It’s been 60 years since The Doors burst onto the music scene, and the band’s legacy shows no signs of fading. Drummer John Densmore recently reflected on this milestone, marveling at the longevity of the group formed in Los Angeles in 1965. “When I was a kid, 60 years old seemed like, ‘Well, you’ll be dead any minute,’” Densmore joked in an interview with Billboard. “And here we are.”
The band’s 60th anniversary celebration kicks off this fall, with a series of archival releases and a host of events to follow in 2025, keeping The Doors’ influence alive for both longtime fans and new generations alike.
Archival Releases Highlighting the Band’s Legacy
Fans will be able to experience some of The Doors’ most iconic work in newly remastered formats. Starting November 22, Rhino will release The Doors 1967-1971, a six-LP vinyl collection featuring the studio albums released during Jim Morrison’s lifetime. Limited to just 3,000 copies, this set will appeal to audiophiles and collectors alike, showcasing the band’s classic records with enhanced sound quality through Rhino’s High Fidelity vinyl series.
Just a week later, in time for Record Store Black Friday, a four-disc remastered vinyl edition of Live in Detroit will hit the shelves. This recording, from a May 8, 1970, concert at Cobo Arena, is notable as the longest performance The Doors ever played. “The 25-song set is something special,” said Jeff Jampol, the band’s manager, who also oversees the Morrison estate. Fans can expect a powerful reminder of the band’s live presence during their heyday.
Night Divides the Day: A New Book Celebrating The Doors
In early 2025, The Doors will release Night Divides the Day, a 344-page book from Genesis Publications, packed with fresh interviews with Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger. The book will also feature never-before-seen photos, archival material from Morrison and late keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and commentary from colleagues and admirers. Notable contributors include Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic, who penned the foreword, and conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who provides an afterword praising The Doors’ creative genius.
For dedicated fans, the book will be available as a limited edition, with 2,000 numbered box sets signed by Densmore and Krieger. As a bonus, the set will include rare demo recordings of “Hello, I Love You” and “Moonlight Drive” on a 7-inch vinyl disc, making it a must-have for collectors.
Aiming to Reach New Generations
Jampol emphasized the importance of keeping The Doors relevant for both existing fans and new listeners. “Here we are 60 years later talking about them, and they’re just as relevant—the music is more relevant than ever,” he said. His goal is to both celebrate The Doors’ enduring fan base and introduce their groundbreaking sound to younger generations who might be unfamiliar with their music.
“The fans who have been with us all this time are excellent passers-on of the baton,” Jampol said, noting that the music itself continues to resonate across decades. Guitarist Robby Krieger echoed this sentiment, stating that younger fans are drawn to the music, even without knowing much about the legendary Jim Morrison mystique.
“When you get right down to it, it’s the songs,” Krieger said. “A lot of kids come up to me, like 10-year-old kids, ‘Yeah, I love the Doors.’ I don’t think they even know about the Jim Morrison myths as much as they love the music. And I think that’s what’s gonna carry it for the next 50 years, or more.”
Looking Ahead: More Celebrations to Come
The upcoming book and vinyl releases are just the beginning of The Doors’ 60th anniversary festivities. According to Jampol, there are additional plans in the works, including museum exhibitions, art installations, and potentially more archival releases throughout 2025.
John Densmore, who reunited with Krieger for a benefit concert in 2016, expressed interest in a celebratory live performance to honor the band’s 60th anniversary. “The Doors 60th at the Hollywood Bowl would be quite wonderful,” Densmore said. The Hollywood Bowl holds special significance for The Doors, having hosted the band for a memorable performance in July 1968, which was recorded and filmed. Densmore hopes that such a celebration could feature performances from both himself and Krieger, alongside other notable artists.
The Doors’ Enduring Legacy
Despite the loss of Morrison in 1971, and later Manzarek in 2013, The Doors’ influence has only grown over the years. As Densmore noted, the band’s chemistry and unique sound were apparent from the start. “I hoped we would last 10 years and pay the rent: ‘That’d be cool,’” Densmore joked. “I knew the ingredients were unique. It was a wonderful, blessed few years. And that we’re still talking about it? Come on, man!”
With the upcoming releases and events, it’s clear that The Doors’ music will continue to inspire and captivate listeners for generations to come. Whether through the timeless tracks or the stories behind them, The Doors remain as relevant today as they were six decades ago, and their 60th anniversary celebration is a fitting tribute to their lasting impact on rock and roll.
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Photo Credit: Joel Brodsky / Elektra Records (Public Domain)