Prior News

Prior News & Reviews

August 2005

August 31, 2005 final ROTS show for awhile

Robby and Ray, Ian, Ty and Phil performed their last show for the foreseeable future last night at Lancaster, California's Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. After the show was over, there was an unsettling feeling of uncertainty in the air backstage as the road crew, band members and band supporters were taking their leave. They posed for pictures with one another and lingered, and confirmed each other's contact information. Ian leaves for a month-long trip to India, and there are possibly more legal issues to be ironed out. The set list and a show write-up will appear here in a few days. If you love this band and appreciate what they have brought to fans, old and new ... let them know it in any way you can.

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August 30, 2005 John & Tribaljazz concert

John Densmore and Tribaljazz will perform as part of the 'Sounds of the Sacred, Songs of the Earth' Festival Sunset Concert on Sunday, September 18 at Topanga Community House and Sacred Chumash Grounds, 1440 No. Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Topanga, California. The event runs from noon to 10:00 p.m. Tribaljazz is scheduled among the evening performers. read press release

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August 29, 2005 John Densmore guest appearance <> John's letter to the editor <> D21C in Toronto

John Densmore will appear as a special guest of Keith Secola on Friday, September 23rd at Fortune Bay Resort Casino in Tower (Lake Vermilion), Minnesota according to the forum's calendar section of www.johndensmore.com

John Densmore wrote a letter to the editor which appeared in yesterday's L.A. Times Calendar section, commenting on a story by rock critic Robert Hilburn which ran the previous Sunday. Headlined "He Should Know," the letter read: I very much enjoyed Robert Hilburn's courageous article ["Back, With New Wrinkles," Aug. 21] on challenging old rockers to not become tribute bands to themselves (or their wallets)! I recently ended the trial portion of an ongoing 2 1/2-year legal battle on this very subject. The only thing Mr. Hilburn failed to mention in his list of how expensive ticket prices are this summer was that Tom Petty's are half because he chooses to give a break to his fans and has no corporate sponsorship. JOHN DENSMORE, Hollywood John Densmore was the drummer and a founding member of the Doors. (thanks, George)

The Doors of the 21st Century headlined the Strange Days Festival at The Docks in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 1st. A fan has provided the set list for that show. (thanks, Gary) set lists

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August 28, 2005 Las Vegas write-up and set list

Riders On The Storm played a return engagement on Friday night at Sunset Station's outdoor Sunset Amphitheater in Henderson, Nevada ... just a few miles outside of Las Vegas. It was a warm, beautiful night to be outside under the stars listening to your favorite music played live!!! read about it set list

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August 21, 2005 Ray's site back on-line <> cover versions of Light My Fire

Ray Manzarek's official website is back on-line after being down for a few weeks following the band's name change from The Doors of the 21st Century to Riders On The Storm. It has a new look and some changed features. Check it out at: www.raymanzarek.com

Fans who collect cover versions of Doors songs may be interested to know that CD re-issues of two U.S. soul groups from the 60's, have been spotted in a record store in Paris. The Ebony Rhythm Band's "Soul Heart Transplant: The Lamp Sessions" has two different versions of Light My Fire. The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band's "In The Jungle, Babe" also has a cover of Light My Fire. (thanks, Gilles)

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August 20, 2005 Angelo Barbera update

Angelo Barbera was the bass player for The Doors on the VH-1 Storytellers show, as well as for The Doors of the 21st Century until late 2004. Before that, he had been in the Robby Krieger Band where he shared vocals in addition to playing bass. Angelo has also been playing in another band for several years, i-94. That band was featured on L.A.'s Mark & Brian radio show on KLOS 95.5 on August 11th as part of their 'Unsigned Artists' feature. The band performed several songs live on the air, were interviewed and took some calls from listeners. Check out their band website at www.i94music.com to learn more or to order their debut CD, "Don't Get Nervous."

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August 19, 2005 more about Decades Rock Live <> Peace Frogs Branson <> San Diego politician <> story about Ray & band at St. Rita

The VH1 "Decades Rock Live" series which debuts on October 8th, will include music performances augmented with special features, such as "Decades Confidential"; exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with artists focusing on their career milestones and highlighting their newest releases; concert performances and other endeavors. "Decades Rock Live" segments will also include "Fan Factoids" from viewers sharing their knowledge of music facts and figures, incorporated as pop-up quotes and trivia in every episode. Fans will also have the chance to get their hands on exclusive memorabilia and special items from the artists scheduled to participate in the series. Both the Guitar Center Music Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation will work with the show to host silent auctions. The proceeds raised will support the philanthropic missions of each of those organizations. This info is excerpted from a new press release which is promoting the next show taping, starring Bonnie Raitt and guests. read it

