REVIEW OF THE DOORS of the 21st CENTURY

SUNFEST -- WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA       MAY 2, 2004

submitted by Tony Rizzo

On the Fifth day of Sunfest, a five day music & arts festival on the waterfront in Downtown West Palm Beach, Florida, The 21st Century Doors equipment was set up on the main stage by 7p.m.  Having arrived early, I was eager to see just what kind of audience would be there, and how much of a gathering would be on hand.  There was little advertisement, (and I was looking for it), featuring what indeed was the Headline act, The 21st Century Doors, the last act to take the stage in this 5 day annual, event.

By 7:30 p.m., the crowd was as far back and wide as one could see, all ages, lots of kids, who got in free, families, couples, all walks of life. This was not the typical venue, packed with Doors fans, although there were plenty to be found.

At 7:40 p.m. as the sun was setting on this balmy and breezy Florida night, The 21st Century Doors took the stage, and opened with
"Break On Through," escorting the day into the night.  The sound was clear, and well balanced.

Robby then struck the opening chords to "TOUCH ME," which was great to hear without the horns.  Robby played the melody to what is the closing sax solo on guitar, and the band ended the song with the "Stronger Than Dirt" closing line.

Robby then hit the rifts to "LOVE ME TWO TIMES" and the audience was loving it.  "NOT TO TOUCH THE EARTH" followed, and the dark Doors sound was mesmerizing the audience in the light of the almost full moon, with Ian closing with the words, "Jim Morrison was the Lizard King."

"PEOPLE ARE STRANGE" was next, and I having heard the acoustic version at a previous 21st Century Doors concert, liked this electric version better.  "20th CENTURY FOX," or now cleverly, "21st CENTURY FOX" was alive with energy, at this point the Sunfest Security Force was dancing in the aisles they were stationed in.  Without haste, Robby went into "WILD CHILD," and the 21st Century Doors were blistering hot, tight  and flowing, having the audience in the Doors trance, as far as the eye could see.

Ian made reference to Sunday night in Florida, the birthplace of Jim Morrison, and suggested the crowd get liquored up, with a few blue words thrown in for effect.  I didn't see any Mothers running with their kids to the exits, this show was just heating up.  Ray then took us all to the "WHISKEY BAR" which leads into "BACKDOOR MAN."  (Tonight Ian was eating chicken as opposed to the other item he sometimes puts on the menu.)

"5 TO 1" put this crowd over the edge.  There's not much of a chance that those who do not know the Doors, know this song, but the place was rocking.  "ROADHOUSE BLUES" followed, Ian reminding himself out loud to "Roll first," in reference to keeping the lyrics in sequence.

Ray then dedicated the next song to "Our Friend, Jim Morrison," playing the opening to "WHEN THE MUSIC'S OVER."  To thunderous applause, the 21st Century Doors left the stage...coming back to encore "PEACE FROG."  Ray then asked the crowd what they wanted to hear, settling on "LIGHT MY FIRE."  I have heard The Doors & 21St Century Doors play this song live 6 times. This night's session was the most intense, Ray was burning up the keyboard.  Robby omitted the Eleanor Rigby melody he sometimes adds, and this veteran again and again displays his unique mastering of guitar.  It was pure Doors, as good as it gets.  The solos by Ty and Angelo were excellent, Angelo's being superb.

The show ended at 9 p.m.  The group then took several bows to the crowd.  I'm certain that this audience went home to retire to their dreams, having received more than they expected.

Tony Rizzo

Song List:

Break On Through
Touch Me
Love Me Two Times
Not To Touch The Earth
People Are Strange
20th (21st) Century Fox
Wild Child
Whiskey Bar
Back Door Man
5 to 1
Roadhouse Blues
When the Music's Over

Encore:
Peace Frog
Light My Fire
 

(thanks, Tony)

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