The Doors without Jim? No problem. Our reviewer Linda Serck is still entranced...

Walking into Wembley Arena, I had mixed feelings about seeing The Doors (of the 21st Century) in concert...

It's something I'd always wanted to experience. But without Jim Morrison and the absence of drummer John Densmore, plus The Cult's Ian Astbury on vocals, would it be the spiritual experience we were all seeking - or a commercial enterprise clothed in sentimental homage-paying?

The Doors opened their gig to a rammed arena with a large photo of Morrison, titled American Poet, screened behind an empty stage – I hoped desperately they wouldn't milk him too much.

But then as Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger and Ian Astbury jogged onto the stage, a surge of magic and gratitude rose up…we were about to witness something unique and wonderful.

entranced

They launched straight into 'Roadhouse Blues' with its opening bolshy guitar riff, sending everyone mad.

Ian Astbury was simply amazing as Jim Morrison; he sounded, danced and - from a distance - looked like him. Everyone was entranced, not quite believing that they were singing along with The Doors live on stage.

All the old favourites came out, 'Break On Through', 'Alabama Song', 'Back Door Man', and with 'Five To One', Ray got up and did a soldier’s march akin to the Ministry of Silly Walks across the stage.

With 'Crystal Ship', Ian and Robbie sat on high stools beside Ray and his keyboard. It looked oddly as though Jim had remained forever youthful beside the older, original band members.

tacky

They then played a whole bunch of songs from LA Woman, including the less celebrated 'The Changeling' and 'Hyacinth House' - all fine and good but I was a little disappointed that they didn't play 'Strange Days' or 'Touch Me' or some of the other firm favourites instead.

Ian Astbury then started shouting "This is for the spirit of Jim Morrison!", which whipped up the crowd even more but also veered towards the tacky.

They then disappeared - but we all knew they'd return for 'Light My Fire', which they duly did in spectacular form.

mind-blowing

They exited again to ecstatic cheers while the lights went on to everyone's dismay and some were making a move to leave.

But then all of a sudden the band ran on stage again, saying "You've won! You've taken over the building!", and played 'Soul Kitchen' with the lines "the clock says it's time to go home..."

But none of us wanted to go home. It was an amazingly mind-blowing experience, but it's perhaps time - finally - to lay Jim Morrison to rest.

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