It is hard to believe that The Doors released their self-titled debut album nearly 50 years ago. To celebrate the January 4th, 1967 Elektra Records release of the now legendary album, the Los Angeles-based band will be honored by the city’s Mayor, Eric Garrett, and Councilmember Mike Bonin.
According to a statement via The Doors website, January 4th will be proclaimed the “Day Of The Doors” by the mayor, along with surviving Doors members Robby Krieger and John Densmore, and family members of Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek. The celebration will take place at “Venice” sign, at the intersection of Pacific and Windward Avenues.
Densmore stated, “Very apropos that The Doors are jumpstarting our 50th in Venice where we started….Our songs sprang up out of the Pacific like beautiful, edible silver fish… and apparently the world took a big bite.”
Councilmember Bonin explained, “Venice is a place where many have chased their pleasures or dug their treasures. It is a place that birthed The Doors and taught us all to cherish the funky, weird, and world-renowned vibe that Jim, Ray, Robby, and John helped make famous….I am very happy to be amongst the feast of friends celebrating The Doors’ 50th anniversary, and I thank the band, their management, and the Venice Chamber of Commerce for making this celebration possible.”
The self-titled EP featured classic tracks such as “Break On Through (To the Other Side),” “The Crystal Ship,” “Light My Fire,” and the magnum opus “The End.” The Doors went on to become one of the most recognized bands of the 60’s, with lead singer Jim Morrison becoming not only a major sex symbol, but one of the most enigmatic artists of the generation.
“Break On Through (To the Other Side)”: