Prior News

Prior News & Reviews

August 2006

August 31, 2006 2007 ROTS tour news expected <> John on tribute CD <> Ray on Entwistle tribute
Ray Manzarek will soon be revealing 2007 tour plans for Riders on the Storm, according to the Webmaster's post on the forum at http://manzarek.thedoors.com/index.php?showtopic=573. This is great and exciting news ... it's been a long, dry year with only the April European dates. You won't hear the news here first, but you will hear it hear second! Keep your fingers crossed for an exciting 2007, on so many fronts! (thanks, Mike and Mary-Beth)

John Densmore contributes a track to a forthcoming tribute to Greenwich Village folk artist Peter LaFarge called "Rare Breed" which will be released as part of a DualDisc. read story

Ray Manzarek pays tribute to The Who's John Entwistle on a newly released DVD entitled "An Ox's Tale" hosted by Peter Frampton according to a story on The Rock Radio. read story

============================================================

August 30, 2006 Jeff Jampol quoted in LA Times
Jeff Jampol, manager of The Doors, was quoted in a story in today's L.A. times about an announcement by Universal Music Group that it would license its digital catalog to a website offering free legal downloads. The website would make its money selling advertisements that play while songs download. Mr. Jampol was quoted as saying he would "have major concerns about what ads run alongside my artists' songs. I don't know that it is right to make someone watch a commercial for the Army or McDonald's when they are downloading a Doors song." But of course, The Doors are not signed to Universal. read full story

============================================================

August 29, 2006 Perry Farrell's lost Morrison track
Perry Farrell has composed and recorded music to complement a 'lost track' of Jim Morrison reading one of his original poems, according to AOL Music News Blog today. Farrell plans to release "Woman in the Window" on his 'Satellite Party' project early next year. According to the story, the song was recorded in L.A. with a 30-piece orchestra. read story

============================================================

August 28, 2006 Robby remembers Bruce Gary
Robby has written a remembrance about his friend Bruce Gary that can be found on his website at: http://robbykrieger.com/bruce_gary.html Bruce passed away last week of lymphoma.

============================================================

August 27, 2006 "Perception" box set write-up <> YouTube video
The Doors' forthcoming "Perception" box set got a write-up today on AOL's music blog. read it

'Touch Me' done with ukelele, kazoo and voice is a hilarious video on YouTube that has been sent to me. I mean, it is a flipping riot and it needs to be shared widely. Check it out at: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4311953315488350361&q=the+doors&hl=en (thanks, Tim)

============================================================

August 26, 2006 "Best of" ad in Burbank
"The Best of The Doors" is catching the attention of motorists who drive the 134 freeway. A 3-story high advertisement is currently mounted on the WEA building in Burbank. It's clearly visible to motorists, but is most easily seen (and safely photographed) from across the freeway on Riverside Drive. The WEA building is near Warner Brothers Studios. Several friends told me about the ad, and I was able to get some shots while I was in the vicinity yesterday afternoon. see photos

============================================================

August 24, 2006 Mark Opsasnick story <> "Perception" box set photo <> Jim student film clip on YouTube? <> Ray & Jeff Jampol at industry conference
Mark Opsasnick is the author of the recently released biography: "The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia." Mark and his body of work got a lengthy and very favorable write-up in today's Washington Post. read it

The forthcoming 40th anniversary box set titled "Perception" and due out on November 21st, is pictured on Ray's official website, accompanied by the details announced yesterday about the release. Check it out at: http://raymanzarek.us/perception_box.html and/or at: http://robbykrieger.com/perception_box.html (thanks, Fred)

A film clip making the rounds this week on YouTube purports to be a student film that Jim Morrison made at film school about a woman named Liz. The YouTube clip is a trailer for a documentary that was made about the film! See for yourself at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPg6pDUJwMA (thanks, Paul and Gilles)

Ray Manzarek and The Doors manager, Jeff Jampol, will participate in a Billboard-sponsored industry event on September 11th at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. The program summary says: Cutting-edge programming with an emphasis on real debate focusing on both winning strategies and the innovative tactics used to execute them. Guided by Billboard's expert editorial team, MECCA's keynotes and panels feature new faces with new ideas in an exciting and interactive setting. Ray and Jeff will do a 30-minue Keynote Q&A to discuss the evolution of music -- from vinyl to mobile and how the Doors music continues to define the lifestyles of countless generations. For more info, go to: http://www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/mecca/schedule.jsp

