Original Doors members Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger have something special in mind for their Aug. 24 performance at Jones Beach in Wantagh, N.Y.
The group, touring under the name Doors 21st Century with Cult vocalist Ian Astbury, will perform the Doors’ 1971 Elektra album “L.A. Woman” for the first time in its entirety. Original frontman Jim Morrison died shortly before the album’s release.
The New York concert will be filmed for a DVD due for release in early 2004. The band will also play “L.A. Woman” at a Dec. 9 concert at the Zenith in Paris to commemorate what would have been Morrison’s 60th birthday. Morrison, who was born Dec. 8, 1943, is buried in Paris. Manzarek has said that he and Kreiger will visit Morrison’s grave on Dec. 8.
The Doors 21st Century have been peppered with lawsuits over the past two years. Original drummer John Densmore filed suit against Manzarek and Kreiger for breach of contract, contending that the surviving members of the band agreed not to use the Doors name unless all three were involved in any sort of reunion.
Later, former Police drummer Stewart Copeland sued Manzarek and Krieger, claiming the two reneged on a promise to use him during the tour and on an upcoming studio album. He was replaced as the drummer for the Doors 21st Century when he broke his arm last year.
Manzarek, Krieger and Astbury are currently touring with L.A. session drummer Ty Dennis. Previously, Dennis has performed with Kreiger, as well as the Motels.
According to the official Web site (http://robbiekrieger.com/doors/tour.htm) of the Doors 21st Century, the group has lined up U.S. and international tour dates through the middle of December.
