Prior News

Prior News & Reviews

July 2006

July 30, 2006 Ray at charity wine auction
Ray Manzarek was one of the celebrity bidders at Imagine 2006, a charity wine auction that raised $2.5 million dollars for ten different charities. Worthy of a chuckle is the fact that Kyle MacLachlan, who played Ray in the Oliver Stone movie, was also on hand as one of the celebrity bidders. Ray is also one of the celebrity guests on August 26th at another charity event called www.handsacrossthevalley.com benefiting food banks in the Napa Valley area. read story

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July 29, 2006 Pere LaChaise visit
Jim Morrison's grave gets a visit from Discovery Travel & Living channel during a weeklong program called 'Destination Week: Creepy Hideouts.' The show begins on August 7. The problem is, the story is from a Malaysian website, and I cannot find the show in U.S. listings (yet). If anyone finds more info on this, please send it along. read story

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July 28, 2006 Jim's final writings sold
Jim Morrison's final writings went on the Cooper Owen auction block within the last hour at London's Abbey Road studios. A notebook from his last few months of life was being sold for the first time by musician Philippe Dalecky, and was expected to fetch 100,000 pounds. I clicked on the site to see if the auction had finished, and discovered that I could watch on-line and only had to wait about 15 minutes for Lot 77 to have its turn. It was all over in just over one minute. The opening bid was GBP 40,000 or about $74,500. After 33 bids, this auction closed with a winning bid of GBP 72,000 or about $134,114. WOW!! To read more about the item, including how the gentleman came to have possession of this notebook, go here

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July 27, 2006 new Robby audio <> VR still doing The Doors <> Petersen exhibit extended
Robby Krieger's official website at http://robbykrieger.com/ has just added some new audio. Included are two songs from his appearance with Particle at the recent Joshua Tree Festival in the California desert in mid-May. There are the two songs from his appearance a week later with Uli Jon Roth and friends at UCLA's MacGowan Hall on May 27th that I was lucky enough to attend. That show featured Evan Marshall on vocals and Dave Waterbury on bass. There are also some tracks from Robby's personal archives with the RKO and RKB bands. You just have to check all these performances out. Go to: http://robbykrieger.com/ and then click on the blue Robby Audio photo just above the Guitar of the Month link. Personally, I would love to know what shows each of those RKO and RKB appearances were from! (hint, hint to Webmaster Dave)

Once again, "Roadhouse Blues" was the last song in the first encore tonight at the Velvet Revolver concert at San Manuel Indian Casino in Highland, California. And once again, the crowd LOVED hearing VR do a Doors song. Great choice!

The exhibit called: Encore! Cars & Guitars of Rock 'n Roll II at the Petersen Automotive Museum on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles was going to end this Sunday, May 30th. However, a check of the museum's website indicates that this exhibit has been extended again, this time through February 4, 2007. John Densmore's 1968 Ford F-250 Camper Special has been part of the display, and presumably will continue to be. see photos

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July 26, 2006 news about Greg Shaw's book <> Paul Ferrara website <> Jim in Vanity Fair <> Jim on ifilm.com
"The Doors On The Road" by Greg Shaw ... the book that has become one of the 'holy grails' for Doors collectors. The author spent years traveling around and researching private, public and college archives to gather show reviews, set lists, stories, dates, itineraries, etc. It is the most comprehensive summary of the band's short career that exists. The book has long been out of print, and one can easily expect to pay $100. or more on eBay on the rare occasion that a copy surfaces for sale. Yesterday I had the pleasure of catching up with Greg by phone. I am happy to report on his behalf that he has every intention of publishing an updated version of that book, targeted for 2007 release. The new book will include the re-insertion of information that the first publisher deleted, as well as all the updates, corrections, and additional information that he has accumulated in the years since the first edition. It will also include new and completely re-designed artwork, and performance information will include The Doors of the 21st Century/Riders On The Storm as well as solo shows of the band members. Greg fell behind due to some major computer problems and for awhile he feared he actually lost much of his data, but that has finally been resolved and the data retrieved. He has two apple crates of information to sift through again to incorporate into the new book. Greg feels terrible about how much money fans have been spending to obtain a copy of the book. At one time he pursued a second printing, and was dismayed to learn that it is an industry practice to destroy the printing plates after a certain length of time. So, take heart: there will be another issue of "The Doors On The Road" in our lifetime. I will update progress here as the project reaches some milestones toward completion.

