Doors - The Doors FAQ: All That's Left To Know about the Kings of Acid Rock
by Anthony Strutt
published: 16 / 2 / 2012

intro
Anthony Strutt finds Rich Weidman's new book on the Doors to be impressively up-to-date and one of the best books on the subject yet
There is much to love about this new Doors book. In its 291 pages and within its 50 chapters, it has a lot of information, both old and new, about the Doors. I have been a Doors fan for about the same time as the writer, Rich Weidman, and 'FAQ' isn't so much to me really a FAQ but more of a Doors A-Z. It covers influences, heroes, concerts and recordings, as well as being packed with all the usual facts about the Dead Door. As A Doors fan, I like the mystery of the Doors and this book goes well behind what Jim was reading, whom he stole ideas from and whom he quoted. It is without doubt one of the better books on the subject matter out there, and the pictures source alone make it worth its price alone. It is also the most up-to-date book, covering things as such as whom is currently fronting Manzarek-Kreiger Band and 'When You're Strange', the recent Doors documentary film. I felt my knowledge of the Doors had increased after reading this. It does leave a few crucial facts out such as that, not only did Ray Manzarek produce Echo and The Bunnymen, but he also played the solo on their version of 'People Are Strange' and live with them in the States. That said though, it is an essential piece of essays worthy of room on Doors' fans bookcases. File next to 'No One Here Gets Out Alive' and both the books on Elektra Records.
profiles |
1939-2013 (2013) |
![]() |
Anthony Strutt reflects upon the career of Doors' keyboardist Ray Manzarek, who died in May from cancer |
live reviews |
Wembley Arena, London, 11/12/2003 |
![]() |
The Doors recently controversially reformed with former Cult frontman Ian Astbury taking the place of Jim Morrison. In wet conditions, and at his least favourite UK venue, Anthony Strutt has "the best night" of his life |
favourite album |
Live at the Bowl '68 (2012) |
![]() |
Anthony Strutt reflects on the Doors' live album, 'Live at the Hollywood Bowl', which originally issued in 1987, has just been re-released in an expanded edition |
L.A. Woman (2012) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Sukie Smith - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Kim Wilde - Photoscapes
Clive Langer - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPBoomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Doris Brendel - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Kay Russell - Interview with Kay Russell
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
Jay Reatard - Interview
Pulp - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart