One of the last surviving members of the iconic 1960s band The Doors delighted fans with a rare public appearance in Los Angeles this week. At 80 years old, legendary drummer John Densmore was spotted looking sprightly during a trip to a grocery store in the upscale seaside town of Malibu.
A Timeless Style Reminiscent of Rock 'n' Roll Glory
Densmore, who helps keep The Doors' legacy alive alongside guitarist Robby Krieger, 81, appeared in high spirits as he strolled through the parking lot. Sporting a relaxed yet effortlessly cool outfit—a white Oxford shirt, cargo pants, and a fedora—his ensemble hinted at the iconic style of his late bandmate Jim Morrison, though it was a far cry from their rock star days on the Sunset Strip.
From Psychedelic Rangers to Rock Immortality
True fans will recall that Densmore first teamed up with Krieger in a band called the Psychedelic Rangers before they formed one of the most famous bands in history. In 1965, alongside Morrison and keyboardist Ray Manzarek, they launched The Doors, recording their debut album at Sunset Sound in 1966.
Densmore's career has been remarkably diverse beyond his time with The Doors. He has delved into the performing arts as both a dancer and an actor, finding success as a playwright and author. His best-selling autobiography, Riders on the Storm (1990), chronicled his life, his experiences with Jim Morrison, and the iconic days of the band. He also penned The Seekers (2020), reflecting on encounters with remarkable figures throughout his career.
Television Appearances and Band Dynamics
In addition to his literary achievements, Densmore made several memorable TV appearances. He played himself in the TV show Square Pegs, portraying a drummer for Johnny Slash's band Open 24 Hours, and appeared in a 1992 episode of Beverly Hills 90210 as Ben, Dylan's sponsor.
According to Riders on the Storm, Densmore once quit the band due to Morrison's increasingly self-destructive behavior, though he famously rejoined the next day. He repeatedly suggested that the band stop touring because of Morrison's erratic conduct, but his bandmates resisted.
The Doors' Tumultuous Final Years and Legacy
Following The Doors' infamous disastrous performance in New Orleans on December 12, 1970, where Morrison rambled incoherently, the band agreed to stop performing live. This marked the final public appearance of The Doors as a quartet. After Morrison's death in 1971, the surviving members recorded two more albums, blending Morrison's pre-recorded poetry with their music. Densmore stayed with the band until its formal dissolution in 1973.
In 1978, The Doors reunited to create An American Prayer, an album combining new tracks with Morrison's spoken word poetry from 1969 and 1970. The band briefly reformed in 1993 for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and took on various one-off projects in subsequent years.
Legal Battles and Enduring Success
In 2002, when Manzarek, Krieger, and The Cult's Ian Astbury began performing as The Doors of the 21st Century, Densmore, along with Morrison's estate, successfully sued over the use of the band's name. The group later settled on the name Manzarek–Krieger and continued to tour until Manzarek's death in 2013.
The Doors became the first American band to earn eight consecutive RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum albums. They have sold over 36 million albums in the U.S. alone and more than 100 million records worldwide, cementing their place as one of the best-selling bands of all time. Magazines like Rolling Stone have consistently ranked them among the greatest artists ever, placing them 41st on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Densmore's rare appearance in Malibu serves as a poignant reminder of The Doors' enduring impact on music history and the lasting legacy of its members.
