I don’t know how I missed the news about Robby Krieger playing Ardmore Music Hall on April 23rd but when I heard that he was doing a show for the Doors’ 50th anniversary, I knew that I had to try and get tickets. I went online, and naturally, it was sold out. Disappointed, I thought I’d try my luck at the door the night of the show. Arriving before doors opened, I bypassed the line to ask security if they released any last minute tickets. They hadn’t but the guard kindly pointed us in the direction of someone who was selling two tickets. Jackpot! Gregg and I were able to take the tickets off his hands.
The tickets were general admission so we proceeded to the floor area, parking ourselves about 10 feet from the stage. Robby and his band, which included his son Waylon on vocals, opened the show with “Break On Through” and proceeded to play a great number of songs off of The Doors’ first album plus not often heard titles like “Spanish Caravan.” They concluded, not surprisingly, with “The End.”
Robby seemed to be in good spirits; he told stories about some of the songs that he wrote including “Light My Fire” and “Twentieth Century Fox”, which he wrote for his wife (they’re married for 45 years now), he talked about Jim and Ray’s favorite songs, and even joked with the crowd after being booed for wearing a Joe Namath jersey, saying, “At least it’s the right color.” The over two hour show was the last one of the tour so I was thrilled that I was able to see him play live. Absorbing the essence of The Doors, I felt wonderfully connected to the songs and the original band members.
My amazing night got even better after the show when Robby autographed my newly acquired Doors’ Record Store Day album. I now have a beautiful new treasure in my rock and roll collection!