VH1 taping of Storytellers:
A Doors Celebration
In the eight years The Doors
Collectors Magazine has covered appearances by members of
The Doors, there have been many memorable performances.
Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and John Densmore have never ceased,
as individuals and collectively behind the scenes, to walk the
cutting edge of technology, to pursue new levels of their own
creative gifts and to inspire and recognize the best and brightest
of each new reincarnation of Rock & Roll.
One more time, they came together
last month on a Hollywood sound stage and for a few hundred lucky
fans the face of Rock will never be the same. Notification of
the taping came fashionably late and The DCM rallied nearly
a hundred enthusiastic Doors fans from as far away as the Netherlands
in four stress-filled days to an illusive (to the last dreadful
hour) address on Sunset Boulevard.
The taping, for a tentative Thanksgiving
weekend airing of VH1's popular series Storytellers, was introduced as one
of the most anticipated and we-never-thought-this-would-happen
reunion of the notoriously individualistic surviving members
of The Doors. The show came about as a result of the eagerly
awaited release of Stoned Immaculate, an album of interpretations
of the music by today's Rock elite. In the years that followed
Jim Morrison's death in 1971, The Doors have worked, on occasion,
with various lead singers, all genuinely talented but a size
or two short of filling the boots of the man whose legend grows
larger with each passing year. While leather was the preferred
fashion statement of the night, six of today's brightest singers
brought their own brand of style and passion to original arrangements
performed by The Doors. Collectively, they accomplished the impossible
… the closest one can ever come to experiencing magic of
The Doors in live concert and for 2 hours the studio ROCKED!
The Doors took the stage shortly
after 8 o'clock, accompanied by Angelo Barbera, bass player from
The Robby Krieger Band. Patrick Monahan of Train took center stage for Love Me
Two Times. In the Storyteller format, Ray talked about
the inspiration behind the song.
Ray continued with reasons behind
songs they chose to cover in the early years of their stage performances,
Alabama Song and Back Door Man. Ian Astbury
took the lead vocal, along with Cult guitarist Billy Duffy, for the two
cover songs and Wild Child. In Ian's own words: "The
Doors, more than any other group, had the unique chemistry of
blues, jazz, classical and pop fed through the mojo filter to
create the high-minded, anarchic, angel-headed rock to which
all in their wake aspired. In essence, they broke on through
to the other side and took us all with them. I've loved them
always."
John stepped into the storyteller
mode with the details of the evolution of The End from
the simple roots of a ballad to complicated epic. It is, in their
view, nearly impossible to replace Morrison's timing and precision
in performance of The End. Travis Meeks of Days
of the New took the challenge. In Travis' own words: "Because
it is the one song which shows that when you are in the middle
of a battle in your life, and that battle seems like it will
never end, this song will lead to a victory, or in the very least
it will take you to a safe place where you will live to fight
another day." Teaser: John Densmore describes this version
of The End as "the sound of an electric blues
band dipped in a saucy curry." What idea did Travis
bring to the session that Densmore thought was a great twist?
John went on to talk about Break
on Through. Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots stepped into a psychic
hall of mirrors for his vocal contribution to the song. Scott's
thoughts on his session with The Doors: "The track seemed
to come to life on its own, no tricks involved, just great players
and a lot of raw emotion. That weekend will stand out for me
as one of the highlights of my musical life." The taping
continued with Five to One as Robby picked up the tale
of the story behind the lyrics.
Ray carried on with the story of Morrison's love for Los Angeles
in L. A. Woman. Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction
fame took the stage for the vocal. Perry's reaction, "The
Doors have opened up a personal door in my heart and when I stepped
through, what I saw was... ALL THIS!"
During a question and answer session … "Are
you thinking of taking this show on live tour?" Robby
replied, "We have not ruled out the possibility."
As Robby told the story behind
Riders on the Storm, Scott Stapp and two other
members of Creed
took the stage. Robby performed in concert with Creed the night
before at the Univeral City Amphitheatre and Robby commented
on an earlier performance, "The best part, for me, was
getting to play in the studio with most of the groups. Afterward,
Creed asked me to play with them at Woodstock, which was incredible."
