A fat, lip-pierced security guard bellowed orders to keep a path clear, but everyone knew if you created an opening, someone else would fill it. I persevered and stretched out my book to the older gentleman behind the table like I was handing over a child to be rescued. Robbie scribbled in it and we shook hands. I was trapped and couldn’t leave the table. “If you let me out, you get closer,” I shouted. Some people chuckled as I repeated myself, fighting my way through like a salmon upstream.
After breaking free, I told Eric I was heading to next door, and since not much was happening at the Whisky, he joined me. Out the back door and back under the VIP tent, I saw Jim Ladd broadcasting at a little table. Fong-Torres was sitting next to him, getting ready to be interviewed. As a fellow music journalist, I got his autograph and he seemed surprised he was asked.
Out the VIP tent and down an alley that runs behind a series of buildings, we found the back of The Cat Club where the line for Ray spilled out, but at least there was an actual line. Many people were just hanging out and smoking cigarettes. Apparently they were so cool that not only did they not have to attend, but also they had to be far enough away to retain their aloofness. Before making it inside the building, a woman asked us what the line was for. With all the hassle it took to get in, it was awfully annoying to meet an empty-headed club-goer who was taking the place of a fan left out on the street just because she’s sleeping with the right people.
Ray’s line moved slowly, but there was a sense of accomplishment with each step. I got autograph number two, but since Ray didn’t want to remove the pen out of his hand, we did this weird pseudo-shake/grab with our left hands. Ever the professional with tape recorder in hand, Eric jumped right in with a question about the validity of some woman who claims to have been Jim’s secret gal and how a few songs are based on her. Ray responded along the lines of “Do you believe it?” Eric said, “Maybe,” and was quick to follow up, specifically asking Ray if he did. He said, “No” with an air of annoyance. I snapped a quick picture of them and we went out the front door, failing to notice what little of a spread they had for the exhibit.
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.