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Riders on the Storm: My Life with Jim Morrison and the Doors
From Publishers Weekly:
Doors drummer Densmore, who had a love-hate relationship with lead singer Morrison, sympathetically chronicles the self-destructive Lizard King's rise and fall. "Densmore's detailed account . . . is often narrated in a glib style" but remains "indispensable for fans of one of rock music's most flamboyant and controversial groups".
Doors drummer Densmore, who had a love-hate relationship with lead singer Morrison, sympathetically chronicles the self-destructive Lizard King's rise and fall. "Densmore's detailed account . . . is often narrated in a glib style" but remains "indispensable for fans of one of rock music's most flamboyant and controversial groups".
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1990
122 people are currently reading
5864 people want to read
About the author
John Densmore
13 books71 followersJohn Paul Densmore (born December 1, 1944) is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the drummer of the rock group The Doors from 1965 to 1973.
Born in Los Angeles, Densmore attended Santa Monica City College and Cal. State-Northridge. In 1965, he joined The Doors and remained a member until the band's dissolution in 1973. According to Densmore's own book, he quit the band on one occasion in reaction to Morrison's increasingly self-destructive behavior, although he returned the next day. He repeatedly suggested that the band stop touring, but Krieger and Manzarek were resistant to this notion. After the Doors' last performance with Morrison in New Orleans in 1970, the band agreed to cease performing live.
Densmore vetoed an offer by Cadillac for $15 million for "Break on Through (To The Other Side)". He later allowed "Riders on the Storm" to be used to sell Pirelli Tires, in England only. Densmore later stated that he "heard Jim's voice" in his ears and ended up donating the money earned to charity.
John Densmore left the world of rock-and-roll in the 1980s, moving to the world of dance as he performed with Bess Snyder and Co., touring the United States for two years.
In 1984, at La Mama Theatre in New York, he made his stage acting debut in Skins, a one-act play he had written. In 1985, he won the L.A. Weekly Theatre Award for music with Methusalem, directed by Tim Robbins. The play Rounds, which he co-produced, won the NAACP award for theatre in 1987. In 1988, he played a feature role in Band Dreams and Bebop at the Gene Dynarski Theatre. He developed and performed a one-man piece from the short story, The King of Jazz, at the Wallenboyd Theatre in 1989. With Adam Ant, he co-produced Be Bop A Lula at Theatre Theatre in 1992. He has acted in numerous TV shows, most memorably as himself in the show Square Pegs, working as a drummer for Johnny Slash's band Open 24 Hours. His film credits include: Get Crazy with Malcolm McDowell, Dudes directed by Penelope Spheeris, and The Doors directed by Oliver Stone.
Densmore wrote his best-selling autobiography, Riders On The Storm about his life and the time he spent with Morrison and The Doors, in the first chapter Densmore describes the solemn day in which he and the band finally visited Morrison's grave around three years after he had actually died; and as drummer and an influential member of The Doors, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He and Robby Krieger worked as technical advisors on the 1991 film, The Doors, but while they were impressed with Val Kilmer's performance as Morrison they were unhappy with the film as a whole.
Born in Los Angeles, Densmore attended Santa Monica City College and Cal. State-Northridge. In 1965, he joined The Doors and remained a member until the band's dissolution in 1973. According to Densmore's own book, he quit the band on one occasion in reaction to Morrison's increasingly self-destructive behavior, although he returned the next day. He repeatedly suggested that the band stop touring, but Krieger and Manzarek were resistant to this notion. After the Doors' last performance with Morrison in New Orleans in 1970, the band agreed to cease performing live.
Densmore vetoed an offer by Cadillac for $15 million for "Break on Through (To The Other Side)". He later allowed "Riders on the Storm" to be used to sell Pirelli Tires, in England only. Densmore later stated that he "heard Jim's voice" in his ears and ended up donating the money earned to charity.
John Densmore left the world of rock-and-roll in the 1980s, moving to the world of dance as he performed with Bess Snyder and Co., touring the United States for two years.
In 1984, at La Mama Theatre in New York, he made his stage acting debut in Skins, a one-act play he had written. In 1985, he won the L.A. Weekly Theatre Award for music with Methusalem, directed by Tim Robbins. The play Rounds, which he co-produced, won the NAACP award for theatre in 1987. In 1988, he played a feature role in Band Dreams and Bebop at the Gene Dynarski Theatre. He developed and performed a one-man piece from the short story, The King of Jazz, at the Wallenboyd Theatre in 1989. With Adam Ant, he co-produced Be Bop A Lula at Theatre Theatre in 1992. He has acted in numerous TV shows, most memorably as himself in the show Square Pegs, working as a drummer for Johnny Slash's band Open 24 Hours. His film credits include: Get Crazy with Malcolm McDowell, Dudes directed by Penelope Spheeris, and The Doors directed by Oliver Stone.
Densmore wrote his best-selling autobiography, Riders On The Storm about his life and the time he spent with Morrison and The Doors, in the first chapter Densmore describes the solemn day in which he and the band finally visited Morrison's grave around three years after he had actually died; and as drummer and an influential member of The Doors, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He and Robby Krieger worked as technical advisors on the 1991 film, The Doors, but while they were impressed with Val Kilmer's performance as Morrison they were unhappy with the film as a whole.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
April 1, 2010
Hi, I'm John Densmore, and I was drummer for the Doors! I know, I know. Thank you. Thank you. You may be seated.
