We made our way to Book Soup, and the poetry reading was already happening. It was held in a small annex next to the main shop, but we got in line just in case. Security stated no more people were going in. Odd that there wasn’t a speaker available so those on the street could overhear? At least, we would have a signing when they were done. I asked a Book Soup worker, and she said we needed a ticket for the signing. What? How do you get that? If you bought a book from the store prior to the event, you received one. She then suggested if we waited around, he might sign anyway. The reading ended. Fans streamed out the front door while everyone else went out the back. We turned around to head into Book Soup, and they were closing. What about the signing? All we received was a shrug from a bookseller.
Neither Eric nor I had eaten dinner, so we stopped at a little pizza shop that serves large New York-style slices. As we chatted over our meal, I saw an entourage walk by with people following. John Densmore was at the center. He must have been heading to the Whisky. I was relieved that there would be an opportunity to complete my trifecta. Not ten minutes later, the Densmore entourage rushed back passed us. Not a good sign. We jumped out of our seats and joined the chase.
Waiting for the streetlight to change, security kept a good buffer, but a determined fan ran up and John signed his poster. The light changed, and as we crossed the street, someone else ran up and John signed their item. A voice shouted out for him to turn for a picture, which he did while moving. He was encouraging everyone to be rude and rush him. We passed Book Soup and he scribbled his name on the window with a Sharpie pen. He told security to stop everyone and headed off to his ride. What a jerk! Many were left disappointed at the lack of organization and his attitude.
We headed back to the Whisky for the concert, which was coming up in almost an hour; however, when we returned the fire department had arrived, proclaiming the Whisky was filled to capacity, although beyond was a more accurate description. No one was getting in unless someone left. How unbelievably aggravating. We had been all set previously, but my desire to see John’s event and get his autograph ruined our chances to see the mini-concert. If I had any clue how he was going to act and what a mess we’d be stepping into, we would have stayed camped inside the Whisky all night.
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.