Slash and Chester walked off stage and Perry sang “Touch Me.” As we watched the screens, Slash walked passed us out the VIP area and was whisked away in his car. What was the point in showing up for such a brief appearance? Chester came back and they played “People Are Strange,” “LA Woman,” and closed with “Light My Fire.” Chester’s voice is deeper than Perry’s, so he sounded more like Morrison, although neither will replace Ian Astbury. The band sounded good and Ray and Robbie can still deliver the goods.
The 40th anniversary event was controlled chaos at its best and probably represented The Doors more accurately than they could have planned. It was what you made of it; however, I don’t know how the fan off the street was supposed to take part when the VIP bracelet granted so much access and so many were deemed VIP. I’m sure many fans were left frustrated.
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.