Peace Frogs Branson is the name of a shop in Branson, Missouri which offers "peace frog" things as well as classic rock clothing and other items. Their 'mascot' as pictured at the bottom of their home page, is a '68 VW bus with 3D pictures of Jim Morrison, Janis, Jimi, Eric, and the Beatles. Check out their website at www.peacefrogsbranson.com (thanks, Chris)

Jim Morrison is the name of a politician running for a seat on San Diego's City Council, district 2. Apropos of nothing else, just an amusing reference. His website is not yet on-line, but when it is, it'll be: www.JimMorrisonCity.com (thanks, Steve)

Ray Manzarek and the members of The Doors of the 21st Century / Riders On The Storm played an outdoor concert last week to benefit St. Rita High School in Chicago, where he graduated from in 1956. Chicago's Southwest News-Herald ran a story today about that event. read it

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August 18, 2005 interview with Morrison biographer <> Doors on 2007 calendar <> San Diego artist <> Blender Magazine

"The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia" is the title of a forthcoming biography by author Mark Opsasnick A new interview with the author, in which Mark discusses the parameters of his book and the research he has conducted, is on D.C. Rock. He is almost finished and expects to be done editing by the end of the year. read the interview

A Linda McCartney 2006 calendar is on the racks now, which includes a performance shot of Jim, Robby and Ray. Other photos include Hendrix, Joplin, Zappa, Neil Young, and others, and of course, lots of Beatles shots.

A San Diego art gallery called Warp on Ray Street in San Diego featured an impressionist artist whose signature piece was an abstract Jim Morrison, which was featured on his cards. (thanks, Steve) look at the art

Blender Magazine, August 2005 issue (cover: Family Guy) references Jim Morrison with this remembrance: DRUGS! 1954 Author ALDOUS HUXLEY publishes The Doors of Perception, which describes his experience taking mescaline. The similarly hallucinogen-friendly Jim Morrison will later name his band the Doors in tribute. (thanks, Lorie)

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August 17, 2005 air date for VH1 "Decades Rock Live" debut <> release date for Pablo Manzarek's CD

VH1's "Decades Rock Live" debuts on VH1 Classic channel on Saturday, October 8 with "A Tribute To The Doors." This pilot for the series was filmed two weeks ago at Atlantic City, New Jersey's Trump Taj Mahal. According to Variety, it is possible the show could end up airing on VH1 as well as its classic spinoff. The next segment will feature Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss and Keb' Mo'. Future shows will include Alice Cooper, Sheryl Crow, the Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald, Cyndi Lauper, Sarah McLachlan, Motley Crue, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rob Zombie and Bill Corgan. Plans are also in the works for CDs and DVDs of the series.

Pablo Manzarek's "Listening Through A Window" is scheduled to be released on October 22, 2005 on RAD23 - www.rad23.com. This will be Tripform`s first release for the emerging electronic label. (thanks, Dante) more info

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August 11, 2005 Ray played at St. Rita H.S.

Ray Manzarek and "special guests" played an outdoor concert tonight on the baseball field of St. Rita High School in Chicago, where he graduated from in 1956. The fundraising concert kicked off of a 100th anniversary celebration weekend for St. Rita. read more

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August 9, 2005 Robby on "The Wall" tribute CD <> Robby & Ray on Canadian TV <> Ray on ROTS in Montreal <> Doors merch at Target

Robby Krieger is one of the veteran rock artists who have teamed to record a track-by-track tribute to Pink Floyd's "The Wall" according to a story in today's Billboard.com. "Back Against The Wall" is due September 27th, and also includes Ian Anderson and Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, and Steve Howe of Yes. read it

Robby and Ray gave an interview to a TV crew called Musique Plus (French Canadian music TV). This was filmed backstage before the show, and they spoke about D21C's new name and about the trial for John Densmore's lawsuit. When it was broadcast on television, several images from that night's show were included. (thanks, Pierre-Yves)

When D21C played the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on July 31st, Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge played keyboards for Riders On The Storm. For the last few notes of that song, Ray Manzarek joined him, so both of them were playing Ray's keyboards. Pretty unusual! (thanks, Pierre-Yves)

A black baseball cap with The Doors logo embroidered in white stitching on the front, is now available at Target Stores. A smaller logo is also repeated in white stitching on the back. The label is Concept One Accessories, and it is officially licensed merchandise from Signatures Network. Only $12.99 ... such a deal! (thanks, David my son) cap front <> cap back

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August 8, 2005 review of last night's Virginia show <> Doors song used on "Entourage" this week <> Mrs. Joel Brodsky interview

The Doors of the 21st Century played nTelos Pavilion in Portsmouth, Virginia last night ... that is, according to a review today at PilotOnline.com ... I guess the reviewer hadn't caught up with the fact that these musicians are now Riders On The Storm. Anyway ... a review of that show can be read here

The Doors' "Love Street" was used to very effectively conclude this weeks' episode of 'Entourage' entitled 'Bat Mitzvah' as it played in full over the closing credits. The obviously interesting tie-in is that one of the stars of this series is Kevin Dillon, who played John Densmore in Oliver Stone's movie The Doors. (thanks, Beverly)

