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An interview with John
Densmore
by Bret
Lueder
Riding the storm to Chico was
former Doors drummer John Densmore, still traveling on a
performance/lecture tour that began in 1991 with the release
of his autobiography Riding On the Storm.
"But I'm not
really touring anymore," said Densmore backstage after his
hour-plus September 16 performance, lecture, and
question-and-answer session. "I just drove up here for the
day."
There were about 600 people in Chico States
Laxson Auditorium who were very grateful he did. This was a
rare opportunity to peer through the window in time that John
Densmore lived throughthe 60s, era of eclectic/psychedelic
rock band The Doors featuring singer/enigma Jim Morrison. Oh
yeah, and three other guys - guitarist Robbie Krieger,
keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and drummer Densmore.
It was
refreshing to hear a first-hand version of how the band
evolved and disintegrated around one of rocks most celebrated
and scrutinized figures. Yet despite the obvious influence of
Morrison on the other Doors, all struggled with their
individuality apart from him. This is why Densmore wrote his
book, to articulate to others, as well as himself, what the
years 1965 to 1971 meant to him, and the world.
"It
was very frustrating sometimes," said Densmore about life on
stage with Morrison. "But some nights were magic."
"That's what made it all worthwhile," he smiled.
Morrisons antics forced the band to develop an improvisational
style which was both a blessing and a curse. "We never knew
what we were going to get," Densmore recalled.
Morrison kept them guessing right through his own
supposed death in 71. Being the amateur conspiracy theorist
that I am, I couldnt resist asking Densmore about the rumors
that still circulate about Morrison faking his death.
"So is it true that the first time you saw Jims grave,
you exclaimed, The grave is too short!" I prompted.
"It is too short," he admitted.
"So does that
mean . . . "
He pulled his head up from packing his
equipment, looked me in the eye and cut me off. "I'm not
implying anything," he said firmly. I could tell he gave no
credence whatsoever to any death/conspiracy theory.
"Do you ever get tired of talking about Jim?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied.
I was under the impression
The Doors didnt use a bass, but Densmore set me straight.
"We used a bass player on all the albums. It was just
on tour that we didnt," he explained. "Ray would still play
the same [bass] lines, but give it more punch."
"Then
it's pretty much the same being a drummer playing with a bass
player as opposed to being a drummer playing with the
keyboards?" I wondered.
"No, it's not the same at all,
because Ray would be a single mind holding down the bass line
and when he'd take a solo, he'd rush," said Densmore. "His
left hand was the bass and I had to really . . . like . . . "
He tensed up, clenching both hands in front of him. "Eeeasy,
Ray, easy. Cmon. But it gave me more room." He smiled again.
Its like a wide receiver in football: even though the
defensive back is quick, the wide receiver always has the
advantage, because he knows ahead of time where he is going to
go. The same for Manzarek and Densmore.
Densmore is
animated, yet soft-spoken; dynamic, but approachable; and his
skill in storytelling was apparent throughout his performance
and my brief interview. He demonstrated his wry, satirical
humor, his mastery of the more subtle aspects of drumming, and
the overall thoughtfulness and care with which he helped
create the music of The Doors.
Now in his 50s,
Densmore is a native Los Angelean who still resides there.
Since The Doors disbanding in 1971, Densmore has worked in the
theater, writing, acting and playing percussion for various
dance pieces. He has co-directed and produced several
long-form Doors videos and consulted with Oliver Stone in the
making of the movie The Doors, about which he says, "it's only
about two-thirds incorrect."
"So what's next for John
Densmore?" I asked
"Well for now, I think I'll pack up
and go home," he sighed.
I wasnt going to settle for that
answer so I inquired about his musical future.
"We've
been talking about getting together and doing an instrumental
album," he said and I heard several people who were back stage
mumble "Yes" in approval. An instrumental Doors album; that
would truly be cool; almost as cool as Densmore himself.
This was a memorable night; seeing, listening and
talking to John Densmore. He is the real
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