Doors photographer Paul Ferrara has moved his website to a new domain with a much easier to remember url. In the weeks since Paul's website first went on-line, he has added features including additional photographs; his paintings; photos of his skull art (acrylic on cow skulls ... very interesting!); an excerpt from his forthcoming autobiography 'Flash Of Eden'; a discography of his own music along with some music clips; and photos of the custom pillows designed by Paul and his wife using rare and unique fabrics from Thailand that they are selling on eBay. Paul's new website is: http://paulferrara.net/ Be sure to bookmark the change and check it out.

Vanity Fair Magazine, August 2006 issue (cover: Hilary Swank) has a story called "Malibu's Lost Boys." I have not read this myself, but Jim Morrison is mentioned in the story, and on page 166 there is a small photo of Jim circa 1965 on a beach with his legs spread, extended over girls on both sides of him. I recognize the photo description as being a Robby Freeman photo. (thanks, Michael)

The Doors at the Hollywood Bowl can be seen in a video on ifilm.com. You have to sit through a brief commercial first, but then view it at: http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2753360 (thanks, Rich)

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July 25, 2006 Mark Opsasnick book signings <> "Best of" release <> Doors best seller clothes
"The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia" by Mark Opsasnick is now out and available for ordering. The author is has several book signing appearances coming up. First up is August 3rd in Kensington, Maryland. August 13th Mark will be in Alexandria, Virginia, and September 17th in Greenbelt, Maryland. To get more details on these appearances or to order the book, go to http://www.capitolrock.com The appearances will also be included in the Calendar further down this homepage.

"The Best of The Doors" (Original Recording Remastered) is set for release on August 8th, according to the Amazon.com website. It can be pre-ordered through Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002H22/ref=amb_link_1701362_9/104-8485153-2749561?redirect=true&n=5174 (thanks, Alci)

The Doors are among the top ten best-selling classic rock items for City Rags, a Los Angeles-based fashion design house. Read the story at: http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2006/jul06/20060725_cityrags.html

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July 24, 2006 more mash-ups
"Moon Frog" is a mash-up featuring "Peace Frog" from http://www.alexh.org/. Actually, that website has several other mash-ups featuring Doors songs as well. "Moon Frog" samples a lot of songs: Groove is in the heart - Dee-lite | Blue Moon - The Marcels | Peace Frog - The Doors | Bad - Michael Jackson | Pump up the Jam - Technotronic | Louie Louie - The Kinks | Wild Thing - The Troggs | Baby I don't care - Transvision Vamp | Music to watch Girls by - Andy Williams | Soulfinger - The Barkays | S'Express |" check it out here Another one on that same site is "Cry When the Music's Over" go here Actually, if you are really into them, there are 4 or 5 mash-ups utilizing Doors songs on http://www.alexh.org/. (thanks, Rui)

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July 22, 2006 VR cover The Doors
"Roadhouse Blues" was the last song in the first encore tonight at the Velvet Revolver concert at Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, California. Of course, the crowd LOVED IT. Naturally, we would have preferred to have seen Robby surprise us and come onstage to play those chords, but Slash did just fine!

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July 20, 2006 Ray at Napa fund-raiser
Ray Manzarek will be one of the celebrity guests at Hands Across the Valley on August 26. This is a fund-raising gala that raises funds in support of Napa County food programs. The event will be an evening of food, wine and live entertainment. Some of the other celebrity guests are sports stars, as well as Don Felder from The Eagles. The event is hosted by Francis Ford Coppola and his wife. To read the full story, go here. For more information, go to: www.handsacrossthevalley.com

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July 19, 2006 Robby & Particle new releases <> Jurassic 5 vs. The Doors mashups
The 'Transformations - Live' DVD and CD from Particle was released yesterday. Robby's guest performance with them on 'L.A. Woman' and 'Superstition' is on the DVD; only 'L.A. Woman' is on the CD.