Anyway, you should read my book. It is full of amazing insight, such as:
1. Jim Morrison = douche.
2. My genitals are really itchy.
3. We were so mistreated by that douche Jim Morrison.
4. But he was kind of a mystic shaman prophet douche.
5. And he made us rich.
6. The record company totally bastardized our music because they were so obsessed with making money. They didn't realize what a brilliant poet mystic Jim was.
7. But he was pretty much a drunken asshole.
8. Van Morrison: also awesome. Not related to Jim.
9. Nothing important has happened to music since Bob Marley.
10. I mean, they really itch. Bad.
Anyway, you should read my book. It is full of amazing insight, such as:
1. Jim Morrison = douche.
2. My genitals are really itchy.
3. We were so mistreated by that douche Jim Morrison.
4. But he was kind of a mystic shaman prophet douche.
5. And he made us rich.
6. The record company totally bastardized our music because they were so obsessed with making money. They didn't realize what a brilliant poet mystic Jim was.
7. But he was pretty much a drunken asshole.
8. Van Morrison: also awesome. Not related to Jim.
9. Nothing important has happened to music since Bob Marley.
10. I mean, they really itch. Bad.
May 11, 2024
I have been a huge Doors fan since my teenage years and I have read a lot of books about them. I never really sympathized much with John Densmore. He is often portrayed as a nerdish guy who was rahter antagonistic towards Jim Morrison. So glad I read his book because that whole idea seems to be false. His memoirs are actually one of the best renditions of thestory of the Doors and Jim Morrison. I was moved to tears here and there and also found out that personally I might even empathize most with Densmore out of all the Doors; Must-read for Doors Fans.
February 17, 2009
John Densmore wanted to be in The Beatles, he got Jim Morrison instead. As you read Riders On The Storm you get the idea that Densmore didn’t enjoy the trip he was on, and didn’t take full advantages of the opportunities life presented him. That doesn’t mean this isn’t a highly readable insiders look at The Doors from one of the principal actors.
I once read that drummers are the one chaotic element in a band, you would have thought John Densmore and Jim Morrison would have recognized that in each other, instead they were the ying and yang of The Doors with Densmore suffering in silence at Morrison’s excesses. Densmore swings between a letter he wrote in 1975 upon visiting Morrison’s grave for the first time and his memories of his experiences in The Doors. Densmore writes in a naturalistic style detailing his life inside and outside of The Doors. The anecdotes are the type of inside look that you would hope for in a book of this type, and includes his personal life outside of The Doors. Riders holds your attention all the way through while avoiding the shortcoming of other books where the writing and the action only seem to shine when Morrison is on-stage. Densmore gives each memory and remembrance equal weight. The narrative does take advantage of hindsight in some of the situations, and some of the conversations seem conveniently informed. With the clarity time provides, Densmore comes to some insightful conclusions about his experiences with The Doors and Jim Morrison. The one drawback is the conceit of the letter to Morrison, it comes off as whiny. I’m sure the ghost writer told Densmore it would make a good counter point to his narrative, but it distracts from the over all story. It is clear that Jim Morrison was an important person in Densmore’s life, and one that he still hasn’t come to grips with. On one hand it was Morrison’s lyrics that brought The Doors together and created some of the most memorable songs in Rock ‘n’ Roll history, on the other hand it was Morrison’s unpredictability and self destructive behavior that threatened to bring the whole thing down.
It has been suggested that Densmore wrote the book in response to Ray Manzarek’s Light My Fire where Manzarek said Jim Morrison wanted to get rid of Densmore. As a source of a Rock ‘n’ Roll feud Riders On The Storm is slim pickings, sure, there are a few jibes and jabs at his former bandmates, but The Beatles took many more public shots at each other than you’ll find in here.
Perception is everything. How we perceive events in our lives, and how we react to them. Riders On The Storm is how Densmore perceived The Doors, Light My Fire is how Ray Manzarek perceived the same set of circumstances. There are various Morrison biographies and autobiographies of Morrison friends, and maybe someday Robby Krieger will add his take on The Doors. Jim Morrison was interested in perception and how people reacted. Maybe The Doors is his greatest experiment, not as usually thought, on a mass level, but on the micro level, his bandmates, the subjects and the experiment continues to this day.
I once read that drummers are the one chaotic element in a band, you would have thought John Densmore and Jim Morrison would have recognized that in each other, instead they were the ying and yang of The Doors with Densmore suffering in silence at Morrison’s excesses. Densmore swings between a letter he wrote in 1975 upon visiting Morrison’s grave for the first time and his memories of his experiences in The Doors. Densmore writes in a naturalistic style detailing his life inside and outside of The Doors. The anecdotes are the type of inside look that you would hope for in a book of this type, and includes his personal life outside of The Doors. Riders holds your attention all the way through while avoiding the shortcoming of other books where the writing and the action only seem to shine when Morrison is on-stage. Densmore gives each memory and remembrance equal weight. The narrative does take advantage of hindsight in some of the situations, and some of the conversations seem conveniently informed. With the clarity time provides, Densmore comes to some insightful conclusions about his experiences with The Doors and Jim Morrison. The one drawback is the conceit of the letter to Morrison, it comes off as whiny. I’m sure the ghost writer told Densmore it would make a good counter point to his narrative, but it distracts from the over all story. It is clear that Jim Morrison was an important person in Densmore’s life, and one that he still hasn’t come to grips with. On one hand it was Morrison’s lyrics that brought The Doors together and created some of the most memorable songs in Rock ‘n’ Roll history, on the other hand it was Morrison’s unpredictability and self destructive behavior that threatened to bring the whole thing down.
