My husband and I attended The Doors 21st Century concert in Portsmouth/Virginia Beach, VA on August 22nd and all I can say is… awesome... no words can even express the energy of their music and their performance!!!

We entered the Pavilion near where the boats were docked and it was a beautiful but extremely humid night. We made our way through the crowd and I was so excited I left my husband to get our drinks so I wouldn't miss any of the show. I wasn't sure of what to expect without Jim, of course, and Ty Dennis was sitting in for John. I just sat in my seat looking around at the others and saw such a range of people from old to young and everything in between.

The show began late. I am not sure if this was to build excitement or if it was to imitate Jim being late to arrive on stage like in the old days. The band took the stage in a casual way with no intro and the backdrop flashed a picture of the late, great Jim Morrison. It was very dramatic and the crowd roared with intense excitement as the band broke into “Peace Frog.” It was then that I knew we were going to experience something I never thought was possible. Ray was pounding away on his keyboard so precisely and Ian looked and sounded so much like Jim it was amazing. Robby was jamming away on his guitar like no time had ever passed. The rest of the band was great as well. They continued to play song after song never missing a beat: “Break On Through,” “Texas Radio And The Big Beat,” “Soul Kitchen,” “People Are Strange,” “L.A. Woman,” “Roadhouse Blues,” “Backdoor Man,” “Love Me Two Times” and “Five To One.” As the band played the backdrop presented everything from old film footage of The Doors to psychedelic colors and dark scenes portraying the lyrics of their music. I presume Ray had a hand in that area.

I was mesmerized the entire time and many others and I found it hard to not move and dance to the music. I closed my eyes at times just trying to take it all in. And then Robby came out with his Flamenco acoustic guitar and played a lengthy and beautiful intro to “Spanish Caravan.” I just held my breath. They each played a small solo while introducing the new additions to the band. There was Ian who sang and "played the roll of Jim," Ty who played percussion and to my surprise Angelo Barbera who played bass so that Ray didn't have to with his left hand. They played brilliantly together! They gave two encores, one being “Riders On The Storm” which began with a dark, lighting filled backdrop, and then when it appeared that the concert was over and the stage was lit up brightly Ray came out and said, "Hey we aren't done playing yet," and they took their places and began “When The Music's Over.” Wow!

Finally, I must state my amazement at the way the two remaining Doors played together as one especially when Robby would find his way over near Ray's keyboard while they played with all of their heart and soul!!!

I was also fortunate to get the opportunity to meet the guy’s backstage after the show. Many thanks to "Bob, the sound guy" for hooking me up. I also enjoyed meeting Ty and Angelo. I didn't even realize who they were until someone told me (this I apologize for). Angelo joked about being a "roadie" and was very modest about his wonderful performance. I had so many things I wanted to say to Ray and Robby but I didn't want to sound stupid by telling them something they most likely hear from fans all the time. I had this old cardboard/promotion for the "Dance On Fire" film from the early 80's which has Jim's life size face on it. I dug it out of the attic because I felt it would be a good opportunity and a nice display of Ray and Robby's and the rest of the band’s autographs. Ian was the first to sign and he politely turned it over as in respect for Jim and autographed it with the words "Jim Lives—Peace." When I got to Ray he asked what I had. He and Robby looked pleased to sign it as I talked with each of them. Robby was on the end and the last one to talk with. I was so caught up in the moment that I leaned over slightly and asked Robby for a small kiss on the cheek and gave him a hug as well. He looked shy even then. He plays beautifully and brilliantly but seems to hide in the shadows even while on stage.