Jim's shadow was so big that it took 30 years for someone else to sing his songs. So much time passed that it wasn't even about replacing him... it was just about finding someone who could handle the job with a good amount of respect.

As far as I'm concerened, Ian has also left a sizeable imprint and everyone will be comparing any possible new singer to him for a long time to come.

Nobody can do it better than Ian.

Hi AK,
Very well put...I totally agree will all of the above ..... but especially: "NOBADY CAN DO IT BETTER THEN IAN."

Namaste'
M-B

Hope you guys are wrong. Maybe nobody can do it better than Ian, But if we want to here our favorite guys/band play than somebody better give it a try, I truely want to see Ray,Rob, John if he wants to and a singer who will "try" and do the best job possible. Seen ROTS in Chicago and it was awesome, but it is the same situation as when John was out ,I just wanted to see as many Doors as possible and a good singer, which I felt Ian was perfect, and I was pretty Damn happy. Had Ray and Robbie given up when John did not want to play all of us would have been screwed and not had the chances to see these guys play. Doors,ROTS,IAN fan always.

after watching the VH1 show years ago and hearing that they chose ian to front the new band, i was like WTF?! i wasn't too keen on him in the beginning - but - he quickly grew on me. i wouldn't go as far as saying he *can't* be replaced - i would say that it will take some getting used to a new voice and a new presence. ian is the ultimate showman, but i think there's a ton of room for improvements on a DOORS frontman - i'd like to hear a fuller, more sustaining voice - someone who is patient with the words, charismatically crazy and spontaneous - taunt the audience, do a fuckin' stage dive - i wanna see some crazy ass shit when i go to a doors show. the 21st century is too damn calculated and clean - routine is boring - only book a couple shows a week and go nuts - do a 30 minute version of not to touch the earth - burn 'em, smoke 'em. i've had a ton of fun at DOORS shows, but there is always room for improvement.

Dude I am in on that shit!!!!

Billy you genious

The more i think about things the more i wonder if Ian stepped aside or was asked to step aside for Vedder so John would rejoin the group. I read in the post concerning Vedder, John said something to the extent that Ian was a good vocalist but no Jim as if Vedder was a better man for the job. So i'd about bet that is how its all going down. Could it be that Ray/Robbie feel that at this point in the game and such..considering the 40th aniversary that having the 3 remaining members do one more tour together was more important than having Ian remain on vocals leaving John to still refuse to join??? If John joins then does that mean the band can use The Doors name? I guess at the end of the day...the band stands to sell more tickets and such if they can use The Doors name and have Vedder on vocals. A few years ago when the band were talking about getting back together and touring I was very hopeful that all 3 members be a part of the project but after all the lawsuits and whining and John not being apart of it i still traveled to hell and beyond to see 3 shows. The first show i saw they were called D21C and by the 3rd show ROTS,,,,in short my point is that John not playing drums and the name of the band had no bearing on the shows being great. We all got a chance to be turned onto Ty Dennis and Phil Chen,,,that being very cool. I dont see the band sticking it out much more than one more tour for this 40th aniversary year. I may be wrong...but after the last 4 great years with Ian it wouldnt make much sense now to pull the plug on Ian just to make John happy for 1 possible tour.If i knew this was the last tour and such..i'd still pick Ian with Ty,Phil over a Vedder/John lineup.
I know its a done deal now and i'm hoping Ray/Robbie will think of someone none of us have thought about yet..fore everyone mentioned so far really seems to fall short of Ian...and i know when its all done and said that i'll be at as many shows possible and having a great time. I truly cant even begin to guess who they may decide on.....one thing for sure is i'm really hanging here waiting to know. OMG...just think if John wanted Clay Aikens on vocals.

Cory

Isn't Aiken Gay? Stratgazer has an outlook similar as mine. I guess I'm ready to move on to John since Ian is gone. Since this next year or two is probably it.

Hi Cory. I also wonder about whether The Doors name will be used if John rejoins. What if the Morrison and Courson Estates object? Wouldn't that be ironically fuckin' hilarious?!?!

PK

Whatever happens is sure gave a few of us something to think about...ha ha ha. Its just been great to celebrate the music of The Doors and to still have be able to "get together one more time".....I'm done 2nd guessing what went down with Ian and I'm ready to move on with Ray and Robbie. Long live The Doors!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I am going to get some flack for this but I cant resist. I vote for DAVE BROCK! He has devoted his life to the music and deserves to play with The Doors. It would be trippy. Probably no stage diving though! LOL

Ro

P.S. I have seen D21C 3 times. If it wasn't for seeing them in 2003 I would have never have been into the doors as much as I am now.

Hi Jimmorrisonfan67,
Don't you think that seeing D21C "LIVE" made all the difference?
And don't you think that part of seeing D21C that got you into them..."The Doors" was the magic...the sheer magic that is ennaminiated on stage...created between the players?

Peace,
M-B

Most definately. Like I said, seeing them is what really made me a big fan. I have always known the radio favorites, seen the The Doors movie with Val (who is my fav actor) but the music never really hit a nerve until I heard it live. It was all by chance that I saw them. My husbands friend offered us the tickets to his vip seats. When my husband said you want to go see the doors I said The doors? They are touring again? I said sure why not. From the beginning, when they started playing I stood up and never sat down the entire night. I WAS HOOKED! I feel my husband regrets that decision to take me because now I spend so much on collecting books, music etc... Just cant help myself.

Ro

Hey Ro...nothing wrong with that!

But one point I do want to make is that Jim brought that magic with him and Ray, Robby and John made it all happen back in the day.....it was awesome!!!
Now when D21C got together....Ray, Robby, Ty and Angelo......was there and brought their magic to the stage....but without Ian Astbury, I'm not sure we would have been able to expierence that magic......With Ian, we were able to expierence the magic of "The Doors"....it was awesome. It's like having a fantastic mouth-watering food recipe......if you leave out one of the "Main" ingredients (or substitue a similar one).....the outcome is not fantastic anymore! You see, Jim and Ian are very similar in many, many ways....that's why D21C and Riders worked so well....they were able to still make the magic because the right ingredients were still avaliable.
Is there someone out there that posesses Jim Morrison/Ian Astbury ingredients..........not sure.....I know of no one........to have Jim Morrison combine with Ray and Robby and John back then was a miracle and then have Jim pass on and find a similar human with the "right stuff" was remarkable...so now to find a third......well...God Bless.....it would be nice but I doubt it...and you know what, I am an optomist.....but I really got to know Ian Astbury very well...and he is an execptional man that came as clsoe to Morrison as they come. Just my opionion.......
Peace,
M-B

Here's an example Ro...and others:
Doors Show Review:
The Doors Live April 23rd, 2004 in Minnesota:
THE #1 CONCERT!
by http://www.thefountainheads.com

