No matter that I live in Chicago and the show was in California or that I am a starving artist w/ no money. I was going to be there. I remember walking the two miles from the hotel to the concert thinking how great my girl was for letting me drag her half way across the country and now through this hot ass desert just to fuel my obsession w/ a rock band that broke up years befor I was born. So, the sun sets, the desert cools, the Harley Davidson family was booed and applauded, and then..."from Los Angeles, California...The Doors!!" I must have held my breath for two hours. It was a grand comeback. Ray was awesome.

The stoic blues man, tapping his foot and shaking his head, all the fire back in his fingers. Robby as flawless as ever burning all those hooks that made me a Doors junkie. Ian seemed a bit nervous at first (and who wouldn't be, filling those pants) But quickly recovered to give the performance I hoped he would, effectiveley, and thankfully muting those utterances of " what about Val Kimer" somebody really should do something about that midget oliver stone, he f**ks up everything. any way, I was thrilled to be there. The Ghost dancers were a great touch and John Doe reading Jim's words was a real treat. I've often read that outdoor concerts were not the best venue for the Doors. That show definateley kills that theory. One of the best I've ever seen, w/ the exception of the show they put on here in Chicago. Two hours of balls out rock and roll to a sold out crowd in the historic Chicago theatre. They held nothing back here folks, the doors you've only heard about.

I think that Ian really sold the masses here. what a perfect choice to front this band now. And maybe you've been wondering about the doors w/ a bass player? Man, It's like giving Ray a third hand, and he uses it to great effect, those beautiful organ notes flickering faster than thought,really can possess a man. Not to mention, the drum and bass solo was bad ass, especially when the drummer decided he wanted to play the bass as well and starting strumming the strings w/ his sticks while the bassist hammered on the frets. Ray and Robby, what can I say, those two played like it was 1968. Top of their game and believe me I'm their worst critic as well as biggest fan, If they weren't up to par, I'd be the first to say so and leave disappointed.

Ray was obviously glad to be back in Chicago and said so a few times to huge applause. Robby, ever the rock star, easily shows all of us youngins where our roots are. (Creed can suck on this. you too, Aerosmith.) When the music's over was the song that brought the Doors into my head, and when they played it here, it only reaffirmed my commitment to this band. When Robby threw in a bit of "my favorite things" into the guitar solo, I smiled and thought, me too. They played a new song, 'Cops Talk'. Pretty good, I hope to hear it again soon. 'Not To Touch The Earth' damn near killed the kid standing next to me. He was so excited that for a minute I thought he might be having convulsions until he jumped up, hugged me, and took off running laps through the aisles. The entire audience obviously felt the same way. This was truly a mad house, people snake dancing in the aisles, running around w/ flags, chanting, stomping...Ian was even antagonizing the security, taunting them and trying to pull people out of the audinece. Finally, he just jumped over their heads and joined the masses.