Scott laid down vocals on Riders on the Storm, Roadhouse
Blues and Light My Fire. We asked Scott for his thoughts
on the evening: "Believe it or not I had mixed emotions.
On one side I was excited, honored and in AWE of the situation.
On the other side I was worried about being a POSER. I didn't
want anyone in that room or on VH1 to think I thought for one
second that I could fill Morrison's shoes or do a song with his
band as well as he could do it. I just wanted to be respectful
of the situation and the other guys in the band. It was a weird
dilemma. Maybe I was thinking too much because it was a real
life DREAM COME TRUE and I was nervous."
Danny Sugerman on Riders on the Storm: "Creed's
arrangement is brilliant on 'Riders on the Storm,' they break
loose on the chorus in a way that was only implied in the original
version."
As the taping came to a wrap,
Danny Sugerman was introduced as the man who, despite the complications
and difficulties involved, believed he could convince these Masters
of Rock to return to the stage and collectively tap into the
power of the Universe. Danny, our thanks goes out to you for
expectations fulfilled.
While the staff of The DCM
is passionately divided over their favorite guest artist performance
(a clear indication of the many facets of Jim Morrison's enduring
charisma) …one thing became profoundly clear: The Doors,
since the beginning, have seen the opportunity to use their talent
for the greater good of our planet. While the majority of the
generation they originally spoke to remains loyal to their music,
The Doors have opened their eyes and energies to the talents
of today's young artists. That night on a Hollywood sound stage,
The Doors introduced many of us to a new generation of artists
whose respect for the artists and music of our generation made
us want to try to understand the messages these young artists
are trying to bring to the world.
Ray, Robby, John ... no audio
or video technologies can compare to your live performances ...
there are so many who would benefit from the magic you create
together. If a few mystical nights like this one performing
on stage could open the doors of perception between four defiant,
diverse and self absorbed generations here on earth ... would
you take this show on tour ?
Surviving Doors
Look Past Tribute
Cincinnatti Post
- Doors Minus 1 still Rock
story by Jan
E. Morris
contributions by Kerry Humpherys & Ida Miller
Stoned Immaculate
Track Listings:
1. Break On Through - Stone Temple Pilots
2. Riders On The Storm - Creed
3. End, The - Days Of The New
4. L.A. Woman - Days Of The New
5. Peace Frog - Smash Mouth
6. Wild Child - The Cult
7. Hello, I Love You - Oleander
8. Touch Me - Scott Stapp
9. Love Me Two Times - Aerosmith
10. Road Hogs Rad - Jim Morrison
11. Roadhouse Blues - Jim Morrison/John Lee Hooker
12. Is Everybody In? - William Burroughs
13. House Of The New Dead - Exene w/ Perry Farrell
14. Love Her Madly - Bo Diddley
15. Light My Fire - Train
16. Cosmic Movie - The Doors
From The DCM members
who attended:
I was thrilled and honored to
be among the lucky, elite audience for the VH1 Storytellers.
To see my three beloved Doors onstage together again after 30
years, was the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream.
Travis Meeks' performance of
The End left me breathless with his passionate intensity.
Scott Weiland's detached yet passionate and
enigmatic persona was perfectly matched to the songs he sang.
Perry Farrell's frenzied interpretation of L.A. Woman
was my other favorite.
Time just flew, and the evening
was over far too quickly. It was a joy to see Ray, John, and
Robby playfully interacting; they clearly were
enjoying themselves, and it was infectious!
Thank you, Ray, Robby, John,
and Danny, for a magical evening of music and reminiscing. Let's
do this again, REAL SOON!
Ida Miller
Fullerton, CA
~*~
The show was amazing. It surpassed
any expectations I had going in. The magic was all there. It
felt like 1967 all over again. It was great to see the guys together
again. I was lucky enough to sit in the second row center and
the music just lifted me. All the guest singers were great too.
For those of you who couldn't attend, wait till you hear and
see Roadhouse Blues on VH-1. Amazing, strictly amazing.
Eternally grateful,
Lonnie Moreno
Diamond Bar, CA
~*~
After traveling 12 hours and
having scary moments because we couldn't find in the first place
the studios (wrong address), our efforts were rewarded. We sat
very close to the stage. We could almost touch them and that
gives me a very special feeling because I'm fan for 13
years (my age is now 25) and I know for sure that they never
come to Holland (or in Europe) together for a performance. So
that's why it was one of the most beautiful days of my life!
It is also unbelievable how good they play, just as the same
on all the live CD's of The Doors. We had a really fantastic
time. We also went to places where The Doors had been; Venice
Beach, Santa Monica, the bar Whisky Go a Go and other places,
Really great.
Kind regards,
Jerry Zeegers and Christiane van Nieuwkoop
Holland
~*~
I think the real surprise of the evening was singer Travis Meeks
of Days of the New, in a moment of bravery Travis sang The
End. It was amazing, trance inducing and every bit the trip
it's supposed to be. I actually got misty eyed, feeling the room
go silent, as each person in the audience went on their own inner
trip with those on stage. It was a moment I will never forget.
Synde Korman
San Diego,CA
~*~
I just have to say that I was
in complete awe practically the whole night. It was definitely
a once in a lifetime event. When Travis from Days of the New
started singing The End, it almost seemed as if he was
calling up Jim's spirit from the grave... REALLY eerie, but awesome.
And Creed, well... they have some sort of spiritual connection
with The Doors from what I saw. Scott Stapp's vocals were an
awesome addition to the musical style of Ray, Robbie, and John.
All in all, the night was just - excellent. There's no other
way to say it.
Jennifer Ferguson
Bloomington, CA
~*~
I got to the studio and that
is where the party started!! The studio was smaller than I had
expected (COOL!!), and I got an UNBELIEVABLE seat. So the show
itself ... It was definitely the most intense, deep down, electric
vibe I have ever felt. Obviously they were beyond "great"
or "amazing". They were classic. I have to thank you
guys personally on a human to human level. Trying not to sound
cliché, but you really did take me seriously, and made
one of my dreams come true.
Love, peace, rock and roll,
Megan D'Olimpio
Concord, CA
~*~
Seeing the Doors live was simply something I only dreamed I would
get to see. As a young Doors fan it is hard to accept that you
will never see them as a whole, with Jim, performing live! When
I put that aside, I knew that there was nothing that I would
rather do than spend a night right in front of a stage with Robby,
Ray *and* John playing their songs and just seeing them together
again! I am so grateful to everyone who put it together. It was
so beautiful and awesome that I kept wanting to pinch myself
to make sure I wasn't dreaming! There really was a magic in the
air ... It was an experience of a lifetime and it really was
the best night of my life!
Holly Gollnick
Corona, CA
~*~
The Door's VH1 Concert was yet another example of the Doors music
being ageless as the new group's stars blended so well with the
remaining Doors on stage. The Doors' music really does seem timeless
in the sense that they still possess the magical power to touch
everyone in the crowd, young and old alike. This fusion of new
stars and the older Doors' music worked especially well due to
the obvious passion that was felt by everyone on stage. Not to
mention the entire audience. The evening was a truly magical
moment in time for all in attendance, from the opening chord
to the last fading shrills of the crowd.
Fond Regards,
Stephen Cook
Thousand Oaks, CA
~*~
As the three remaining members
of the Doors walked on stage a quiet revelation came over me.
I am one of a select few who get to experience this amazing and
historic event. I was in shock. Then, as Robbie played his circle
of fifths that is Love Me Two Times I became entranced.
