Diary of a Doors Drama
Los Angeles County Superior Court
111 North Hill Street, L.A. Dept. 36, Room 410
The jury trial in the matter of the lawsuits of John -vs- Ray & Robby, et al, and the Morrison and Courson families -vs- Ray & Robby, et al, has begun. Ray & Robby also counter-sued John.
I was going to stay away from the trial, but finally -- in response to encouragement and coaxing and my own curiosity -- I have decided to attend. I will try to chronicle events in general, but I will not repeat or report on specific testimony given. I will not try to interpret the proceedings, I will not discuss my own views or opinions on the case, and I won't speculate on what the outcome may be ... so, please don't ask! Thank you. Ida June 29, 2004
W e e k T H R E E
Monday, July 12, 2004 John and his wife Leslie were in court today. The Morrison family was not, but are expected later this week. Before the jurors were admitted into the courtroom, the attorneys had matters related to witnesses and testimony to argue in front of Judge Alarcon. Testimonies expected this week include The Doors' business manager, Bob Greene; The Doors' attorney, Abe Somer; British music journalist Nigel Williamson; and videotaped depositions from Robby and Ray.
The jurors were brought in at 10:15, and watched the approximately 15 minutes remaining of Ian Astbury's videotaped deposition which had begun last Friday afternoon. In it, Ian was questioned about some remarks in several media stories attributable to him.
At 10:45 the plaintiff's attorney called their witness, Mr. Robert L. Greene. Mr. Greene identified himself as The Doors' business manager from 1967 through1982. Mr. Mandel led Mr. Greene through testimony that established his personal history, his education, positions held and partnerships in his career. Mr. Greene explained the responsibilities he held as their business manager, such as receiving income, record keeping, paying bills, consulting, investments, tax returns, etc. Mr. Forer continued the direct examination following the lunch break, with questions about the various partnership agreements and his similar experiences with other bands. Following the afternoon break, defense attorney Mr. Briggs conducted his cross-examination for 40 minutes.
At the conclusion of Mr. Briggs' questioning, plaintiff's attorney Mr. Mandel asked a few more questions, and then both Mr. Greene and the jurors were excused at 4:05. The attorneys continued with issues to be heard before the judge regarding the witness who will be called tomrrow, The Doors' attorney, Mr. Abe Somer.
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Week TWO july 6 - july 9, 2004 - jury finalization, John testimony, Ian deposition
Week One June 29 - July 2, 2004 - jury selection, John testimony
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Related media stories:
July 3, 2004 -- Times UK by Nigel Williamson: "And The Brand Played On"
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for lawsuit updates: http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/civilCaseSummary/
insert Case Number: BC289730 for John Densmore lawsuit
insert Case Number: BC294495 for Morrison & Courson families lawsuit
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