When Robby Krieger stepped onstage and started playing, for quite some time all I could do was stare at his hands while he played. I was pretty dazzled for sure - this soft spoken man with very loud pants who remains part of the orchestration of my life, my musical heart, the chords and riffs and melodies that inspired me and provided refuge for me during some of the roughest times of my life. After about a half hour, I finally became cognizant of the rest of the group. The band played over two hours of solid Doors songs, and they chose wisely. The band was all solid, including Robby's son Waylon who is a fine vocalist that helped coax the crowd slowly from the depths of their wine and food induced stupor. (To my credit, I was loud and appreciative from the start. I can't tell you how happy I was to be there.) One of my favorite moments was when Robby first picked up the slide and launched into "Moonlight Drive." I would have started crying if I hadn't been so happy.
I realize this is all very emotional response and perhaps someone who is more musically inclined wants to know if this review can be trusted because I have such obvious bias.
I've seen plenty of shows, plenty of groups. I've heard and watched other bands cover the Doors. I've covered their songs myself. This was BY FAR the best Doors musical performance I've witnessed and why wouldn't it be as one of the Doors actually hand selected the musicians - keys, bass, drums, Waylon on vocals, and Robby on guitar. At one point, a guitarist who had played in a Doors tribute band joined them onstage and there was some pretty sweet dueling SG action. I don't remember which song, sadly - I was very close and more than a little starstruck. About halfway through, the energy picked up a bit more and Robby started tearing through some evocative and expressive improv riffs that I allowed to carry me where they wanted to go. Loved the musical banter between the keyboard player and Robby. Obviously a highly talented group and it's wonderful to see the legacy carry on with such spirit and honor. By "The End," a lot of us were on our feet for the entire song. I would've been glad to stand and dance the entire show. My soul was on fire for sure. Thanks for everything, Mr. Krieger and co.