The biggest concert in my life deserves the best review I can give. The Doors music group aptly renamed The Doors 21st Century kicked off their 2004 tour on Friday in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The highly anticipated event was a month overdue because of a legal tangling with Ian Astbury, the frontman of this new group. The wait was well worth what we received from original Doors members Ray Mazarek (Keyboards), and Robby Krieger (Guitar). The only thing missing was of course Jim Morrison, the enigmatic and provocative lead singer that burned the history of Rock and Roll over 30 years ago.
To those born after The Doors died in 1971 with Jim, this was as close as anyone could get. Ian Astbury gave a phenomenal performance in Jim Morrison’s absence. Complete with tight jeans, dark sunglasses, long dark hair, and an uncanny resemblance to Jim he and the audience channeled the spirit of more than a band. I have attended many a Rock Concert, but this one ranks among the elite. One needs to wait a few days to really let the event seep into the pores of the mind. To those of us who believe in the myth of Rock music and believe in it like a religion, this was our Passion of the Christ.
When I arrived at the historic Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis I was awestruck by the interior. Perfect for a band that was established in the classic ballrooms of California in the late 1960s. Hanging chandeliers, enormous ceilings, and a great close view from where ever you sat… But very few people were sitting.
The anticipation from the crowd was electric. When the roadies were coming out to test the instruments the crowd lit up like a fire. Chanting for, "The Doors", and rising to their feet. This scene was repeated several times.
When the lights finally went down the deafening screams drowned out anything else in the room. Then a light appeared on the stage to show a juggler. After a few moments the light moved to a circus announcer at the side of the stage who announced, "From Los Angeles, California, THE DOORS!".
As the lights on the stage came on Ray Manzarek was seated at his organ, Robby Krieger had his classic Gibson SG electric guitar, and Ian Astbury was at the mic looking just like Jim Morrison. Persian rugs were on the floor below each member and they immediately began playing Break On Through. It sounded like a scene out of a Beatles movie from the screams of a very diversely aged crowd.
From then on the band played through the years picking several selections from different albums. (Set List Below) Ian Astbury mimicked the trademark revolutionary stage performance that Jim Morrison perfected many years ago. Although in today’s climate of bands the Doors would be a bit mild, the moves fit the music perfectly. There is a lot of discussion about having a replacement lead singer, but the crowd of over 10,000 was the actual replacement. The spirit of Jim Morrison was in everyone around, and the biggest example was the young kids who ran up next to the railing of the balcony.
About ½ way through the show four 16 year old boys and girls ran up to the balcony railing and began dancing. When this happened awhile earlier guards came down quickly and escorted them back to their seats. Now they were here to stay.
Being so young one would assume that they had not even heard of an almost 40 year old band. But they knew every word and were dancing over the railing like Leonardo in Titanic! It was the epitome the evening. An older gentleman next to them was dancing with them and giving more high fives than the Super Bowl.
At the same moment a young man in his early 20s hopped up on stage and ran up to Ray Manzarek and put his arms up in the air cheering! The bouncers quickly wrangled him, but Jim Morrison was there that night. He was on T-Shirts, hats, minds, and souls The old trickster.
It should be noted that Ian Astbury even gives props to Jim when he sings, Not To Touch The Earth. He says, "Jim Morrison was the Lizard King, HE can do anything". The other noticeable differences to 1967 were that Ray Manzarek’s keyboard was not his oldie. That didn’t stop him from playing with his feet and showing off. There were several times when Ray and Robby would point back and forth as they hit their cues in songs. The one person not pointing was John Densmore, the former drummer who was not in attendance.
As the show was drawing to a close The Doors 21st Century played the hit, Light My Fire. The Doors greatest chart topping song, which was number one in the Summer of Love in 1967. The background was a liquid show, the theater was antique, and the music was what a group of Americans wrote many years ago in a turbulent time. Had Jim Morrison been there a riot surely would have erupted from the sexual and emotional energy that was in the theater.
Almost like a tribute to Jim the song The End, Jim’s and my own favorite was not played. I believe that this show was better than any concert I have ever scene. I think back to Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, and other superstars' shows I have attended. This one topped them all! Sure "the" Jim Morrison wasn’t there, but his spirit was in the music.
To learn more PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE: http://www.thefountainheads.com THE #1 ROCK/ART MAGAZINE!
Set List:

Intro (Juggler and Finius Fog, Master of Ceremony)
Break On Through
Love Me Two Times
Take It As Is Comes (debut performance)
When The Music's Over
Moonlight Drive (includes Louie Louie)
Wild Child
Unknown Soldier (debut performance)
Not To Touch The Earth
Spanish Caravan
Five To One
The Changeling
21st (20th) Century Fox (debut performance)
LA Woman

Encore #1
Riders On The Storm
Touch Me (debut performance)
Roadhouse Blues

Encore #2
Light My Fire

IMHO...Ian Astbury will be hard to replace......John wasn't.
Peace,
M-B

Are you saying they cant make it without Ian.? I believe they can even though I agree with you also about Ian being a good fit. I thought he was a good fit in 1989 when I was playing Doors/Cult tunes in the old tape player. We are at the cross roads here. They need to get a new singer to carry on with 40th special and see what happens. Hell they cant afford to wait much longer you cant expect these guys to be playing out of their caskeys.- On another note do you think John can play one hell of a percussion on "My Wild Love" since he is getting all this practice with Tribal Jazz stuff

I,m with you 100% but in Chicago at the Congress in 2005 they filled half of maybe 2500 seats. Dissapointing to me even though I was right by Ray on the stage. It was the best time I have had at a concert and a dream come true. I dont want it to end, it can continue but we have to have a little patience for who is on board next if we want to see these guys play like a band.

