Robby Krieger Unites All-Star Band for Doors 60th Anniversary Celebration

Robby Krieger marked the 60th anniversary of the Doors with a star-studded performance at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on October 30, 2025. The guitarist, who was instrumental in the band’s formation, reflected on the enduring legacy of the Doors and the music he created alongside late frontman Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and drummer John Densmore.

At 79 years old, Krieger’s journey has been remarkable. He admitted during a recent interview that he distanced himself from the Doors’ music for nearly 15 years following Morrison’s death in 1971. “After Jim was gone, I figured, ‘It’s over,’” he said. Despite the band’s split in January 1973, Krieger, along with his bandmates, continued to explore music in various genres, including jazz fusion.

The guitarist’s return to the Doors’ catalog was influenced by a resurgence of interest in their music. “The book came out, Danny Sugarman’s book, ‘No One Here Gets Out Alive,’” he noted. This biography, alongside Oliver Stone’s 1991 film about the band, prompted Krieger to reconnect with their songs. In the early 2000s, he began performing Doors music again with Manzarek, further rediscovering their impact.

Krieger has been actively celebrating the Doors’ milestone this year by performing a series of shows at the iconic Whisky A Go Go, where the band initially gained fame on the Sunset Strip. Each month featured a different album played in full, culminating in the anniversary concert at the Greek Theatre. The setlist included classics like “Light My Fire” and “Riders on the Storm,” along with deeper cuts from their discography.

For the anniversary show, Krieger assembled an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including Billy Idol, Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction, and Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses. This collaboration highlights the ongoing influence of the Doors on contemporary artists and the rock music landscape.

Krieger reminisced about the band’s early days, recalling how he joined the group in 1965. “I knew John Densmore from high school, and we had played some music together,” he explained. The chemistry was palpable from the start, and even a failed record deal with Columbia Records did not dampen their spirits. “We thought, ‘Hey man, this is going to happen,’” he recounted, reflecting on the hope that came with their early performances.

The Whisky A Go Go played a crucial role in the Doors’ rise to fame. “It was really the place to play in those days,” Krieger said. The band performed six nights a week, developing their sound and stage presence. Their hard work paid off when they secured a record deal with Elektra Records, which led to the release of their groundbreaking debut album.

As Krieger prepares for the anniversary concert, he expressed excitement about revisiting songs that had not been played live for decades. “A lot of those songs I hadn’t played in 60 years,” he remarked. This challenge of relearning their extensive catalog has unearthed hidden gems, allowing Krieger to appreciate the artistry behind their music anew.

Among the songs Krieger rediscovered was “Indian Summer,” initially recorded but not released until later albums. “That song is so cool. Probably going to use it in the set from now on,” he stated, highlighting the evolving nature of their music.

The atmosphere at the Greek Theatre is expected to be electric, with Krieger’s son, Waylon Krieger, joining the performance. While Densmore may not attend due to personal commitments, the legacy of the Doors continues to resonate through their music and the connections formed over the years.

Looking ahead, Krieger mentioned plans for more concerts at the Whisky and potentially a New Year’s Eve show, indicating that his journey with the Doors is far from over. “We ain’t going anywhere,” he affirmed, embodying the spirit of a band that has left an indelible mark on rock history.