It has been suggested that Densmore wrote the book in response to Ray Manzarek’s Light My Fire where Manzarek said Jim Morrison wanted to get rid of Densmore. As a source of a Rock ‘n’ Roll feud Riders On The Storm is slim pickings, sure, there are a few jibes and jabs at his former bandmates, but The Beatles took many more public shots at each other than you’ll find in here.
Perception is everything. How we perceive events in our lives, and how we react to them. Riders On The Storm is how Densmore perceived The Doors, Light My Fire is how Ray Manzarek perceived the same set of circumstances. There are various Morrison biographies and autobiographies of Morrison friends, and maybe someday Robby Krieger will add his take on The Doors. Jim Morrison was interested in perception and how people reacted. Maybe The Doors is his greatest experiment, not as usually thought, on a mass level, but on the micro level, his bandmates, the subjects and the experiment continues to this day.
July 4, 2015
Densmore comes off as a tight-ass, and its easy to see why he and his Wild Animal bandmate wouldn't get along. When Densmore isn't whining about Jim's (understandably) obnoxious behavior, he's lionizing him with New Age fervor. Densmore seems like the kind of person who takes himself and his story way too seriously, even going so far as to manufacture all sorts of similarities between Jim Morrison and his brother Jim, when from what I could tell from Densmore's writing the only thing they really had in common was a first name. The epilogue contains more washed-up hippie mumbo-jumbo mysticism.
So why do I like this book so much, and have nothing but respect for John Densmore? First of all, Densmore's naval-gazing moods don't take up too much narrative space. He actually writes with great insight and perspicacity. Of all the Doors memoirists, Densmore also seems the most honest, both about who he is, his agenda, and his place in the Doors/Morrison legacy. He was the hard-working, boring, not-too-good-looking, acne-pock-marked, stick-up-his-ass drummer, but he was also an intelligent, astute--and sober--observer of Morrison's rise and fall.
Riders On the Storm is the first Doors memoir that neither idolizes the legend of Jim Morrison, nor trashes it, but gives it a fairly objective look, considering the love/hate relationship Densmore had with him. From Densmore's perspective, Morrison comes off as a highly talented, highly immature, obnoxious prick who squandered his gifts and left a trail of broken relationships behind him.
As far as the lizard king/shaman shtick goes...spare me. I guess all the pot I smoked as a kid has finally wore off, because my impression is that in his best moments, Morrison was a clown and classic bullshitter who didn't take himself half as seriously as other people did. I think much of his mystical shaman persona was a tongue-in-cheek satire of the culture that surrounded him, and perhaps a way to get even with fans and friends who took away Morrison's humanity when they turned the man into a living god. When faced with the burden of godhood, who wouldn't be saying to themselves, "I wonder what I can get away with now?"
Ultimately, Densmore's unflinching narrative gives Jim his due, and gives him his humanity back in the process.
So why do I like this book so much, and have nothing but respect for John Densmore? First of all, Densmore's naval-gazing moods don't take up too much narrative space. He actually writes with great insight and perspicacity. Of all the Doors memoirists, Densmore also seems the most honest, both about who he is, his agenda, and his place in the Doors/Morrison legacy. He was the hard-working, boring, not-too-good-looking, acne-pock-marked, stick-up-his-ass drummer, but he was also an intelligent, astute--and sober--observer of Morrison's rise and fall.
Riders On the Storm is the first Doors memoir that neither idolizes the legend of Jim Morrison, nor trashes it, but gives it a fairly objective look, considering the love/hate relationship Densmore had with him. From Densmore's perspective, Morrison comes off as a highly talented, highly immature, obnoxious prick who squandered his gifts and left a trail of broken relationships behind him.
As far as the lizard king/shaman shtick goes...spare me. I guess all the pot I smoked as a kid has finally wore off, because my impression is that in his best moments, Morrison was a clown and classic bullshitter who didn't take himself half as seriously as other people did. I think much of his mystical shaman persona was a tongue-in-cheek satire of the culture that surrounded him, and perhaps a way to get even with fans and friends who took away Morrison's humanity when they turned the man into a living god. When faced with the burden of godhood, who wouldn't be saying to themselves, "I wonder what I can get away with now?"
Ultimately, Densmore's unflinching narrative gives Jim his due, and gives him his humanity back in the process.
June 22, 2012
I never liked Densmore - until I read this book. Now I see his side of the story! It can't have been easy living with Jim, much as we all love him. Anyway I believe this book would be most enjoyed by Doors addicts who have read other biographies and are ready for the next level. Lots of cool insights and little known facts. Highly recommended.
January 30, 2019
"You know the day destroys the night
Night divides the day
Tried to run
Tried to hide
Break on through to the other side
[...]"
(Break On Through (To The Other Side) lyrics, by The Doors)
I clearly remember that magical moment from over 51 years ago. My senior year in high school in September or October 1967. Along with three classmates I am sitting on the floor in an apartment in the Wola district of Warsaw, Poland, listening to Light My Fire by The Doors. This is the first time I hear the song and I am totally overwhelmed and enraptured by the music. It was clear to me at that moment that I had never before heard music so powerful, so new, so captivating. The memory is vivid in my mind to the extent that I can visualize my exact position in the room.
I have read John Densmore's Riders on the Storm (1990) (in Polish translation) and in one of the passages he mentions how many people have personal stories related to Light My Fire: making love for the first time, first time smoking a joint, first record bought. To me this is one of the best songs of the 20th century, a song which could well serve as a symbol for the entire generation that grew up in the 1960s, the most interesting decade that I have lived through.
