Setlists & unreleased work

[Dougs]

Hey Vince

How did the guys come up with their setlists?

Do you think there is much unreleased material that could be remastered and touched up the three guys a possibly released?

Thanks
Dougs

[vince]

Hi

Well I cannot say for sure since I am not part of the organization any more. But it is my considered opinion that Ray, in co-operation with Bruce Botnick, Elektra/Warner and others involved, has probably released all the material that was in the vaults. Remember that it has been nearly 40 years since their last performance and little more than 30 years since the Trio performed.

In that time there has been a prolific number of releases of the original materials in CD as well as materials that Paul R. considered of lesser quality and should not be put out for public consumption (How does one arrive at that decision since he produced and supervised the recording of it). They have also purchased many tapes made on site by private parties and these have been released on CD's .

I doubt that there is much left to release that has not been heard before. You remember that for some years after the Stone movie there was a flurry of releases consisting of repackaged original material and then in combination with archival pieces from the Warner tape vaults.

This is about the best guess that I have. Ray has been in charge of that working with Dan Sugerman. Ray would be the best source of the accurate information since Danny is now longer with us.

Thanks for the question. It is an interesting thought. 8)

[vince]

It might surprise you to learn that it was a rare occasion that any "Set List" was ever committed to the written word.

They knew the most popular of their music without thinking. They would come on stage and about 10 seconds before anything was Decided, Ray would start the set of with

Ompa ompa ompa ompa brumb ompa ompa... and off they go. Occasionally one of them would speak up between Ray, John and Robbie and launch the song. All Jim had to do was hear the first few notes and he knew what was coming. Once in a while Robby would wander over and ask me what I thought and often as not they would play that.

It was mostly an off the cuff thing. Spontaneous. Whatever hit them at that instant was the next song they would play. that is one reason why, even with sequential shows, no two sets were the same.

These guys, remember were classically trained. They were superlative musicians, They were an absolute team that, when on stage, had strings of notes running through their heads. All they had to do was press "Pause" to stop at the right song for this moment.

You had to be there and watch it work. They were like a well oiled machine running on the finest precision bearings. When it came to Music, I have to say that it was a rare day when the music itself was less than exciting and played with vigour, enthusiasm and precision, even when improvising, which they did often. It was the singer who could, and often did, spoil the otherwise spectacular show.

Remember that song - When your hot you're hot and when you're not, you're not... that was Jim. When he was hot - Watch out. these Guys could blow your fuses right out of the sockets.

For those who never heard a doors performance, you will never know. For those who did - You will never forget. It would be impossible for anyone to ever, even with amnesia, forget a live Doors Concert.

Can anyone tell me why, what was Jim thinking when he walked that path that now denies us the sensation of a live Doors Concert.

A little older, fatter, more wrinkled, balding grey hair... those are only the atributes of people, But that music lives today - Ageless, unchanged, overwhelming. You had to be there.

Hey, Who cares what the set list was or how they made it up. After a Doors show you couldn't think too clearly for at least a week. You probably couldn't remember what they played. You only knew you have gone through some kind of experience - like after rohypnol or something.

I don't know why but just thinking about the shows makes me excited. I want to take you all back and let you in to hear the show. If you agree to help move the equipment, you get a place on stage - for every show thereafter. Hah - People talk about being members of a Fan Club - How about being members of the Band Boys Club. Now that really gives you bragging rights. And a Doors performance you will never get from any seat in the house.

Badum da da, badum, da da....let's fly to the moon baby....

But I can't take you with me.

Thanks, Ray, Robby, John and Jim for a wonderful 4 years. You were the best of them all. I don't forget.

[secrethostofthetownship]

MAN VINCE,WRITE A BOOK,PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE!!!

I KNOW ALL TRUE DOORS FANATICS WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR SIDE(OF THE STAGE)STORY!!!

MAN,YOU WERE ONE LUCKY S.O.B.

Peace

[vince]

At this time, the compilations of many stories and anecdotes amount to about 149 pages.

I have not written about more of the riots, experiences we had traveling, there are shows I have not mentioned.

The story does center around me, You know what an egotist I am. I mean, fair is fair, there are Dozens of books about Jim and NONE about me. Actually I think I am the lucky one

Seriously, I do have a lot written and more outlined. When I post information here I also copy it to the draft. After all, if it is important here it is also information that others would like to have and consider.

I am not a hero, I did not save any fair damsels fromthe Back Door Man (I did hear some really strange stories though) I di not presume to tell about ray John, Jim ro Robby outside of our professional relationship or direct contact with them.

No guess and speculation.

So hang on. I am working on it. one nice guy is interested in getting it published and another is thinking about some comic strip type illustrations.