The Doors sounded as if they hadn't ever stopped playing. They
sounded better live than on their studio recordings and there
aren't many artists that that can be said about. Scott Weiland
impressed me not only with his performance but also when he said
in between on of his songs that during sound check he turned
around and saw "The Doors" on the bass drum and it
"freaked" him out, he then thanked the Doors for allowing
him to play with
them. That kind of respect is nice to see by one of today's hottest
artists. All in all it was a dream come true. And I can't wait
to pick up Stoned Immaculate as soon as it is available
in stores. Thanks to The Doors for a wonderful evening.
Sincerely,
Stephen Aye
Fair Oaks, CA
~*~
It was truly an honor to get
to attend the session. First off, the event was right down the
road from Sunset Sound in Hollywood, where the Doors cut their
first two albums. So, it was like going back in time and seeing
them performing their art in their own environment again. Second,
the event was great. Three hours worth of Doors music, and played
very well. The three guys haven't lost anything over the years.
And the guest vocalists did a great job too. It is hard to live
up to Morrison, but Scott Weiland, Scott Stapp, Ian from The
Cult, Travis from Days of the New and Pat Monahan from Train
all did very well.
The audience was treated to several songs twice, just to get
the version down correctly for VH1. You really got a feel for
how the Doors worked together back in the 60's, as there were
many times where they would disagree or have alternate views
of the same story of a song, but that collaboration was what
made them great!
Dave Houston
Atlanta, GA
~*~
Before the show started I found
myself seated directly in front of Ray's keyboard. I couldn't
believe my eyes. There I was, looking at the Doors equipment
all setup and ready to set the night on fire! The set was very
simple which has always been as traditional as the incense Ray
burns next to his keyboard. The music came to life as Robbie
began to whale on his guitar, John pounded on the skins, and
Ray's hands danced across the keys. Mojo had risen for the evening
as Jim's life and energy were brought back by incredible performances
by Scott Weiland, Ian, Perry, and Travis. I was also amused with
the argument over what Wild Child was really about. So
Robbie, so Ray ... which was it? Before I realized it, the show
ended. I wanted them to play all night. Then I understood ...
You can stand in Jim's shoes, but you can't fill them. I thank
The Doors for a wonderful evening. The End ... Beautiful friends.
Nick Feickert
Ocean City, MD
~*~
For me, a dream became true. I had the strange feeling that one
day I would meet the man with the eyeglasses who I saw on the
cover of a Doors album. That might have been about 27 years ago.
And this evening in LA, the vision became truth. Ray said some
words to me, he was very kind and touched at my left arm. And,
of course, there was the dream to see the three remaining Doors
once performing a live show. And the dream, to visit America
once.
Kindest regards,
Kurt Moebus
Germany
~*~
The VH-1 special was an amazing
experience. To see all 3 remaining Doors members on stage again
gave me goose bumps especially when they played The End.
That just floored me. I never thought I would ever have an opportunity
to see them play Live ... just incredible. I am too young to
have ever seen The Doors but this special gave me some idea of
what it might have been like, the chemistry was there, the fire
was still there after 30 yrs. Thank you very much for giving
me the opportunity of a lifetime, I will never forget it.
Tim Manley
San Diego, CA
~*~
Seeing Ray, John and Robby perform together on one stage was
the ultimate spiritual high for me. I've been lifted off and
not returned since. A mystical and magical night to be remembered
for all eternity.
Claudia Vinnemeier
Van Nuys, CA
~*~
The night that the Doors played had to be the BEST concert I
have ever and will ever have seen!! All of the members of the
Doors were on fire! The guests they had sit in with them were
all very good. I think that Jim would have been honored to be
played tribute by these people. This was very generous of the
Doors to share this special experience with all of us! I am very
honored to have been chosen to have been there. It is a night
I will never forget!!! Thank you to everyone who made this possible.
Jessica Brown
New Madison, OH
~*~
It is very hard to try to explain an event that is completely
indescribable. The only words that come to mind, which would
have the least bit of accuracy would be SPIRITUAL AWAKENING.
Last night I saw The Doors perform together, for the first time
- some say - in over 20 years. It was transcending! There were
probably about 150 people there at the most, some flying in from
as far away as Michigan, New York and even Germany.
The announcer came out and gave
an emotional speech about how tough and unimaginable this event
was to put together. No one would ever imagine this coming true!
That is when Ray appeared, quietly in the background, like a
spirit arising out of a black and white photograph, instantly
colorful and alive. He lit three incense sticks atop his keyboard
... the room became India, ancient and cultured.
That was the beginning of it
all. The mad rush of energy from the back of the room behind
me, rushing above our heads and surrounding the band as they
ignited with an electric explosion! The combination of keyboard,
electric guitar and drums were welcomed like a lusty anticipated
orgasm - the audience rising to its feet in ecstatic applause.
It was the first time I had experienced a union of all souls
surrounding me ... together for the same purpose and in the same
state of mind ... we were experiencing history.
Out of all the songs that were
played that evening, I would have to say The End was the
one I remember the most. It truly sounds different in person.
It's layered and complex. Instead of listening to the song I
was the song. I was in it, embraced by it and conformed to it.
Most importantly I felt the cone of power circling, entranced
and building up to the final moment of the Oedipal section with
sudden RELEASE (!!!) and relaxation ... take a breath ... we
were back on in this realm and in a soundstage in Los Angeles,
remembering once again that we were just witnesses to the reunion
of three old friends who started this all way back when.
Ally Hugg
West Hollywood, CA
~*~
Seeing The Doors live was the most amazing thing I had ever seen.
They played just as well as they did 30 years ago, if not better.
The special guest singers did Jim Morrison justice without mocking
him or showing him up, which is hard to do considering how big
a rock icon he is. It was amazing to see the Doors as they look
now and not as twenty year olds, like I always remember them.
It was bittersweet to hear them speak of Jim, yet beautiful to
think of how much he changed the lives of everyone who was there.
It was hard for me to try to imagine Jim that old because he
will forever be 27. It was a wonderful night and I would give
anything to be able to do it again.
Brenna Mc Gee
Malibu, CA
~*~
The night was a journey from
beginning till end. Standing in line meeting people that had
come from all over was amazing. Two guys who flew in from Chicago,
a couple that came from Holland!!! Holland, can you believe it????
It was pure joy to be with people who were driven with the same
passion as I.
Once Robby, Ray and John came out I was ecstatic. They were tremendously
wonderful!!! I was so close I could see Robby's facial expressions
as he played, and watch how fast his fingers changed chords.
So talented and so beautiful are his lyrics and melodies. The
stories that were told about Jim delighted me so much. The way
the boys spoke of him was as if he was there, just lost or late
or backstage messing around. The artists that did the covers
were well chosen. Perry Farrell did LA Woman and it was
so Perry !! The artist that did The End was by far the
best performance of all. You could hear the sprit of the music
in his voice, it was mysteriously romantic. Ray is such a cool
cat, lighting his incense is a ritual to him. He and Robby's
bickering over correct, or incorrect answers to the audience's
questions were hysterical. Like two brothers. One time John made
a comment like, "Hey, am I ever gonna get to answer any
questions?" It was a family re-union !!!!!
Just being able to be part of
that energy gave me a satisfaction I had never known existed.
I thank you and I thank God for including me.
Lisa Carmel-Leache
Costa Mesa, CA
~*~
I waited 16 years from the age
of 3, to see what I witnessed on Tuesday night. The radios are
talking about it all the time now and I was there. I saw The
Doors, today, as good as they come, and they came great. It was
an intense night and they played wonderfully. Besides the fact
that you don't hear Morrison's voice, the sound was the trance.
Trance explains it. I couldn't have been more impressed. It was
a magical night full of energy. Now I've seen Robby Krieger and
his band play at The Whisky where they started to become famous.
Only in Los Angeles and that's why it was so special, cause there
is no tour. It's over and will probably never happen again.
Colin Higgins
Burbank, CA
Jim
Morrison and The Doors
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