John Densmore Tries To Sue The Leather Pants Off The Doors

02/05/03 5:30pm

Why can't classic rock bands just retire with dignity?

Former Doors drummer John Densmore is suing his bandmates Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger on behalf of himself and late singer Jim Morrison. It seems Densmore isn't too thrilled that Krieger and Manzarek have replaced the ghost of Morrison with Devil Child Ian Astbury from The Cult.

He's probably even less impressed that they've replaced his own self with Police drummer Stewart Copeland.

Yesterday (February 4), Densmore filed a suit in the Los Angeles Superior Court seeking unspecified damages. More than anything, he claims that he simply wants the Manzarek/Krieger/Astbury/Copeland combo to cease using the name "The Doors."

Densmore maintains that The Doors have a written and oral agreement that the name and logo can only be used by original members of the band. Last year The Doors began playing live shows with Astbury at the mic. Originally Densmore intended to play the shows, but he claimed that his doctor barred him from playing the shows due to his persistent tinnitus. Densmore has recovered, but he isn't participating in any of The Doors' upcoming appearances.

Now, the question is, did Densmore use the tinnitus as an excuse not to play because he was uncomfortable playing without Morrison, or is he suing now because he wasn't asked back once the ear condition cleared up?

Either way, he's demanding that the new band change their name, which Manzarek claims they have. Look for "The Doors For The 21st Century."