============================================================

August 23, 2006 John on reggae DVD release <> Benvenuto website <> book clearance sale <> box set & book release info
John Densmore contributes commentary to a new "The Harder They Come" DVD released this week from Xenon Records. The DVD and CD special edition with many enhancements is the 1972 Jamaican movie starring reggae artist Jimmy Cliff. The Albuquerque Tribune ran a big story on the release. read it

Benvenuto Caffe is the Italian restaurant that has occupied the building at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood since 1992. Everybody knows that The Doors office and rehearsal space were prior occupants in the late 60's and early 70's. The restaurant was closed for several months earlier this year for renovations which doubled their dining capacity by extending the outdoor dining patio. The website photos have not been updated since they re-opened, but you can still learn more about Benvenuto, their menu and services, by visiting their website at: www.benvenuto-caffe.com

Do NOT take the following information as an endorsement of this book, but Barnes & Noble is selling hardcover copies of "Jim Morrison: Life, Death, Legend" by Stephen Davis at the summer clearance price of $5.39 ...quite a markdown! (thanks, Michael)

Doors management posted a Rhino Records release late last night revealing the details of the bonus audio and video extras that will be included on the 12-disc (6 CD, 6 DVD) 40th Anniversary box set due out on November 21st. The suggested list price will be $149.98 at www.rhino.com and all usual outlets. "The Doors by The Doors", the long-awaited coffee table book, is due out on November 7th from Hyperion with a $45.00 price tag. To read the entire text of the post on these forthcoming releases, go here (thanks, Fred and Gilles)

============================================================

August 22, 2006 Paul Ferrara site back on-line <> Bruce Gary R.I.P.
Paul Ferrara's website is back on-line. Problem solved! Paul has added some new pages and features to his site in the meantime. Be sure to check out his page titled "Jim & Sparkler" for a group of photos from that famous series. There is a page called "Old & New Photos" which contain head shots he took, and there is a photo of Paul (sunglasses) and Nancy Sinatra. Lastly, there is a link called "Let's Talk" where Paul encourages questions that he will post and answer! Go to: http://paulferrara.net/

Sad news again in the world of music. Drummer Bruce Gary passed away earlier today. Bruce is perhaps best known as the drummer for The Knack, but Bruce and Robby were long-time collaborators. You can find Bruce Gary credited on Robby's solo releases such as Robby Krieger & Friends; Versions; Robby Krieger (Cafe Records); Door Jams; No Habla, and Cinematix. I may even have missed one or two! www.brucegary.com I once had the honor of being introduced to Bruce by a mutual friend following a Bob Dylan club show in Hollywood. He seemed to know everyone, but was sweet and friendly enough to stand there and discuss his work with Robby with me. He then blew me away when he told me that from there, he was heading directly to Robby's house to work on some music (it was already 11:30pm or later). R.I.P. Bruce, and thank you for being such a big part of Robby history. (thanks, Phil)

============================================================

August 21, 2006 Morrison Hotel
I made a quick stop today at the Morrison Hotel to see what (if anything) is happening there since my last visit. The front of the building is now plastered with posters. The only signs of life there were two pigeons over the boarded-up entrance, and a person who certainly looked like a derelict living out of his car ... except that it was a late model Mercedes. We exchanged information from the relative safety of opposite sides of Hope Street. He told me that the interior of the building was now gutted, but he did not know if it would become a parking structure or luxury lofts (like much of the neighborhood undergoing redevelopment.) As I was preparing to leave, two guys pulled up in the parking space behind me. One unloaded a large camera and tripod, and set off to take photos of the building. My curiosity got the better of me and I asked the guy who stayed with the car, what the camera was for. He explained that they were from an outfit called Petro, and they were scouting locations for an ad for the Sony PSP game. He had absolutely no idea about the Doors back-story related to that building, so he got a condensed lesson about its place in Doors history! They were interested in that site because of all the posters as an interesting backdrop. The advertisement or commercial will feature a person walking along playing the portable PSP game. see today's photos

