Robby Krieger of the Doors Busts Myths in New Book
‘Set the Night on Fire’ Drops Oct. 12
When the Doors released their self-titled debut in 1967, it was a revelation. Vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger produced a unique mix of rock, blues and jazz that became one of the soundtracks of the Summer of Love. Morrison died in France in 1971, Manzarek in 2013.
On Oct. 12, Krieger will release a new book, Set the Night on Fire: Living, Dying, and Playing Guitar With the Doors. The book sets straight many of the myths and falsehoods that have grown around the group in an avalanche of books, TV shows and the 1991 film The Doors, directed by Oliver Stone.
Krieger also dissects the band’s rocky relationship with their long-time producer, Paul Rothchild, who also produced Janis Joplin’s final album Pearl. Rothchild called one of the Doors’ songs “cocktail music,” which led to his departure from the L.A. Woman sessions.
The Doors never had a permanent bassist in their lineup. In concert, Manzarek played a Fender Rhodes Piano Bass with his left hand. Some of the best studio bassists performed on many of the Doors’ albums.