Mrs. Joel Brodsky, wife of the photographer who took some of the most famous and enduring photos of Jim Morrison, is the subject of an on-line story which appeared in today's Fairfield County Business Journal on-line. read it

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August 7, 2005 audience member re-cap of Trump Taj Mahal show

The Doors of the 21st Century played Atlantic City, New Jersey's Trump Taj Mahal two nights ago, along with a number of guests, to tape a show called Decades Rock Live for VH1. By the time the evening ended, the band had become Riders On The Storm. A good friend of mine was in attendance to review the show for an upcoming issue of a local tri-state music publication, and offered me some of the evening's highlights to share. (thanks, Glyn) go here

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August 6, 2005 new band name was revealed last night <> new links for band pages & official statement

Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger announced last night that their new band name is Riders On The Storm. This is in response to a July 22nd Los Angeles court ruling that they could no longer use the word "Doors" in the band name due to objections by former drummer John Densmore and the estate of Jim Morrison. In a story reported on TheRockRadio.com a few days ago, Robby reportedly said that "no matter what name he and Manzarek choose, he's confident fans will still know who's playing." Fans who were in attendance at Atlantic City's Taj Majal last night for the filming of VH1's "Decades" show, where the band name announcement was made, report that the show was good but had some technical difficulties including lightning striking a VH1 truck outside, which delayed some songs. (thanks, Dan and Mike)

Now that Riders On The Storm is the official name of the band formerly known as D21C and The Doors of the 21st Century, the band's Webmaster has tweaked the urls to reflect the new name. If you are looking for their home page, now go to: http://robbykrieger.com/riders/index.html To find their Tour Schedule page, go to: http://robbykrieger.com/riders/tour.htm On the band's News Page at: http://robbykrieger.com/riders/rotsnews.htm is this statement about the name change: At last night's taping of VH1's Decades at Trump's Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Ray Manzarek announced that The Band's new name is now, "RIDERS ON THE STORM." Ray said that Riders On The Storm was the last song Jim ever recorded with the band, the last song Jim ever sang with the band, and in memory of Ray & Robby's good friend, Jim Morrison, Ray, Robby, Ian, Ty and Phil would now be called, "RIDERS ON THE STORM."

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August 5, 2005 Ray interview <> Ray and Podcasting <> Reno concert cancelled <> John's 'forum' is on-line <> Robby radio interview today <> Montreal set list

Ray Manzarek gave an interview to the Asbury Park Press in conjunction with tonight's D21C performance at Atlantic City's Trump Majal, where they will be performing and recording VH1 "Decades" along with other performers, for a VH1 series debut scheduled for September. read it

Ray Manzarek will be involved in the "On The Pulse" Podcasting network, as reported a few days ago. Here is a larger story about it. read it

D21C's scheduled appearance at the Reno Hilton Outdoor Theater on Saturday, August 27th has been cancelled, according to the band's tour dates page. Aw, crap ... can you say "non-refundable airfare" ???

John Densmore's official website at www.johndensmore.com has added a forum for posting. There are 10 discussion topics provided, so far. To register and begin participating, go to: http://forum.johndensmore.com/

Robby Krieger did a radio interview earlier today from Atlantic City, New Jersey with Estero, Florida shock jock Joe Scott on radio station www.96krock.com I was unable to find a link to listen to the interview, but the fan who reported this told me that Robby mentioned Jim Morrison had stayed with him at his home for approximately three months. Together they wrote The End (which was a love song in Jim's words and the ending of a love affair), and that they also wrote a lot of L.A. Woman together while Jim stayed there. (thanks, Dara)

D21C played the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on July 31st. A fan has provided that show's set list. I'm still looking for many missing set lists, so anyone with complete and in-sequence lists, please send along. set lists (thanks, Pierre-Yves)

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August 4, 2005 new band name to be revealed tomorrow

Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger will reveal their new name for the current incarnation of the band tomorrow, August 5th, according to a story on TheRockRadio.com.. This is in response to a Los Angeles court ruling on July 22nd that they could no longer use the word "Doors" in the band name due to objections by former drummer John Densmore and the estate of Jim Morrison. Robby reportedly said that "no matter what name he and Manzarek choose, he's confident fans will still know who's playing: "

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August 2, 2005 Jim in Rolling Stone flashback story <> Ray on iTunes Podcast

Jim Morrison is featured in a flashback story in Rolling Stone (cover: Hendrix) in a story from RS 876 from August 2001, called "The Unforgettable Fire." read it

Ray Manzarek is one of the artists who will be part of the debut of the "On The Pulse" Podcasting Network on iTunes. The ongoing Podcast will launch with Ray, Motley Crue, Korn, Taproot, 30 Seconds To Mars, and others ... according to: http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=104804

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