The subtitle of Mr. Densmore's book is My Life with Jim Morrison and The Doors; the author who was the drummer of the band, indeed focuses more on Morrison, the vocalist, than on the band as a whole. In a sort of Prologue John Densmore relates how he and Robby Krieger, the guitarist, visit Jim Morrison's grave in the Père Lachaise cemetery in 1975. Then he recollects his last phone conversation with Morrison, three weeks before his death.
The book follows Mr. Densmore's childhood and youth and then, almost chronologically, relates the history of Jim Morrison and The Doors. In fact I find the these parts of the book the most interesting. The author's childhood experiments with drumming, his musical growth that leads to fascination with John Coltrane and incomparable Elvin Jones, Coltrane's drummer. All that plus the captivating images of Los Angeles in the early-to-mid 1960s, read much better than the somewhat pretentious pathos of the Prologue.
Then come the years with the band, from playing small local clubs, through their big break - getting hired by the Whiskey a Go-Go club, to opening for more popular bands and finally their own fame. In the late 1960s The Doors were one of the most popular bands in the world. Their phenomenal success was mainly due to Jim Morrison: his handsome boy physique, charismatic personality, riveting stage performances, unforgettable singing voice, and accomplished writing of lyrics to their songs. Morrison created the band and Morrison slowly destroyed it by gradually increasing the range of his excesses, both in substance abuse and in unconventional behavior. Along with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Brian Jones, Morrison is a member of the "27 club," that includes the great rock musicians who died at 27 years of age, at the peak of their fame, mainly due to heavy substance abuse.
I found one sad passage in the later part of the book particularly memorable. Mr. Densmore recounts how he and his bandmates, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek - not being able to reach Jim Morrison at that time - sold the permission to use Light My Fire in a Buick commercial. Morrison never forgave them that the icons of the 1960s hippie counterculture turned into businessmen.
Very readable book and my major complaint is that it could have been edited more thoroughly: from the Acknowledgments it is clear that the book was co-written by Mr. Cousineau - as a professional writer he could have tightened and generally improved the prose in many places.
Three-and-a-half stars.
Night divides the day
Tried to run
Tried to hide
Break on through to the other side
[...]"
(Break On Through (To The Other Side) lyrics, by The Doors)
I clearly remember that magical moment from over 51 years ago. My senior year in high school in September or October 1967. Along with three classmates I am sitting on the floor in an apartment in the Wola district of Warsaw, Poland, listening to Light My Fire by The Doors. This is the first time I hear the song and I am totally overwhelmed and enraptured by the music. It was clear to me at that moment that I had never before heard music so powerful, so new, so captivating. The memory is vivid in my mind to the extent that I can visualize my exact position in the room.
I have read John Densmore's Riders on the Storm (1990) (in Polish translation) and in one of the passages he mentions how many people have personal stories related to Light My Fire: making love for the first time, first time smoking a joint, first record bought. To me this is one of the best songs of the 20th century, a song which could well serve as a symbol for the entire generation that grew up in the 1960s, the most interesting decade that I have lived through.
The subtitle of Mr. Densmore's book is My Life with Jim Morrison and The Doors; the author who was the drummer of the band, indeed focuses more on Morrison, the vocalist, than on the band as a whole. In a sort of Prologue John Densmore relates how he and Robby Krieger, the guitarist, visit Jim Morrison's grave in the Père Lachaise cemetery in 1975. Then he recollects his last phone conversation with Morrison, three weeks before his death.
The book follows Mr. Densmore's childhood and youth and then, almost chronologically, relates the history of Jim Morrison and The Doors. In fact I find the these parts of the book the most interesting. The author's childhood experiments with drumming, his musical growth that leads to fascination with John Coltrane and incomparable Elvin Jones, Coltrane's drummer. All that plus the captivating images of Los Angeles in the early-to-mid 1960s, read much better than the somewhat pretentious pathos of the Prologue.
Then come the years with the band, from playing small local clubs, through their big break - getting hired by the Whiskey a Go-Go club, to opening for more popular bands and finally their own fame. In the late 1960s The Doors were one of the most popular bands in the world. Their phenomenal success was mainly due to Jim Morrison: his handsome boy physique, charismatic personality, riveting stage performances, unforgettable singing voice, and accomplished writing of lyrics to their songs. Morrison created the band and Morrison slowly destroyed it by gradually increasing the range of his excesses, both in substance abuse and in unconventional behavior. Along with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Brian Jones, Morrison is a member of the "27 club," that includes the great rock musicians who died at 27 years of age, at the peak of their fame, mainly due to heavy substance abuse.
I found one sad passage in the later part of the book particularly memorable. Mr. Densmore recounts how he and his bandmates, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek - not being able to reach Jim Morrison at that time - sold the permission to use Light My Fire in a Buick commercial. Morrison never forgave them that the icons of the 1960s hippie counterculture turned into businessmen.
Very readable book and my major complaint is that it could have been edited more thoroughly: from the Acknowledgments it is clear that the book was co-written by Mr. Cousineau - as a professional writer he could have tightened and generally improved the prose in many places.
Three-and-a-half stars.
May 26, 2024
This wasn't a book that was gonna set the night on fire!
Densmore's writing is clunky and amateurish, a hint of whining and moaning about Jim, despite Jim's presence being the thing that got them noticed and missile launched them into the big time.
Densmore comes across as naive at times, a bit daft, a good drummer maybe but little else going on besides (despite his self-stated accolades at the end of the book as a theatre actor and writer etc).
