The traffic towards Hollywood is always bad. Luckily I was not driving, and I had enough Doors music to keep me sane. It took us about an hour and half to get to Universal, a trip that normally would take less than an hour. It was worth the wait though. We were about 2 hours early, but that was the plan. Arrive early and walk around city walk until I spot one of the members. I mean, I knew that they would have to take a walk around. My friend was hungry, so he went to eat. I could not eat. I was too nervous and excited to do anything but look for Ray or Robby. When my friend was done, we headed back toward the amphitheatre.

We were walking on the top level when some guy stopped my friend and I and asked if we were there to see The Doors. I’m assuming he got that impression from our Doors shirts. When we confirmed our reason for being there, he stated that RAY MANZAREK was right below us! I caught my breath, and ran downstairs to see a small crowd around the man himself. I gathered my box and waited in line. I overheard Ray say that he refused to sign anything else but the concert tickets. I must admit that I was disappointed at first. However, the most important thing was that I was standing in front of Ray Manzerik and I was a half hour away from seeing The Doors 21st Century for the second time. When it was my turn I handed him my ticket and tried to remember my speech that I had put together earlier. Unfortunately, because I was in shock my memory went blank and all I! could say is “I LOVE YOU”.

In a half daze, I slowly parted from Ray and headed to the amphitheater to get my seats. The crowd was very diverse. You had people of all colors and ages, which is really a great thing. Once we got inside we sat and waited patiently for the lights to dim. That’s always a sign that the band is about to come on stage. I was hoping to hear Love Street again, but I was happy that I was able to hear them play it live 5 months earlier. After about a half hour, the lights finally went out.

Everyone started screaming and I had a feeling of complete satisfaction before the show had even started. I heard people messing with the drums and what not, making sure everything was plugged in and sounding great for the band. Out of nowhere a man’s voice calls out, “Ladies and Gentlemen, from Los Angeles California, THE 21ST CENTURY DOORS”!!!! It was then that I heard Robby’s intro to 'Road House Blues'. It was the same intro I had seen at the first Doors concert, but it was like hearing it for the first time all over again. I loved the fact that Ray and Robby both looked happy to be there, onstage, performing togethe! r, and celebrating Jim Morrison and their music together. I respect Ian Asbury so much for doing what he is doing. He made it very clear that he was not trying to replace Jim Morrison, or be Jim Morrison, but to celebrate his music and his life. I couldn't’t help but notice the way Ian moved up there. The way he hung over the mic. Kicked his feet up while rocking out and even the way he screamed and wailed. It was all too familiar, in a great way. I love the fact that every song, is just like the original, but at the same time it’s so different too. I love the Indian dancers that come out during the show. It adds a special touch.