Manzarek–Krieger
| Company type | Rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger |
| Defunct | 2013 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | International |
Key people | Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, Ian Astbury, Angelo Barbera, Stewart Copeland, Ty Dennis, Phil Chen, Brett Scallions, Miljenko Matijevic, Dave Brock |
| Products | Live performances, live concert CDs, concert DVD (LA Woman Live) |
Manzarek–Krieger was a rock group from the United States established in 2002 by former members of the Doors, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger. They were also known under the names "The Doors of the 21st Century", "D21C", and "Riders on the Storm". However, due to legal conflicts with Doors co-founder John Densmore, they ultimately performed under the titles "Manzarek–Krieger" or "Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors". Their repertoire consisted solely of Doors songs until Manzarek passed away in 2013.
Formation
The year 2002 marked the reunion of Manzarek and Krieger as "The Doors of the 21st Century," featuring Ian Astbury from The Cult as lead vocalist, alongside bassist Angelo Barbera. Drummer John Densmore did not take part, reportedly because of tinnitus. Initially, Stewart Copeland from the Police was brought in as drummer but departed after sustaining an injury, which led to legal disputes. He was subsequently replaced by Ty Dennis, a member of Krieger's own band.
Densmore later asserted that he was never invited to join this project. The band made appearances on television programs such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.
Legal issues with The Doors name
In 2003, Densmore attempted to prevent the use of the name The Doors of the 21st Century. Although his initial request was denied, a 2005 court injunction compelled Manzarek and Krieger to change their name first to D21C and later to Riders on the Storm, a title inspired by a Doors track from L.A. Woman. They were allowed to identify themselves as former members of The Doors.
Densmore expressed willingness to rejoin only if the band was led by Eddie Vedder, whom he commended for his vocal abilities. Vedder had previously performed Doors songs alongside original members during the 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
He also declined offers to license Doors music for advertising campaigns, including a $15 million proposal from Cadillac, citing preservation of the music’s integrity. Manzarek highlighted their commitment to maintaining Morrison’s poetic heritage through live performances.
Manzarek characterized their musical style as polished and contemporary, focusing on keyboards, guitar, drums, bass, and vocals to keep The Doors' legacy alive.
In 2008, the California Supreme Court upheld the injunction restricting use of The Doors' name. Following this ruling, Manzarek and Krieger toured under the names Manzarek-Krieger or Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors. Ray Manzarek passed away in May 2013 due to bile duct cancer.
Changing lineups
Bassist Angelo Barbera departed in 2004 and was succeeded by Phil Chen, who had previously collaborated with Krieger in the Butts Band.
On February 16, 2007, Ian Astbury left Riders on the Storm to focus on reviving his band, the Cult. Shortly after, on March 14, 2007, Brett Scallions, formerly lead vocalist of Fuel, was introduced as the new frontman for Riders on the Storm.
In May 2010, Miljenko Matijevic from Steelheart joined as lead singer for their U.S. tour. One highlight was a complimentary outdoor performance in Manzarek's hometown of Napa, California during the Napa River Festival, where they were accompanied by the Napa Valley Symphony for renditions of "Light My Fire" and "Riders on the Storm."
Later in 2010, Dave Brock replaced Matijevic as vocalist. Brock was well-acquainted with The Doors’ catalog through his role in The Jim Morrison Rock Opera and leading his tribute group Wild Child. Krieger told Billboard: "We’ve always hesitated to bring him in... because some say, ‘Oh, you’re using a tribute singer.’ But when Journey brought in that karaoke singer (Arnel Pineda), everyone embraced it, so we thought, ‘If they can do that, so can we.’ He’s been fantastic... When audiences come to see Ray and me, they expect authentic Doors music performed properly, so why not enlist someone who truly masters it? He knows these songs better than we do."
