Ghost of Morrison can rest

TORONTO -- Perhaps The Doors of the 21st Century shouldn't even exist.  The notion of founding Doors members Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger touring sans the late Jim Morrison is an abomination to some people, most notably original drummer John Densmore and Morrison's estate.  Ongoing legal proceedings actually forced the new group to postpone the Toronto date on their world tour for three days.

Me, I've got other reasons to think the whole thing is wrong.  I'm not precious about The Doors. But I did grow up worshipping The Cult. So the idea of Cult singer Ian Astbury fronting the '60s rock veterans instills in me a shudder.  Yeah, I know Astbury wore paisley and channelled Morrison.  But until now, I could pretend he was a punk rocker, not a hippie.

Last night's show at the Molson Amphitheatre would be a test.  Could anyone stand to see another singer in Morrison's spotlight?
 
Manzarek and Krieger got standing ovations before hitting a note.  The opening tune, Break on Through, was strong reminder that The Doors were as much about Manzarek's signature keys as Morrison's presence.  Throughout the show, he shone, the only rock star I've ever witnessed wearing a cardigan.

With his new short curly hairstyle, Astbury could pass for Morrison to those seated far away, with poor eyesight, or stoned -- a sizable percentage of the crowd. Somewhere in the room, The Tea Party's Jeff Martin was probably pouting, but Astbury is the only choice. He can sing like Jim without trying to become him. On When the Music's Over and Five To One (an anti-war song Manzarek dedicated to George W. Bush) he carried the meandering moments well.

Three or four generations of Doors fans were thrilled to hear hits like Spanish Caravan and Touch Me.   By L.A. Woman, mojo was rising, indeed.  Dare I say it, having Astbury sing was actually better than Jim.  This way, nobody had to see their idol get old, hear him miss a note.  D21C was not a car crash.  The myth is intact.