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The
Mediaburn Radio Weblog, March 27, 2003
STRANGE DAYS 2003: The Doors 21st Century in Phoenix
An updated version of the classic band, The Doors rolled into Phoenix
yesterday for a performance at the Dodge Theater. Original members
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger were joined by Ian Astbury on vocals.
Ty Dennis and Angelo Barbera, two members of Robby Krieger's jazz-rock
band, backed up the ensemble on drums and bass.
This current line-up has received both praise
and criticism, as some purists haven't been happy with anyone other
than Jim Morrison on vocals. Unfortunately, the group's original
drummer, John Densmore, was invited but couldn't join because of
a medical condition.
Whatever you may think of this band, The Doors
aesthetic continues to live. The band opened the gig with favorites
Roadhouse Blues and Break On Through. Cinematic images
flickered all evening on a large screen at the rear of the stage.
We heard the spoken poetry of James Douglas Morrison, and experienced
a small segment that included the sacred movements of two Native
American dancers.
The theatrical Alabama Song was followed
by the Chicago blues classic, Back Door Man. A politically
charged Five To One was followed by what seemed to be a fresh,
2003 version of Strange Days. Musical improvisation ruled
during the long jam on Light My Fire. Listening to Ray Manzarek
stretch out on keyboards, his unique use of intervals and keyboard
gesture, is always a highlight to the Doors fan. When it was Robby's
turn, the crowd couldn't wait to here that familiar guitar tone,
with a few improvised notes – the "Kriegeresque" runs
of electric notes.
The crowd called for an encore and got it. After
the house lights came on at the end of the show, the band surprised
everyone and got it together – "one more time". The remaining
crowd at the Dodge Theater was treated to Soul Kitchen as
countless audience members jumped onstage to dance with the band.
This wasn't the original line-up, but it's the
most accurate Doors ensemble that anyone will see in 2003. The poetry
of The Doors continues via two of the original members and many
other friends. I imagine it will continue for a long time.
Set
list: 1. Roadhouse Blues / 2. Break On Through / 3. When
The Music's Over / 4. Love Me Two Times / 5. Alabama Song / Back
Door Man / Five To One / 6. People Are Strange / 7. Strange Days
/ 8. Spanish Caravan / 9. Ghost Song / 10. Moonlight Drive / Horse
Latitudes / 11. Wild Child / 12. L.A. Woman / 13. Light My Fire
/ Encore: 14. Riders On The Storm /
15. Maggie M'Gill / 2nd Encore: 16.
Soul Kitchen.
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