Touring
In 2011, the ensemble embarked on a tour that included performances in Mexico, Bolivia, France, Israel, Russia, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Austria. While most nations hosted a single concert, Mexico stood out with six shows held across various cities. During all Mexican dates and the La Paz, Bolivia performance, Forrest Penner stepped in on guitar as Robby Krieger was unwell. Additionally, Rick Manczarek, Ray Manzarek's brother and a member of Rick & the Ravens, made multiple guest guitar appearances throughout the tour.
Recordings
In an interview with Billboard, Krieger disclosed that he and Manzarek had been collaborating with Astbury on new music compositions. They intended to celebrate the Doors' 50th anniversary in 2016 with an extensive global tour; however, these plans were discontinued following Manzarek’s passing in 2013.
Although the band did not issue any official studio albums, they occasionally offered live concert CDs through DiscLive. In 2003, under the name The Doors of the 21st Century, they released a concert DVD titled LA Woman Live, showcasing a live rendition of the L.A. Woman album—a record the original Doors never toured due to Jim Morrison’s death. For the 2000 tribute compilation Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors, Ian Astbury recorded "Touch Me" alongside surviving Doors members, marking the closest approach to an official studio track from this reassembled lineup. Astbury also collaborated with his band the Cult and Ray Manzarek on "Wild Child" for the same project. Since Astbury’s exit, no additional studio recordings have been produced with subsequent lead vocalists.
During their live performances, the group introduced new material intended for a studio album that was never completed. These tracks included "Cops Talk", "Forever", "Eagle in a Whirlwind", and "American Express". The songwriting credits feature Astbury alongside Michael McClure, Jim Carroll, John Doe, Henry Rollins, among others, with recording sessions planned for 2003–2004.
Live performances
Live recordings officially distributed as The Doors of the 21st Century via DiscLive include:
- New Year's Eve 2004 show in Hollywood, CA (12/31/03)
- Atlanta, GA concert (5/1/04)
- West Palm Beach, FL performance (5/2/04)
- New York City, NY: "Live from the Five" (5/5/04)
- Uncasville, CT show (5/6/04)
- Denver, CO concert (6/18/04)
- Anaheim, CA New Year's Eve 2005 event (12/31/04)
Members
Former members
- Ray Manzarek – keyboards and vocals (2002–2013; deceased 2013)
- Robby Krieger – guitar and vocals (2002–2013)
- Ian Astbury – lead vocals (2002–2007)
- Angelo Barbera – bass guitar (2002–2004)
- Stewart Copeland – drums and percussion (2002–2003)
- Ty Dennis – drums and percussion (2003–2013)
- Phil Chen – bass guitar (2004–2013; deceased 2021)
- Brett Scallions – lead vocals (2007–2010)
- Miljenko Matijevic – lead vocals (2010)
- Dave Brock – lead vocals (2010–2013)
Guest musicians
- Rick Manzarek – guitar, whistle, percussion (2011)
- Owen Goldman – percussion (2011)
- Forrest Penner – guitar (2011; Mexico/South America tour March 2011; substituted for Krieger due to illness)
- Alex Lora – vocals (2011; performed on Light My Fire during Mexico City tour on March 3, 2011)
Timeline
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Lineups
| 2002–2003 The Doors of the 21st Century |
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|---|---|
| 2003–2004 D21C/Riders on the Storm |
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| 2004–2007 Riders on the Storm |
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| 2007–2010 Riders on the Storm / Manzarek–Krieger |
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| 2010 Manzarek–Krieger |
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| 2010–2013 Manzarek–Krieger |
Guest Musicians
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External links
- under the name The Doors of the 21st Century
- under the name The Doors of the 21st Century
- Articles with short description
- The Doors
- American blues rock bands
- Musical groups formed in 2002
- Musical groups disbanded in 2013
- American five-member bands
- Hard rock bands from California
- Psychedelic rock bands from California
- 2002 establishments in California
- 2013 disestablishments in California
- Musical groups disestablished in 2013