NEW YORK (Doors Fans Website) - The
Doors are back and the new line-up is in place. 2003 will see an all new line-up featuring original keyboardist Ray Manzarek and lead guitarist Robby Krieger joined by lead vocalist Ian Astbury (The Cult) and drummer Stewart Copeland (The Police).
It has now been confirmed that original member John Densmore will not be part of the new line-up due to health and his severe tinnitus condition.
There will be a tour and a new album. The band have announced the new record will feature new Doors songs written collectively by Manzarek, Krieger, Astbury and Copeland. All four will be involved in the creative songwriting process for the new album and have already begun writing new material. Says Manzarek, "The music is Doors-like but new. It's different from The Doors, but decidedly Doors-like. We're going in various directions musically".
The seed for getting The Doors back together was planted a few years ago when the band reformed with various singers for a VH1 TV special.
The concept grew and the idea to continue with new members was agreed to. "Ian Astbury had always expressed a desire to perform with The Doors, saying that if we ever take it on the road, he wanted to be a part of it," says Manzarek. "We met Ian when he performed on `Storytellers' with us, and he immediately fit in. Ian is his own man singing Doors songs. He's got that Shamanic power and sense of danger about him that is so Morrison-esque, without being an imitation of Jim Morrison."
Adds Krieger, "We'll never replace Jim, but that's not the point. Ian is bringing his own interpretations of our music to the stage while, at the same time, giving off a vibe that is very similar to Jim's."
On drums, Krieger and Manzarek asked Stewart Copeland of The Police to join them. "Stewart said he'd always been a fan of The Doors, and that it would be an honor to play with us - so he joined up." Says Krieger, "Stewart is an exciting addition; he's a great player."
The official live return will be at The Palms in Las Vegas on December 8.