============================================================

August 20, 2006 Paul Ferrara website down <> Pablo & Ray's re-mix
No sooner did I write yesterday about Doors photographer Paul Ferrara's latest recording, than his personal website went down! The music can still be heard and the CD can be ordered through CDBaby.com at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/paulferrara2. However, Paul's website which features his other music, paintings, photographs, and more at: http://www.paulferrara.net/ is the one that is temporarily off-line. He has been adding more photography to the site. As soon Paul gets the problem resolved, I'll report it as back on-line here so you can check out the latest updates there.

Pablo Manzarek and his dad have completed a re-mix of "Ship of Fools". It begins playing right away when you visit Pablo's website at: www.tripform.com (thanks, Pablo)

============================================================

August 19, 2006 John on spoken word track <> new Paul Ferrara CD <> Ray's freshman yearbook on eBay
John Densmore recorded a spoken word track called "Heartbeat" with the Blue Stone Project. This band features Aaron White, who previously worked with John on the Burning Sky CD called "Spirits in the Wind." The CD was released on August 8th. According to Aaron, last year John and the band took a trip down into the Grand Canyon to do a benefit concert for the Supai Tribe, which became the inspiration for "Heartbeat." For more info on that CD and the Blue Stone Project, check them out at: http://www.myspace.com/bluestoneproject Aaron White's website is at: http://arizonaphoto.com/whistlingwind/ (thanks, Aaron)

Doors photographer Paul Ferrara has added another recording to his catalogue. This one is called "Paul Ferrara & PLGRM the child returns" and is described as '60's style rock & roll with a modern twist and a live feel.' This 10-track recording is from a trio featuring Paul, his son Rio, and their friend Chuck Crivier. The songs can be listened to and the CD can be ordered through CDBaby.com at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/paulferrara2. Paul's own website features his other music, paintings, photographs, and more at: http://www.paulferrara.net/

Ray Manzarek's St. Rita High School yearbook from his freshman year is on eBay, item #150023828883. The seller description says that Ray is clearly pictured in a freshman homeroom photo. (thanks, Bobby)

============================================================

August 18, 2006 Ray's studio projects <> eBay item: Jim poetry <> Jim in Audioslave video
Ray Manzarek is currently in the studio with Darryl Read, recording music and poetry for a future release. This is the latest news on Ray's website at: http://raymanzarek.thedoors.com/ There's more good news there: In September, Ray will be going into the studio with slide-guitar master Roy Rogers to record a series of ballads. Webmaster Dave will keep fans updated on those studio sessions.

That eBay item in yesterday's news has been re-listed. Apparently the winning bidder was unable to follow through. The item contains what is described as a piece of Jim Morrison's handwritten poetry from one of his notebooks, authenticated by Ray Manzarek. This new auction ends on Monday. Check it out as eBay #330019610295 (thanks, Amy)

Jim Morrison is one of the many cultural icons who are briefly represented in a montage in the Audioslave video for "Original Fire." To check it out, go to the Audioslave site at: http://www.audioslave.com/site.html and find the link for the video on the home page. (thanks, Alci)

============================================================

August 17, 2006 eBay item: Jim poetry <> John at film screening
A current auction item on eBay contains what is described as a piece of Jim Morrison's handwritten poetry from one of his notebooks, authenticated by Ray Manzarek. Item # 330018379342 is matted and beautifully framed along with an uncommon photo of Jim and an engraved plaque. The auction ends later today. Check it out at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330018379342&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:11 (thanks, Amy)

John Densmore and others will be on hand at the L. A. Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium for a screening of the film, "Surfing LA" as part of their ALOUD program. The film by Kevan Jenson was completed mostly in one day in and around Los Angeles in spring 2004 at some of the city's oddest spots. John participates in the second half of the DVD for reminisces and explorations of 60's L.A. The screening is at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23rd at L.A.'s Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium. The event is free, but ticket reservations are required. more info (thanks, Larry)

============================================================

August 12, 2006 Robby & Ramones
Robby Krieger's performance of "Take It As It Comes" with the Ramones in 1992 was included on the "Ramones Raw" DVD issued a few years ago. It can be seen on YouTube.com at this direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cchnj2Ljm_Q (thanks, Mac)

============================================================

August 11, 2006 Robby artwork on display <> Morrison biography review <> Uncut Mag list
Robby Krieger's artwork is included in a free rock art exhibit this weekend at the Westlake Center, 400 Pine Street in Seattle sponsored by 95.7 KJR-FM. Other rock artists whose works will be showcased include McCartney, Dylan, Bowie, Hendrix, to name just a few. Also featured will be works from famous rock photographs including Henry Diltz. The show runs 9:30 am to 8pm today and Saturday, and 11 to 6pm on Sunday. All works are available to purchase. read story

Author Mark Opsasnick's "The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria" got another nice write-up, this time in the Alexandria Times. As a reminder, Mark will do a book discussion and signing on Sunday afternoon in Alexandria, Virginia. See the calendar below for more info on that appearance. read story

The Doors' first album was named as #28 on a listing of the '100 Greatest Debut Albums' according to Uncut Magazine, August 2006 issue (cover: collage). Page 62 says: "In Jim Morrison, The Doors boasted a wild child touched with genius. His poetic visions and fearless desire to explore the limits of human experience produced a debut remarkable for its depth and darkness. Best track: End of the Night" The album that came in at #1 on the list is Velvet Underground and Nico (the one with the banana cover!)

============================================================

August 9, 2006 Morrison Hotel civil suit settled
The civil lawsuit against the owners of the Morrison Hotel on behalf of the residents, has been settled. It had been scheduled to go to trial on September 6th. The terms of the settlement are confidential and are not really of interest; however, the attorney told me that while he does not know what the future plans are for the building, he does not believe it is going to be 'demolished.' prior news re this lawsuit <> recent Morrison Hotel photos

============================================================

August 8, 2006 latest "Best of" in stores <> ad on Weather Channel <> Robby at X-Games party
"The Best of The Doors" two-disc collection of remastered songs, due for release today, made it onto MSNBC's "Can't Miss" list this week at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4029598/ (thanks, Alci)

The Weather Channel is running an advertisement for this new release as well. The ad mentions the upcoming 40th anniversary of the band and shows approximately 45 seconds to a minute of brief clips of the band. (thanks, Tony)

Robby's performance of Roadhouse Blues with Scott Weiland on Saturday night at the X-Games party got another favorable mention in AOL's Music News Blog. As a matter of fact, it was called "rock 'n' roll fantasy" ... yes, it sure was!!! read it

============================================================

August 7, 2006 John remembers Arthur Lee <> 'Lizard King Was Here' book review <> Jim in AAA story <> chairs on ebay <> John vs. Bush <> Robby with Camp Freddy
"An Appreciation" of Arthur Lee of Love is a remembrance of the man written by John Densmore and appearing in today's L.A. Times. Arthur died last Thursday after a battle with leukemia. read "An Appreciation"

Author Mark Opsasnick's "The Lizard King Was Here" got a lengthy write-up in 'The Connection' newspaper. read story

Jim Morrison's exhibit at Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum was specifically mentioned within a story from AAA Motor Club about Cleveland's biggest tourist attraction. read it

A recent eBay auction ended with the sale of two chairs that Jim Morrison sat in while visiting at the law office of attorney Bob Josefsberg. The office is being remodeled and those two chairs were sold for $321.88 from a starting price of $150. Jim's use of the chairs is specifically mentioned in the description of eBay item #220012635281. (thanks, Michael)

John Densmore is one of the signatures on an anti-Bush petition that was run as a full-page ad in last Thursday's New York Times, according to Blabbermouth.net. The ad is from the group 'World Can't Wait' and is announcing October 5 as "A Day of Mass Resistance." The story goes on to say that John signed a petition to "drive out the Bush regime." read story

Robby Krieger's guest appearance on Saturday night at L.A.'s House of Blues X-Games private party was mentioned in a story on Blabbermouth.net about the event. read story <> see photos

============================================================

August 6, 2006 Robby guest performer last night <> John's exhibit is finished <> unauthorized DVD out late August
Robby Krieger was one of the guest performers at last night's X-Games private event at the L.A. House of Blues. Camp Freddy was the entertainment, but then they were joined by an astounding parade of vocalists and guitarists. Of course, my hands-down favorite was Robby and Scott Weiland performing 'Roadhouse Blues' with Camp Freddy. The other guest performers (in no particular order) included Steve Jones of Sex Pistols & Indie 103.1 radio; Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray; Billy Duffy of The Cult & Circus Diablo; Slash of Velvet Revolver; two guys from Cypress Hill; Steve Isaacs from the Panic Channel; and a few others I didn't know. All the songs performed were covers of well known songs. The jam-packed venue was thrilled and enthusiastic for all the guest performers, but I don't think that anyone else got the resounding response that Robby's appearance got. As Robby's performance ended, Camp Freddy vocalist Donovan Leitch reminded the crowd that Robby was there on the Sunset Strip at the beginning. Photos from the show can be seen here.

John Densmore's truck and drum kit have been removed from the Encore! Cars & Guitars of Rock 'n Roll II exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum exhibit in Los Angeles. I recently reported that the exhibit had been extended beyond May 30th to a new closing date of February 4, 2007 and I presumed that John's 1968 Ford F-250 Camper Special would remain on display. I have been advised that John's portion of the exhibit is now gone. see photos

"The Doors - Total Rock Review" is the title of an unauthorized DVD due for release on August 29. This is what the blurb says: "This is the ultimate critical review of the Doors, on record, on film and live on stage. Drawing on rare film and television archive material, this independent and highly authoritative review revisits every single Doors album and critically reassesses the work of this legendary band from the '67 debut album right through to the seminal L.A. Woman. A leading team of music critics, musicologists and working musicians considers vintage performances by the Doors and traces the secrets of the band's success. This hard hitting powerful film makes no concessions to labels, artists or management and pulls no punches when it comes to deciding what made the music work and, sometimes, why it didn't. The DVD features highlights from: Light My Fire - Break On Through - The End - Love Me Two Times - People Are Strange - Hello I Love You - Touch Me - Ship of Fools - L.A. Woman - Riders on the Storm... and many more. Approx. running time 116 minutes. This film is unauthorized and is not associated with or approved in any way by The Doors or the management of the group." The company releasing this DVD also have similar product for Supertramp, Free, and Genesis coming out. The DVD cover artwork is a photo of Jim from the Aquarius Theater 1969 and can be seen here. It should be available through Tower Records. (thanks, David)

============================================================

August 4, 2006 Arthur Lee R.I.P. <> Robby & Uli Jon Roth writeup
Sad news ... Arthur Lee of Love has lost his battle with leukemia. He was only 61 years old. Arthur fronted L.A.'s 60s band "Love" and is credited with turning Elektra's Jac Holzman on to The Doors when they were both playing at The Whisky A Go Go. After being released from prison a few years ago, Arthur enjoyed a comeback with tours in the U.S. and Europe. Some of those shows included the landmark album "Forever Changes" performed in its entirety, complete with a symphony section. They were amazing performances. Love was even on the same bill as The Doors of the 21st Century at San Diego Street Scene in September 2003. Without Arthur's recommendation, Jac Holzman may never have found and signed The Doors. Thank you, Arthur, and R.I.P. read Rolling Stone obit

Robby Krieger's performance with Uli Jon Roth at UCLA's MacGowan Hall on May 27th is mentioned in this week's Music Connection. There is a photo of Robby, along with vocalist Evan Marshall and Dave Waterbury on bass. (thanks, Evan) go here

============================================================

August 2, 2006 Doors song on 'Entourage' <> Robby's mailing list <> Tribaljazz release date
"I Looked At You" was used on 'Entourage' in this week's episode called 'The Release.'

Robby Krieger's website now has its own mailing list. To sign up for email updates with Robby news, go to: http://robbykrieger.com/

John Densmore's CD release with Tribaljazz is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17th. You can check out the band's website at: http://tribaljazzlive.com/

============================================================

June 2006 - Prior News & Reviews July 2006 - Prior News & Reviews