It seems the whole band was well aware of Jim's self destructive path and they did little if anything to try and prevent or curtail it; they were all just riding the storm until the bitter end.
Interesting but nothing particularly revelatory. Not a keeper.
Densmore's writing is clunky and amateurish, a hint of whining and moaning about Jim, despite Jim's presence being the thing that got them noticed and missile launched them into the big time.
Densmore comes across as naive at times, a bit daft, a good drummer maybe but little else going on besides (despite his self-stated accolades at the end of the book as a theatre actor and writer etc).
It seems the whole band was well aware of Jim's self destructive path and they did little if anything to try and prevent or curtail it; they were all just riding the storm until the bitter end.
Interesting but nothing particularly revelatory. Not a keeper.
February 6, 2021
John Densmore's autobiography is also his psychological journey as drummer for The Doors and his relationship with front man Jim Morrison. Densmore's love/hate friendship with Morrison is the crux of the book as he comes to terms with his place in the band along with his relationships with family, siblings, women, and other rock stars.
I met Densmore at a book signing for his third book at a record store some years back now and had him also sign this book for me. I never realized he was left handed until that book signing. He asked me where I got the book from and I told him simply about a mall book store back in 1990 when the book came out. I may have been the only one in line having him sign his first book. Most had him signing Doors albums.
I met Densmore at a book signing for his third book at a record store some years back now and had him also sign this book for me. I never realized he was left handed until that book signing. He asked me where I got the book from and I told him simply about a mall book store back in 1990 when the book came out. I may have been the only one in line having him sign his first book. Most had him signing Doors albums.
December 19, 2018
In 1967, I was 9 years old. But by virtue of missing the immediacy of the era and then subsequent veneration, I think I'm OK with a middle view.
Yeah, I heard "Riders", "Break on Through", "Light my Fire", etc... Those were all on classic radio in the mid to late 70s, so I was not terribly impressed. Lots of other bands with equally interesting tunes. But I have to admit like many others, I saw "Apocalypse Now" and heard the music in context. Not hippy-dippy flower power stuff, but something much darker.
I'm happy Densmore explored the darker side. Dying at age 27 is pretty sad. Morrison dug his hole and jumped in and Mr. Densmore describes it. I'm by no means celebrating that pessimistic end, but rather acknowledging that it was not "All You Need is Love".
So I'm really happy Densmore shared some interesting tidbits of the music making process and of the era for those of us who were bystanders. I'm not so happy about the ending of the book covering some utterly uninteresting stuff like his 'acting career' and sweat lodge stuff. Just no. It should have been skipped.
Yeah, I heard "Riders", "Break on Through", "Light my Fire", etc... Those were all on classic radio in the mid to late 70s, so I was not terribly impressed. Lots of other bands with equally interesting tunes. But I have to admit like many others, I saw "Apocalypse Now" and heard the music in context. Not hippy-dippy flower power stuff, but something much darker.
I'm happy Densmore explored the darker side. Dying at age 27 is pretty sad. Morrison dug his hole and jumped in and Mr. Densmore describes it. I'm by no means celebrating that pessimistic end, but rather acknowledging that it was not "All You Need is Love".
So I'm really happy Densmore shared some interesting tidbits of the music making process and of the era for those of us who were bystanders. I'm not so happy about the ending of the book covering some utterly uninteresting stuff like his 'acting career' and sweat lodge stuff. Just no. It should have been skipped.
August 28, 2009
Going into this book, I thought Jim Morrison was a poet, a lover, and a Revolutionary. Though this is only John Densmore's side of the story (the drummer of The Doors), the book focuses on Jim's extrincities, madness, possesiveness, jealousy, and narcissistic rage. In fact, come to find out, many of The Doors' lyrics were written by fellow bandmates. Jim was just the front man; the good-looking, rocker they needed to be taken seriously.
Despite my thoughts of Jim as a free-loving, genius artist-poet of the '60s and that reputation being squashed down to a guy with some daddy issues, John Densmore's story of The Doors is entertaining and a page-turner. Reading about their developement as artists in a transitional time from the 50s to the 60s was inspirational. Their determination, unwavering. The people they met along the way and performed with, the drug binges, experiments with transcendentalism and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi movement, and the graphic passion that came with being rockstars and having groupies - all make for an interesting read.
Despite my thoughts of Jim as a free-loving, genius artist-poet of the '60s and that reputation being squashed down to a guy with some daddy issues, John Densmore's story of The Doors is entertaining and a page-turner. Reading about their developement as artists in a transitional time from the 50s to the 60s was inspirational. Their determination, unwavering. The people they met along the way and performed with, the drug binges, experiments with transcendentalism and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi movement, and the graphic passion that came with being rockstars and having groupies - all make for an interesting read.
July 27, 2012
(Spoiler added, although most of this you have probably known if you were a true Doors fan)
I was raised a Doors fan, so naturally I was drawn to Riders on the Storm. John Densmore does something no other author or historian can accomplish. He writes a truthful account of the band's progression and Jim Morrison's deterioration. He was there from the beginning as the band's drummer, after all.
I suggest you read this book if you are a Doors fan or are just interested in Jim Morrison. Riders on the Storm isn't exclusively about Morrison; it tells the stories of all the band members. The book does reflect the times and isn't a light, happy read.
I was raised a Doors fan, so naturally I was drawn to Riders on the Storm. John Densmore does something no other author or historian can accomplish. He writes a truthful account of the band's progression and Jim Morrison's deterioration. He was there from the beginning as the band's drummer, after all.