IMHO....YES...........I am saying that they can't bring the same magic to the stage without Ian or Jim......................THEY CAN"T...my opinion! They can still go on......hell, anybody can do what they want.....but I hope they could find "SOMEBODY" like Jim or Ian.....but I doubt it......
Hey, I am a percussionist and My Wild Love is not a hard tune to play...I myself can do without John Densmore after how hard he tried to killoff The Doors of the 21st Century....then D21C.....and now Riders...this is just what John wanted.....John says he hates Ian and would NEVER play with him.......and that's because Iandoes the job and does it well......Ty does the job and does it well....IMHO....Ty is a much better drummer/percussionist then John. Don't get me wrong, I do respect john at the Doors former drummer.....but John is the one that choose NOT to play with Ray and Robby when they re-grouped and John said it was because he had tinitus...and then later made derogatory about Ian and later Ray and Robby...so.....no I don't want to see John play with the "Original Doors".....he made his bed...let him lie in it.....just my opinion.
M-B

Hi there......the reason they filled on half the seats in 2005 was because of POOR publicity....the PR people didn't get the word out that D21C was playing to the masses.....ever since the lawsuit business the PR has not been the greatest about concert dates....the fans just don't know that these guys are playing.....now in Europe....the PR is much better and they play to sold out audiences.....this last leg of the European Tour that just passed in January 14th, 2007...they played to sold out venues.....I know I was there.
Hey...who wants it to end.........but an era has come to an end...lets face it.....without Ian it will not be the same nor will it be of the same calibur.

Peace,
M-B

You know I felt like that at one time but considering the circumstances I have changed my mind. Had Ian not left or whatever I would still be on that side. But that side is not there anymore thus I want to see these guys preferrably at this point the original 3 plus whoever as long as possible. Yeah John Fucked things up but When I first devoted myself to the Doors I devoted myself to all members and if John wants to play I will support that as long as Ray and Robby are with it too. I want to here as many of these guys play as I can while they are still here, This has been a gift for us the last 5 years and it can last a couple more if we stay together.

Hi Reagan,
You know everybody's entitled to their opinion.....and Reagan.....you are entitled to yours and I honor and respect you as a Doors/Riders fans...please make no doubts about that....
But I do humbley disagree.........you see there is a thing called karma.........and truth etc.
I wish you the best and the new line up too for Riders......but IAN RULES!!!
Namaste'
M-B

I agree Ian rules but he has left the building. What am I supposed to do.? So yo are saying you are out for any new lineup?

Hi again.... ,
What I am saying is that if there is a Cult concert and a Riders concert on the same day....I most definitely would now.....pick The Cult Concert...in this point in time.....that's all I am saying......it's no big deal......it is what it is................The Doors weren't what they once were "Live"....once Jim passed on
and "Riders" won't be what they once were now that Ian isn't their singer...............that's all I'm saying.....the truth is the truth!
Peace and Love and enjoy life.....because the future is uncertain and the end is always near...that's all folks!

Namaste'
M-B

Got-cha. Rock On!

just a quick, almost reflex reaction here with no insult intended: Ian cant be replaced????

Didnt we all say that about JDM when riders formed?

As I stated in an earlier thread, I am not saying that Ian cannot be replaced. All I am saying is that to this point, I have yet to see any established singers out there who have stepped up to the point that they would be deemed worthy replacements. My message to them: SHOW ME SOMETHING!

thats fair comment mate - i cant think of any singers out there without current attachment who could fill in - to my mind - satisfactorily. However, and i dont understand the reason for some animosity toward this guy, i do rate Scott Weiland from seeing him in the VH1 show. Others may reckon otherwise but id hate to see Scott Stapp within 100 miles of the job.