Jurassic 5 vs. The Doors are the subject of two mash-ups. Unfortunately, I seem unable to play either one so I have not heard them, but both use 'Peace Frog.' Check out 'Golden Peace Frog' at: http://webjay.org/iteminfo/949128/dad38c0d779b68a37a9aed5878ed64ab Check out 'Pray to the Frog' at: http://webjay.org/iteminfo/14662592/214fea5eb0e728e8ca85378c50ddec9a (thanks, David my son)

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July 17, 2006 Ray Manzarek eNewsletter <> Doors comics <> Andy Morrison photos
The Ray Manzarek eNewsletter is back. If you previously signed up on the old list, you need to re-subscribe. Go to: http://raymanzarek.thedoors.com/ and click on the 'Newsletter' link on the left. Stay tuned for a similar feature soon for Robby Krieger news.

Check out a website for comic strips based on The Doors. The site can be found on my LINKS page under "Fun Stuff" but for now, visit it at: http://www.thedoorscomics.com (thanks, Daniel)

Photos of Andy Morrison, Jim's and Anne's younger brother, have recently surfaced on a message board and are now making their way around the internet. I had the pleasure of meeting Andy during the trial in summer of 2004. I found him to be very personable and pleasant and unassuming. Sometimes he sat on the plaintiff's side of the courtroom, sometimes he sat on the defense side! There was some debate on the message board about how much he resembles Jim in these photos. My observations of him up close during the trial were that I thought their resemblance was remarkable. Judge for yourself. Andy1 Andy2 Andy3 Andy4 Andy5 Andy6 (thanks, Fred & Gilles)

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July 14, 2006 Mike Flowers Pops video
The Mike Flowers Pops did a cover of "Light My Fire" in the 1990's. A video on Youtube.com that is definitely worth a look for a giggle has been brought to my attention. This one is 2 minutes & 50 seconds. Hang in there for the dancing with the flames. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=947CVXtXNsk&mode=related&search=the%25 (thanks, Tim)

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July 13, 2006 Ray's novel 'Snake Moon' <> The Doors on Shebang video
Ray Manzarek's new novel, "Snake Moon" got a write-up on Sci-Fi.com. At the end of the story is the news that Ray is now researching for a new novel which will be about Akhenaten, the pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. read it

Youtube.com has many videos of The Doors and about The Doors, to say the least! The band's appearance on the Los Angeles KTLA-TV show Shebang can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w6_ghniZ7g&search=jim%20morrison According to Greg Shaw's invaluable but long out-of-print 1997 reference book, 'The Doors On The Road', this was the band's first television appearance and was broadcast on or about January 1, 1967. The performance was a lip-synch to "Break On Through." It is not excellent quality, but it is certainly historic and worth viewing. By the way, there are currently over 3,000 various videos on the subject of this band! (thanks, Greg)

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July 11, 2006 another Robby guitar featured <> box set track listing <> VH1 program
A new "Guitar of the Month" has been added to Robby's website at www.robbykrieger.com This month's feature is a 1964 Johnny Smith Gibson. Follow the link on the right side on Robby's home page for pictures and more information.

The Doors manager Jeff Jampol posted a few days ago to reveal additional tracks and alternate takes that are going to be included on the forthcoming box set, titled "Perception." To see those track lists, go here (thanks, Fred)

Jim Morrison is one of the subjects of VH1's "I Love the 70's" program, for 1971. The next broadcast of the 1971 episode is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. (west coast time), and it continues to be repeated daily for at least the next week or so at various times.

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July 9, 2006 Jim's final writings on eBay <> Morrison Hotel update
Jim Morrison's final writings are scheduled to go on the Cooper Owen auction block on July 28th, according to a story I reported on July 3rd. A fan has advised me that this notebook is now listed on eBay by the auction house for the live auction on that date. There are several photos of pages, as well as a photo of Jim that will be included for the winning bidder. To check it out, the eBay auction item # is 120000645171 or else go to: http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120000645171 (thanks, Bobby H)

Morrison Hotel continues its descent into oblivion. I visited there in March and found the lobby entrance padlocked with heavy chains. I visited today, and the entire street level of the building is boarded up. There are lots of new apartment complexes, etc. going up all around this address, which is a short walk from the Staples Center and L.A. Convention Center ... prime property for new development, for sure! see today's photos