I suggest you read this book if you are a Doors fan or are just interested in Jim Morrison. Riders on the Storm isn't exclusively about Morrison; it tells the stories of all the band members. The book does reflect the times and isn't a light, happy read.
July 29, 2020
Meeting Jim was the death of my innocence.
© John Densmore - Riders on the Storm: My Life with Jim Morrison and The Doors
_ _ _
I loved this book from the very beginning. Each of the 22 chapters is titled The Doors' Most Iconic Singles. The story begins with a Break on through and lasts until When the music's over.
John Densmore, the drummer of The Doors with an innocent look, is not only a great musician but also a great narrator.
LA, the 60s: When hippies just dropped the acid at the Hard Rock Cafe, and while discussing Kerouac, they wait for The Doors to take the stage.
As in The Doors' music - from rock to blues, folk to fusion, jazz to classics, the book is full of different emotions as well: tours, internal conflicts, relationships, cultural life, politics. Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll. ...and poetry.
When the music’s over
Turn out the lights
April 9, 2018
Densmore wrote his best-selling autobiography, Riders On The Storm about his life and the time he spent with Morrison and The Doors, in the first chapter Densmore describes the solemn day in which he and the band finally visited Morrison's grave around three years after he had actually died; and as drummer and an influential member of The Doors, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He and Robby Krieger worked as technical advisors on the 1991 film, The Doors, but while they were impressed with Val Kilmer's performance as Morrison they were unhappy with the film as a whole. (less)
July 1, 2017
Μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ αυτό το βιβλίο γιατί εκτός απο τα πολύ ενδιαφέροντα στοιχεία που δίνει και τις αναφορές στην πολιτική κατάσταση της εποχής,η γραφή του John Densmore έχει μια δύναμη,σε κάνει να νομίζεις οτι είσαι εκεί μαζί τους στο δωμάτιο που γράφτηκε το Light my fire.
November 28, 2010
This book isn't very good. You know who told me? Jim fucking Morrison told me, that's who!
March 21, 2015
Excellent. John Densmore is as good a writer as he is a drummer. I totally dug this book and its honesty.
February 17, 2022
"Приятелите ми често ме питат какъв всъщност беше Джим: гадняр или свестен тип. Той беше и двете. Беше луд за връзване, вечно си търсеше белята, но едновременно с това беше и честен, чист и прям."
Горкичкият Джон! Мечтаел е да свири джаз, предпочитал е да бъде един от The Birds, а вместо това му било писано да стане част от една от най-влиятелните и въздействащи рок групи на XX век и да се върти в орбитата на Джим Морисън. Бих го ожАлила, ако не му завиждах. :)
Един пианист с класическо образование, един джазов барабанист, един фламенко китарист и един поет! Четирима души, които нямат нищо общо помежду си. А освен това един от тях явно е опасно луд. И точно той води хорото.
Не бих понесла тази книга преди 20 години. Не бих я приела и не бих я разбрала. Защото Джон Денсмор, за разлика от останалите членове на групата, не подслажда с нищо горчивия хап.: "Ако знаете само колко трудно беше да се живее с него. Като 6 години в ада.". И върху вас се излива наведнъж цял потоп от възхищение и ненавист, тъга, страх, гняв, завист и вина, които са се трупали близо 20 години. Разбирам желанието му да направи равносметка, преди да продължи напред. Но, когато си фен, когато тази група те е формирала и е преря��ала пъпната ти връв с детството, да прочетеш колко лабилен, неприятен, алкохолизиран и самотен е бил Джим е меко казано потискащо. Мога да разбера колко мъчително е да си около подобен човек, чиято склонност да провокира тълпите и обществото и да се излага на риск вбесява и ужасява. Но нима наистина са си мислели, че могат да го изключат от уравнението и да продължат? От дистанцията на времето Денсмор казва, че всичко в крайна сметка си е заслужавало. Всички неприятности, които е създавал Джим, са си стрували заради магията, която четиримата заедно са т��орили. Дали някой е можел да му помогне, да го спаси? Тримата останали музиканти явно с години са страдали от вината на оцелелите, но нима краят е можел да бъде друг? Какъв би бил Морисън на 30? На 50? На 70? Не мога да си го представя укротен, улегнал, остарял. Може пък Джим Морисън изначално да не е бил за този свят, да не му е било писано да оцелее, както на всички, които са надарени със свръхталант, пламтят ярко и събират в двадесет и няколко свои години опита на 100 човешки. Всички те са призвани да изгорят, да ни запалят и да ни оставят да тлеем, хипнотизирани от гласовете им, думите им и вечно младите им образи.
Горкичкият Джон! Мечтаел е да свири джаз, предпочитал е да бъде един от The Birds, а вместо това му било писано да стане част от една от най-влиятелните и въздействащи рок групи на XX век и да се върти в орбитата на Джим Морисън. Бих го ожАлила, ако не му завиждах. :)
Един пианист с класическо образование, един джазов барабанист, един фламенко китарист и един поет! Четирима души, които нямат нищо общо помежду си. А освен това един от тях явно е опасно луд. И точно той води хорото.
Не бих понесла тази книга преди 20 години. Не бих я приела и не бих я разбрала. Защото Джон Денсмор, за разлика от останалите членове на групата, не подслажда с нищо горчивия хап.: "Ако знаете само колко трудно беше да се живее с него. Като 6 години в ада.". И върху вас се излива наведнъж цял потоп от възхищение и ненавист, тъга, страх, гняв, завист и вина, които са се трупали близо 20 години. Разбирам желанието му да направи равносметка, преди да продължи напред. Но, когато си фен, когато тази група те е формирала и е преря��ала пъпната ти връв с детството, да прочетеш колко лабилен, неприятен, алкохолизиран и самотен е бил Джим е меко казано потискащо. Мога да разбера колко мъчително е да си около подобен човек, чиято склонност да провокира тълпите и обществото и да се излага на риск вбесява и ужасява. Но нима наистина са си мислели, че могат да го изключат от уравнението и да продължат? От дистанцията на времето Денсмор казва, че всичко в крайна сметка си е заслужавало. Всички неприятности, които е създавал Джим, са си стрували заради магията, която четиримата заедно са т��орили. Дали някой е можел да му помогне, да го спаси? Тримата останали музиканти явно с години са страдали от вината на оцелелите, но нима краят е можел да бъде друг? Какъв би бил Морисън на 30? На 50? На 70? Не мога да си го представя укротен, улегнал, остарял. Може пък Джим Морисън изначално да не е бил за този свят, да не му е било писано да оцелее, както на всички, които са надарени със свръхталант, пламтят ярко и събират в двадесет и няколко свои години опита на 100 човешки. Всички те са призвани да изгорят, да ни запалят и да ни оставят да тлеем, хипнотизирани от гласовете им, думите им и вечно младите им образи.
January 23, 2025
The Doors man. What a band. Something I feel able to say more authentically having read this book. A band. Not a man. Jim Morrison has been mythologised over the years, and I’m guilty of eating that myth up. I’m writing this with a throw of his face taped above my bed right now!
But Densmore has shown me much more. Given me a larger appreciation of their journey as a four. What they stood for. What they went through. Who they were. A quality look at the short time The Doors graced this earth.
Densmore has structured the book immaculately, each chapter bearing the title of a song that links thematically to the part of the journey he’s recalling. Interwoven with lyrics, poetry and photos, this is the most well rounded insight into The Doors you can get on the page. All I want to do now is press play!
But Densmore has shown me much more. Given me a larger appreciation of their journey as a four. What they stood for. What they went through. Who they were. A quality look at the short time The Doors graced this earth.
Densmore has structured the book immaculately, each chapter bearing the title of a song that links thematically to the part of the journey he’s recalling. Interwoven with lyrics, poetry and photos, this is the most well rounded insight into The Doors you can get on the page. All I want to do now is press play!
March 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much, but man it took me long time to finish it.
This Coronavirus, we are surrounded with, and living with everyday, has put me in a reading slump, and depressed.
Going through this dark time, here in Australia 🇦🇺, and the rest of the world 🌍, l am feeling scared, stressed 😩, not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow, and how long this is going to last, it is honestly scaring the shit out of me.
Me and my family are self isolating, doing the right thing and trying to keep sane, so hard to do with kids.
Anyway, this was such a wonderful read, l am a huge fan of the 🚪 Doors, love love Jim Morrison.
People who have watched someone they love destroy their lives with drinking, drugs, lifestyle, can really relate to John Densmore.
When he writes about his anger, stress, his headaches and rashes.
It’s difficult to watch someone self destruct, especially when you care so much about the person, and who has so much talent and intelligence.
Also John Densmore feelings about straying from his Catholic roots, shows his very, human side.
John Densmore, drumming was brilliant, loved reading how he started, and you tell by reading he was very proud of his passion.
This is a great book, written by someone, who was part of the BEST rock band of the 60s, and still today, and came away normal.
He gives us such detailed access about all the band members that l found so fascinating.
This is worth the read, if you love the Doors !
ROADHOUSE BLUES, love it 😍!
Play 🎧 Music, Read Read Read, and Stay 🏡 Home !
We have to get through this a Dark time.
This Coronavirus, we are surrounded with, and living with everyday, has put me in a reading slump, and depressed.
Going through this dark time, here in Australia 🇦🇺, and the rest of the world 🌍, l am feeling scared, stressed 😩, not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow, and how long this is going to last, it is honestly scaring the shit out of me.
Me and my family are self isolating, doing the right thing and trying to keep sane, so hard to do with kids.
Anyway, this was such a wonderful read, l am a huge fan of the 🚪 Doors, love love Jim Morrison.
People who have watched someone they love destroy their lives with drinking, drugs, lifestyle, can really relate to John Densmore.
When he writes about his anger, stress, his headaches and rashes.
It’s difficult to watch someone self destruct, especially when you care so much about the person, and who has so much talent and intelligence.
Also John Densmore feelings about straying from his Catholic roots, shows his very, human side.
John Densmore, drumming was brilliant, loved reading how he started, and you tell by reading he was very proud of his passion.
This is a great book, written by someone, who was part of the BEST rock band of the 60s, and still today, and came away normal.
He gives us such detailed access about all the band members that l found so fascinating.
This is worth the read, if you love the Doors !
ROADHOUSE BLUES, love it 😍!
Play 🎧 Music, Read Read Read, and Stay 🏡 Home !
We have to get through this a Dark time.
May 5, 2017
This, I think, sums of Densmore's book, and the reason he wrote it, being: "to defuse the myth of invincibility a little. Unfortunately, the myth busting was too little, too late".