To reiterate also something ive said in another thread ... wouldnt this be the ideal chance also, to make it the reunion of The Doors, our beloved Doors... instead of the follow-up act? I mean JDM cannot ever be replaced, but now we are all used to the idea (ROTS), maybe the time is right to relaunch with a new, like you say, established singer who is like minded, intelligent, spiritual, and with a view very much toward writing new, dark material. The band proved to me they cannot produce the goods without jim (sorry... but its only an honest opinion guys and my life is the doors to some extent so I have the right to say such a thing) and that they really do need a front man. Ian, whilst very good at filling in on a ROTS platform, in my opinion possibly had differing musical and lyrical tastes to Jim. Id be looking for someone more along the lines of JDMs style of thought, if such a person exists - though i doubt it, and with a very definite purpose.

Resurection.

I can understand what your saying...Ian was no Jim Morrison but for the gig at hand Ian was the best choice, the best man for the job. At this point I have a hard time thinking of anyone who could even come close to giving it the go that Ian did. I really want another chance to see the band live again but i do fear that whoever they get at this point wont measure up. YES!!! keep that SCOTT STAPP away from the mic...he shouldnt even be considered. Now if the band were to pick some chump like Scott Stapp I can easily say i wouldnt be interested in seeing them live or hearing anything they do. I know its not my band to say who should be considered but over my life I've bought every thing "Doors" and have been a loyal fan of the music and I think alot of people agree with the fact that if the band is to go on that it better be someone that can be even better than IAN....if not, whats the point. why take steps backwards. In my heart i think it would be best for them to just hang up the guns cause i truly cant imagine them finding that person it would take but at the same time i really wanna hear those songs live at least one more time.

cory
stratgazer

It's very cool seeing all the passion people have for Ian. I remember early on a lot of people saying, "Ian will never replace Jim", and now I see people saying "Nobody can replace Ian". Kind of ironic, huh? I loved watching Ian perform with Riders. He is a great singer/showman, and I appreciate everything he did for Riders. Great guy in person, too! He gave me some memories I'll never forget. For me though, that chapter of the "Riders" story is closed. Ian has moved on, and Ray/Robby are too. I like to celebrate the past, but not let it get in the way of the present or the future. I personally can't wait to see who Ray/Robby pick to front the band. It might take some getting used to, just like it did for Ian, but I have no doubt every live show will be an experience you won't forget. And if it gets that new album created, I'm all for it! Long live Riders!

And I'm with a lot of you. I'd love to see Ray, Robby and John perform together again. That's something for them to work out though. If it happens, I am THERE!

Dave

Couldn't agree more. If the three of them perform together again, I'm there - it don't friggin' matter who's singin'!

Being a Doors fan for 15 years approx. It looks like that....

"One eye is smiling, the other one is crying. "

Just my personal way to cope with the sorrow - Trauerarbeit - A Video....Video

dunno

If he wouldn't have done it I wouldn't be with The Cult tribe...(do I hear anybody sigh???!!!EHH???!! )

How do you call that...????....hostile takeover???....ääähhhh...no...no...no....friendly takeover...I meant "friendly"....

I dunno whats gonna happen, man....but I guess I won't like any other guy with my beloved "Doors"

...brainwash???

Hey, Jim! What's your opinion ??? (Does HE have an account here anyway???)

....SO!...I have to travel to Paris again this year to discuss this matter with him.....

And ask him how he does like the new Cult album ....That I am madly looking forward to!!!!!!!!!

This is for Jim Morrison...this is for Jim...

After re-considering it for a couple of days I think it is all right…..

Well….Ian, just go ahead…and….

BURN YOUR SHADOW!

I have burned my tomorrow
And I stand inside today
At the edge of the future
And my dreams all fade away........

Burn My Shadow

If you check out The Cult forum board you could figure out that there are more cases of being "turned around" - I don't know why...I don't know how...

THE CULT! Bad case of severe addiction I suppose the only cure is to increase the dose.....more...and more...AND...........MORE!!!

I started to panic recently when I realised that my mp3-player was goin to pack up...I thought I never could make the way to my work (and back) without listening to The Cult ect -could you imagine to stop breathing???!!!. Fortunately I have a credit card so I could solve that matter...but this was the first time I understood that something got out of control....(and I cant believe that I am posting that on the internet..........)

Astbury: "We don't have fans....we have addicts...." ____OH, yeah...I know what you're talking about , baby....


