After about 30 minutes, the VIP line began moving. I got into it and received my red VIP bracelet. The VIP section was a large tented area behind the Whisky. Media types and people who know people were mingling, all making sure to hit the open bar, including your intrepid reporter. I peeked inside the Whisky where Doors’ music was playing and went downstairs to the main floor. A rather unruly line was attempting to meet and greet Robbie, who was gracious enough to sign autographs, shake hands, and take photos. This was my first chance to see the book. Under the dim lights, I was impressed with the number of pictures. Even though the book was $45, I went ahead and bought one, considering it the price of admission, and hoped I would have a chance to get some autographs later.
Eric finally made it into the VIP tent about a half hour after I did. I ran down my reconnaissance, including the open bar where we grabbed Heinekens, before heading inside. It was very wild inside and didn’t appear that anything official would happen anytime soon. Coupled with the fact that Eric was covering the Whisky events, I decided to get Krieger’s autograph. Eric stood with me, but it quickly became apparent that not everyone honored the line, so I gave up on it. I worked through the crowd towards Robbie’s table, but then I looked over and saw him standing next to the stage. No wonder the line was a mess.
In a matter of minutes, he was onstage with Ray, Fong-Torres, Los Angeles radio legend Jim Ladd, who was broadcasting on KLOS from the VIP tent, the Mario Maglieri family, owners of the Whisky, and an official from the Hall of Fame. They were taking part in the dedication of the Whisky, which was being honored with landmark status by the Hall. A mock-up of the plaque was revealed and it was a very nice moment for Mario Maglieri who was touched. I leaned over to Eric and asked, “Where is Densmore?” as he wasn’t around. The band’s relationship must still be rocky.
Robbie went back to the signing table, and I plowed ahead. Eric followed, staying as close behind as he could, but since it didn’t seem like a good place for an interview, he opted to wait for me at the bar. As I moved closer, the spaces between bodies disappeared. When I could see my goal, I noticed that everyone was crowding towards the table from every direction possible, reminiscent of news footage of the UN handing out food in remote areas. You had to fight to retain control of your bodies as the mob undulated whenever someone broke away from the table.
Article comments
1 - Lisa McKay
This was a very entertaining read, El B!
I have to admit that I've never understood the interest in post-Morrison Doors. I was a huge fan of theirs when they first burst onto the scene, and had the opportunity to see them live (in New Haven, CT in the '60s, when Jim got busted onstage -- it was quite the night), and the Doors without Morrison strike me a bit like contemplating the Stones without Mick. Not sure I get it.
2 - El Bicho
Glad you liked it, Lisa. I think the fellas learned after their two albums as a trio to make sure The Doors are not post-Morrison. His presence is everywhere and certainly was that night. A celebration of like-minded people, "a feast of friends" as Jim would say.
I'm hoping my partner-in-crime will stop in and offer his two cents.
3 - Vern Halen
But I really did like parts of Other Voices, and I wish they would accept that album into their canon. Ship w/Sails, Eye of the Sun, Tightrope Ride & Hang On to Your Life are all better than the bulk of The Soft Parade, for instance.
Full Circle if I remember correctly was pretty crappy, though. Haven't heard it since I was a teenager.
4 - Connie Phillips
Congratulations! This article was an Editor's Pick this week.