlord lawsuit filed in December 2004 on behalf of its tenants due to vermin infestation and deplorable living conditions. Several months ago the owners were convicted of 21 charges of criminal negligence. There is a civil case pending which is scheduled for trial in September 2006. see photos

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March 17, 2006 Ray's website back on-line <> Benvenuto update

Ray Manzarek's website is back on-line after a month of server problems. In addition to getting there this way: http://raymanzarek.thedoors.com/ you can also use www.raymanzarek.org or www.raymanzarek.net or www.raymanzarek.us Check it out ... it has a new look and new features!

Benvenuto Cafe at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard is on track with their renovations. The target date to re-open the restaurant is late April or early May. In addition to the extension of the ground floor patio all the way to the sidewalk, the upstairs lounge will be enlarged with the addition of a deck that will extend over the patio, doubling their previous capacity. I'm looking forward to returning to the great food and atmosphere there this spring.

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March 15, 2006 long-lost Robby project <> on-line photos of band <> Moby covers Doors <> Ray's website back on-line

Robby Krieger apparently began an audio project in the mid-1980's known as "A Cat's Tale." It is believed that the audio story that was going to be made into a cartoon, but was never completed. The voices of Robby and his wife Lynn are used for the characters. A copy of this 30-minute tape has just surfaced from a collector. If you have any additional information about this project to share with the person in possession of this recording, please send it along and I'll get it to the tape's owner, who hopes to be able to gain permission to share some clips of it.

Photos of Robby, Ray and John can all be seen on West L.A. Music's website at www.westlamusic.com In the photo gallery, just click on the section for the corresponding instrument and find their names. (thanks, David my son)

Moby's newest DVD titled "Moby Live: Hotel Tour 2005" includes a cover of "Break On Through." (thanks, Gilles)

Ray Manzarek's website is back on-line after a month of server problems. For now, the domain is temporarily changed to: http://raymanzarek.thedoors.com/ Check it out ... it has a new look and some new features!

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March 11, 2006 Robby quoted regarding new Riders songs

Robby Krieger is quoted in today's The Sunday Times - Ireland with some exciting news, especially for the fans who will attend the Riders On The Storm concert in Dublin on April 11th: "In a year in which the Eagles, the Who and the Rolling Stones are set to play Ireland, perhaps it is only fitting that the current incarnation of the Doors are planning to use an Irish date to test their first material for more than three decades. The last time the band recorded new material was in 1972, a year after Jim Morrison, the band’s iconic frontman, was found dead, at the age of 27, in a bathtub in Paris. Now, 34 years on, Robby Krieger, the guitarist, has revealed he has recorded five new songs with fellow original member Ray Manzarek, the organist. Providing the vocals in place of Morrison is Ian Astbury, former lead singer with British band the Cult. Krieger says he will try out the new material when he performs at the RDS in Dublin next month, along with classic hits such as Light My Fire."

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March 9, 2006 Paul Ferrara's forthcoming book <> poster exhibit in Boston

Paul Ferrara -- film maker and photographer for The Doors -- has completed the second draft of his forthcoming autobiography and is shopping for a publisher. Naturally, there will be lots about Paul's adventures with the band contained within the 370 pages of "Flash Of Eden." Paul allowed me to see the only piece of film that is not owned by The Doors, behind-the-scenes footage from HWY's Bald Mountain segment which included Jim and the Blue Lady, Babe Hill, Paul Lisciandro and Paul's ex-wife, Georgia. There is no telling where and how this footage will surface, but Paul is considering including it in his book as an extra bonus! (thanks, Paul)

"Light My Fire: Rock Posters from the Summer of Love" is the name of a current exhibit at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts featuring approximately two dozen posters created to advertise concerts at San Francisco's Avalon Ballroom and Fillmore Auditorium in 1967 and 1968. The exhibit is free and runs through August 13th. (thanks, Clay) read more

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March 8, 2006 Morrison Hotel apparel <> translation re forthcoming German book

Morrison Hotel tee- and sweatshirts, bearing the lettering style that was in the window that The Doors famously posed behind at the hotel of that name in downtown L.A., are on-sale at photographer Henry Diltz's Morrison Hotel galleries and on-line. To check them out or to order, go to: http://www.morrisonhotelgallery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=apparel When you explore http://www.morrisonhotelgallery.com/index.html further, you'll find Henry's images of The Doors and the countless other bands he has photographed.