Schlimm! Schlimm! Wirklich Schlimm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really doubt they will use the "Doors" name even if John does indeed return. I would be pissed if they did, after all the shit and lawsuits, and John's "it ain't The Doors" without Jim, he'd be a hypocrite in my opinion. Riders on the Storm is good enough!

I agree Shep...but they (Ray, Robby, and John) did play on VH1 StoryTellers as "The Doors"...so if you look at that well....hmm...what do you come up with......John is/was a hyprocrite??? What are your thoughts?

Peace,
M-B

I got you totally. I wondered the same thing at the beginning of John's lawsuit, he's never answered to his reasoning to Storytellers or the subsequent 2 albums they made following Jim's passing. I believe his departure in 2002 on the eve of the Harley Davidson gig was totally because of his dislike of Ian Astbury as the front man. When they continued without him, his ace of spades was filing the lawsuit preventing them from using the name without him. He's basically made himself a hypocrite on those things alone. Many people outside of the diehards like us realize those elements of the story, those 2 albums were not commercially successful, alot of people don't even know they exist. John's cool but I think his break with the band is more due to a "my way or the highway" than anything else. BUT! That said, with all his press statements about the band not being "The Doors" without Jim, he's (another analogy) at the point of no return if he joins Riders. Once again, just my thoughts.


Oh and Nostylesolitaire, the one good thing at the end of all of this, The Cult gained alot of new fans because of Ian's involvement with us, just as I'm sure Ray and Robbie gained from Cult fans. In a way it's been a win win for all of us.

What happened to AK's posting? I was replying to both him and M-B, I wanted his response to mine!

Not sure. I don't think any posts are missing from AK.
Dave

Maybe I cornfused myself. I was thinking he did but I could be wrong. Mary-Beth might clarify.

Hi Shep, my buddy...my friend .....honestly....I'm not sure....posts are missing though from time to time...but I'm not sure if they are this time....sorry!
Peace,
M-B

None of my posts have disappeared.

It's funny to see this topic now. My original post was only a few weeks old and I've already completely changed my outlook.

First and foremost, I didn't think Ray and Robby were going to continue. I thought things were done, and I was ok with that. Secondly, if they were going to go on, I couldn't think of anyone that could actually pull the job off.

Well, Ray and Robby announce a new singer and he looks to be a good one. Quite possibly a great one. That's enough for me to change my mind. Ian was great, but the momentum of the band had slowed considerably in the past year or two. The setlists weren't changing much, the press for the band was minimum and I had completely written off ever seeing an album. Now all of a sudden- everything is different and there's some fresh blood in the band- just what it needed.

Following Jim and now Ian is tough work. Lucky for us, Brett has a great voice and the right attitude. You can't ask for much more.

Good points, I actually heard on an FM classic rock station the announcement of Brett with ROTS, first time I have ever heard them mentioned on regular radio, I have heard them (ROTS) brought up on Sat radio 1 time for show at Congress.

Who the hell is Brett Scallions? Personally I think the picture used looks gay. Singers don't impress me. The music sells the singer, the singer sells the songs. Morrison's voice was another instrument for the band. The band gelled and played as one.

I saw D21C at the infamous Chicago Loopfest when Ian and the band laid waste to everyone and everything within a mile; no one sat down and no performance in Chicago for the next year could stand up to the energy. The band gelled and played as one.

I have no doubt the band will sell the singer to me. I would buy anything from this band. It's a trust I have had in them for over forty years.

Thanks Jim

Thanks Ian

Thanks Ray, Robby, Phil, and the Monster

hell yeah dude. loopfest was simply an excuse for the doors to walk in there, absolutely tear zz top, blue oyster cult, and tesla apart and blow the onlookers away. that was a study in rockin out.

Ian was really good. I don't really care about the resemblance bit as that's just an image thing and the last thing this culture needs these day is any more of a focus on image/posturing/posing, but he had a great energy about him and sang the songs really well when I saw him in Boston. His English accent did sneak in there every once in a while...

Ian was awesome. He will be missed. He did the Doors songs justice. I really can't think of anybody else at this time that could do a better or an equal job.