By
Rob Jones
The Doors formed in 1965 in Los Angeles with a line up of Jim Morrison (vocals), Ray Manzarek (keyboards), Robby Krieger (guitar) and John Densmore (drums). Until the untimely death of their iconic lead singer in 1971 this four piece became a leading lyrical, musical and performance entity –and, their star still shines brightly many years on.
A lustrous legacy has left a cause for celebration and carrying the baton with this ideal are UK based tribute group-The Doors Alive. This quartet is a European combo because its parts consist of a Dutchman, a couple of Hungarians and a Yorkshire lad. This make up alone confirms the global impact of their inspiration-and, a show at The Acapela Studio, Pentyrch displayed that The Doors Alive do justice to a batch of illustrious tunes.
A selection of material that propelled the 60’s icons to fame was also accompanied by several stage favourites that did not feature on studio albums but did crop up on live recordings. A two half set afforded quantity and quality-and, the interval had the players mingling freely with their audience.
It was not a surprise that a phenomenal, elongated Light my Fire was the top of the crop-and, the musicians earned their corn with a show of dexterity and durability. The career of The Doors was traversed and other renowned favourites such as Break on Through (To the other Side), Backdoor Man, Riders on the Storm, Five to One, Strange Days, Roadhouse Blues, LA Woman and The End led the pack of pristine pop. The respective lights of the aforementioned numbers will always shine bright-but, even some of the more obscure offerings hit the spot because this 2016 incarnation really replicate the rhythms with a potent, polished, and professional application.
21 year old Holland export Mike is a newer addition-but, The Doors Alive has not suffered because the looks and moves of the new incumbent offer a well studied portrayal of The Lizard King. The rest of the outfit also adopt key roles and in particular the nuances of Norbert paid testament to the momentum of Manzarek (who sadly passed away in 2013). Elsewhere, the beats were kept in check as each segment of this whole ensured that the standards did not drop-and, it is evident that these guys have clearly done their homework.
In the intimate settings of Acapela (which was once a church) The Doors Alive had a crowd in their faces and also looming from the gallery-so there was nowhere to escape. The aural attraction were put under pressure from certain adoring punters laboriously filming, jumping on stage and getting in they way of proceedings. Nonetheless, full credit to The Doors Alive for keeping their cool and delivering the goods.
When the Music’s Over and it is time to leave everyone in attendance had been entertained and taken back to a period where The Doors were pioneers. Meanwhile, in the context of this unique venue it was even more of a treat to savour those seminal songs.
When it comes to honouring heroes The Doors Alive are kings of the highway!