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July 8, 2006 one-of-a-kind building in Encinitas
Encinitas, California is the location of a most unique and bizarre building. It is locally referred to a the 'Rock & Roll Tribute House' and has to be seen to be believed. Doors fan and friend Steve Covault visited the building a few months ago and sent along some photos. I visited it myself yesterday and took a bunch more photos. Unfortunately, the building is going to be demolished within a year to make way for a condominium complex. (thanks, Steve) see photos

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July 6, 2006 Tribaljazz website on-line <> Jim in a high school mural
John Densmore's Tribaljazz website is now live and on-line. Check it out at: www.tribaljazzlive.com

This is a cute story for a slow news day. Students of La Cañada High School's Advanced Art classes painted murals of the "Fathers of Rock and Roll" as a joint venture with school officials, parents, the district, etc. Jim Morrison, Hendrix, Ozzie and others are subjects of the canvas murals which now decorate the school's newly remodeled cafeteria. La Cañada Flintridge is a suburb of Los Angeles between Burbank and Pasadena, nestled in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest. read story

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July 4, 2006 trivia contests <> Paul Ferrara website
A Jim Morrison 'trivia contest' arrived in yesterday's e-mails. It is so basic and simple that I decided to pass on it ... but then reconsidered with 'hey, what the heck.' So for five no-brainer questions, go to: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/breakroom/stories/070506brtrivia.1179a0e4.html On the other hand, if that whetted your appetite for a better challenge, I refer you back to a more worthy trivia contest from BBC's "Mastermind" a few years ago. The link to this contest is still active and can be found on my LINKS page under "Miscellaneous Fun Stuff" ... but for now, you can go directly to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/entertainment/mastermind/quizengine?quiz=mastermind_morrison;pagerType=pages;pagerData=1 Enjoy! (note: one of the quiz answers was wrong several years ago, and still is ... so if you answer all questions correctly, you will still get an imperfect final score)

Paul Ferrara, The Doors photographer and filmmaker, has launched his first website. Besides some of Paul's more famous photos, like the cover of 'Waiting For The Sun,' he is also sharing photographs of his paintings including some amazing skull art. The Welcome page also teases us about some 'behind the scenes' during the making of Jim's movie HWY in the future. Check out Paul's website at: http://web.mac.com/paulferrara/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html

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July 3, 2006 remembering Jim <> Jim's last notebook on auction <> Henry Diltz exhibit in Massachusetts
Jim Morrison died 35 years ago today. How many lives were forever changed by that singular event? Mine was. Today, American Heritage online posted a remembrance titled 'The Death of Jim Morrison' read story

Jim Morrison's final writings go on the Cooper Owen auction block on July 28th at London's Abbey Road studios. A notebook from his last few months of life is being sold for the first time, and is expected to fetch 100,000 pounds. It is being sold by musician Philippe Dalecky. To read more about this auction, including how this gentleman came to have possession of this notebook, go here

Henry Diltz's Morrison Hotel Gallery is opening an exhibit tomorrow at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown, Massachusetts (as in: Martha's Vineyard and Chappaquiddick). I don't know how long the exhibit will be there, but proceeds from sales of the prints will benefit the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust, a not-for-profit organization that works to protect island landmarks. read story

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July 2, 2006 John at Vegas' Beatles "Love" opening
John Densmore was in attendance on Friday night in Las Vegas at the star-studded premiere of the Cirque du Soleil production of The Beatles 'Love' in Las Vegas. In a post-premiere story in the Las Vegas Sun, John was quoted as saying he was there as a fan, and also because he is investigating a similar Las Vegas production based on The Doors' music. read story

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July 1, 2006 The Doors referenced on Letterman
The Doors were referenced repeatedly on last night's Late Show With David Letterman. As it happens, a studio audience member was in that very same theater, now known as the Ed Sullivan Theater, on the night that The Doors appeared on the Ed Sullivan show (September 17, 1967). This info came out during pre-show audience warm-up. When Dave came out for his monologue, he did an imitation of Ed Sullivan introducing The Doors. Bandleader Paul Shaffer led the band in several snippets of Doors songs as opportunity presented. One of the stage staff even handed Dave a framed photo of The Doors on the Ed Sullivan stage, which probably hangs in one of the offices there normally. Each time there was a Doors reference, the camera panned to the fellow who was at that show 39 years ago. It was a fun surprise!

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