"City Of Light" is a forthcoming book in German from Philip Steele with a scheduled release date of October 2006. Thanks to Jens, a translation of the German amazon.com site is: "The last days of Jim Morrison - now as a novel. His life of being the great rock poet and charismatic singer of The Doors is not forgotten but only few things are known about Jim Morrison's last days in Paris back in 1971. Philip Steele, successful musician and composer himself, met Jim Morrison shortly before his death in the "city of light." In his moving novel he describes the tragic fall of the formerly praised hero up to his mysterious death. Philip Steele wrote the hit "City Lights" and was awarded with a Grammy for his contribution to Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill 2." (thanks, Jens)

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March 6, 2006 new book on Jim due in July <> 'Riders On The Storm' re-mix

"The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia" is a new book by Mark Opsasnick with a projected release date of July 2006. This promises to be an in-depth study of Jim Morrison's time in Alexandria, Virginia between January 1959 and August 1961when he attended George Washington High School. More than 150 individuals were interviewed, including more than 60 former classmates who provided detailed memories. Visit the author's website at: http://www.capitolrock.com/news_04.html (thanks, Mark and Rich) more info

DJ Paul Edge's 'Unlock The Doors' remix of "Riders On The Storm" is used with touching images of the Hurricane Katrina aftermath for the www.Nola.com charity. To see and hear it, go to: http://nola.cf.huffingtonpost.com/ (thanks, Mary-Beth)

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March 5, 2006 Jim on the Oscars <> Ian dedication to Danny <> German book on Jim <> Robby's new forum

Jim Morrison and Val Kilmer portraying him, were included in a video montage on tonight's Oscars broadcast. The subject of the segment was movie biographies and used clips of the real subject juxtaposed with the actor portraying the subject.

Ian Astbury dedicated a song called 'Wonderland' to Danny Sugerman last night at The Cult's sold-out concert at the San Diego House of Blues. Tonight The Cult plays the brand new Key Club at Morongo Casino & Resort in Cabazon, California, followed by another sold-out show at the Fonda Music Box Theater in Hollywood.

"City Of Light" is a forthcoming book in German from Philip Steele that appears to focus on Jim Morrison. The German amazon.com site shows a scheduled release date of October 2006. Since the text is in German, I'd appreciate anyone who can translate the book summary for me. (thanks, Gilles)

Robby Krieger's new website is part of the official band website at www.thedoors.com The new Robby Krieger forum can be found at http://forum.robbykrieger.com/index.php (thanks, Mary-Beth)

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March 4, 2006 Ray interview

Ray Manzarek appears with slide-guitarist Roy Rogers at the Center for Performing Arts in Grass Valley, CA this evening. A brief interview for The Union appears on-line today. read it

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March 3, 2006 John's new DVD project

John Densmore's webmaster has sent out the first of what will become occasional newsletters to give updates on John's projects and to encourage fans to visit John's forum on his official website at http://johndensmore.com/. Today's newsletter advises of a new hour-long DVD called "Surfing LA" that features John, James Hillman and Michael Ventura taking a 'psychological tour' of L.A. For more information and to order this DVD on-line, go to: http://www.visualizethis.com/surfingla1.html (thanks, Jim)

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March 2, 2006 Miami trial flashback & photos

Jim Morrison's behavior at the March 1, 1969 Doors concert in Miami was re-visited by a Miami Herald story today about the trial with a link to additional photos. There is also a link to a 10-minute audio interview with defense attorney Robert Josefberg, and a 57-page file of trial testimony and documents. The story and the photos have been saved to this site so they will remain available. (thanks, John) trial flashback story trial photos

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March 1, 2006 missing documents from Jim's trial <> Rosanne Cash references The Doors <> Ray interview <> Ian & The Cult on tour

Jim Morrison allegedly exposed himself on stage at Miami's Dinner Key Auditorium on this date in 1969. 37 years later to the day, the Miami Herald is running a story about 42 missing documents from that criminal file. Apparently the theft was not even realized until 1991 when Sotheby's New York listed one of the documents in an upcoming auction. This story indicates that the late Danny Sugerman is their "prime suspect." read the story

Rosanne Cash was today's in-studio guest on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" program and played songs off her poignant new album, "Black Cadillac." During the between-song conversations she mentioned that for the title track, she was musically going for The Doors' "Riders On The Storm" and early U2 kind of atmospheric thing, but with more aggression. The show can be watched or listened to at http://www.kcrw.org/cgi-bin/db/kcrw.pl?show_code=mb&air_date=3/1/06&tmplt_type=show (thanks, Michael)

Ray Manzarek appears with slide-guitarist Roy Rogers at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg, CA on Friday, and Center for the Performing Arts in Grass Valley, CA on Saturday. There are two more weekends of shows following. Details can be found in the calendar below. An interview with Ray about these shows appeared today on metroactive.com. read it

Ian Astbury kicks off The Cult's 'A Return To Wild' monthlong tour tonight with a show at the Fillmore in San Francisco and ending in New York City at the end of the month. Last Friday The Cult performed on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. For more information on The Cult, go to http://www.thecult.us/