I found it interesting that Densmore was such a 'straight-shooting arrow', as a musician in one of the biggest rock bands in the US. His writing is candid, his take on The Doors and Morrison are unequivocal, which is such a contrast to their image and the whole spell that they projected as a band. This is also why he doesn't really get into why Morrison was the way he was. He makes assumptions, he also admits not being aware of the issues Morrison was battling underneath, and that, as expected, Jim didn't really disclose anything to anyone.
This book was clearly written as a means of catharsis for Densmore, the narrative being intertwined with a letter he addressed to Morrison after having visited his grave.
It was a decent read, he was there. I am not sure it was the best choice for the FIRST book to read on The Doors, but I have Breaking on Through queued next, and hopefully, if I can find a copy, No One Here Gets Out Alive.
I would also be interested in picking up his The Doors: Unhinged because I'd like to hear about the rights to artists' works and the legality of it all.
I found it interesting that Densmore was such a 'straight-shooting arrow', as a musician in one of the biggest rock bands in the US. His writing is candid, his take on The Doors and Morrison are unequivocal, which is such a contrast to their image and the whole spell that they projected as a band. This is also why he doesn't really get into why Morrison was the way he was. He makes assumptions, he also admits not being aware of the issues Morrison was battling underneath, and that, as expected, Jim didn't really disclose anything to anyone.
This book was clearly written as a means of catharsis for Densmore, the narrative being intertwined with a letter he addressed to Morrison after having visited his grave.
It was a decent read, he was there. I am not sure it was the best choice for the FIRST book to read on The Doors, but I have Breaking on Through queued next, and hopefully, if I can find a copy, No One Here Gets Out Alive.
I would also be interested in picking up his The Doors: Unhinged because I'd like to hear about the rights to artists' works and the legality of it all.
April 11, 2019
You can tell you've read a good biography if you feel like you are losing a friend when it ends. I would like to thank John for sharing these thoughts with us. I've been a big fan of the Doors since i was a teenager but i was put off reading this biography as i heard a lot of negative things, perhaps i had done the right thing by waiting until i was mature enough to appreciate the message in it.
This isn't a book about glorifying the myth of Jim Morrison like some other biographies tend towards but just trying to understand the incredibly intense pressure put on young creative minds. With the amount of high profile suicides in the industry today this still seems to be an area with very little support and i think Densmore gives us an idea of what it is like to be in the middle of such a situation and the pain it causes everyone. The book records something of a cathartic process that Densmore has followed to come to terms with some of his grief for his friend but also his brother who both died young and who he felt powerless to help.
However this book isn't just an exploration of painful feelings but also the joy of playing in one of the best rock bands from the sixties and provides plenty of insights into some great songs and the process of creating them.
This isn't a book about glorifying the myth of Jim Morrison like some other biographies tend towards but just trying to understand the incredibly intense pressure put on young creative minds. With the amount of high profile suicides in the industry today this still seems to be an area with very little support and i think Densmore gives us an idea of what it is like to be in the middle of such a situation and the pain it causes everyone. The book records something of a cathartic process that Densmore has followed to come to terms with some of his grief for his friend but also his brother who both died young and who he felt powerless to help.
However this book isn't just an exploration of painful feelings but also the joy of playing in one of the best rock bands from the sixties and provides plenty of insights into some great songs and the process of creating them.
February 3, 2009
i have to say that luckily the infamous Doors lyrics cant be credited to John Densmore, because he is a terrible writer. obviously, its an interesting story and a time period that evokes curiosity, but he doesn't do it justice. he is unable to bring any of it to life with the vivacity that one would expect. especially because its his story and he lived it. i give him an E for effort, but i really had a hard time finishing this book, without throwing it down cringing.
According to him, he was an amazing drummer flower child who got held hostage in a dark group who's songs focused on incest and death, meanwhile he wanted to be in the Byrds or whatever. incessantly complains about Jim morrisson being crazy and unpredictable, and makes you wonder why he stuck around. its kind of silly and you just feel sorry for him, that all he has left is his story and he cant tell it well...
According to him, he was an amazing drummer flower child who got held hostage in a dark group who's songs focused on incest and death, meanwhile he wanted to be in the Byrds or whatever. incessantly complains about Jim morrisson being crazy and unpredictable, and makes you wonder why he stuck around. its kind of silly and you just feel sorry for him, that all he has left is his story and he cant tell it well...
June 9, 2013
I heard John Densmore on the radio discussing his new book, The Doors Unhinged, and I realized I'd never read this one so I picked it up. It was an odd coincidence that Ray Manzarek died just after I finished it. I was a huge Doors fan in the 80's and only started listening to them again a couple of years ago after a long break. Last summer I reread No One Here Gets Out Alive, and I thought Riders on the Storm might give me further insight into the band. It did not. This book desperately needs shape and structure; both should have been supplied by an editor. I think the publisher and/or editor gave Densmore way too much leeway to ramble, and at times the book borders on incoherent. Stick with No One Here Gets Out Alive, an excellent biography of the band written by the late Danny Sugerman. I'm really surprised that the rating of this book is so high.
July 19, 2020
The book offers some interesting insights about the formation of The Doors, their route to success and the relationship between the members of the band, from the point of view of the band's drummer, John Densmore. The book especially highlights how much the early death of Jim Morrison affected the rest of them, both professionally and personally. I read the Greek translation of the book, which I have to admit it was not a good one. Nevertheless, it was a fun read. I sensed that Densmore tried to be as honest as he could be, expressing both his love and admiration for JM, but also his frustration about the self-destructive behavior that he had adopted from the early days of the group.
July 26, 2011
When I was 15 I bought this book at a church garage sale as my first, of too many, rebellious act during my teenage years. I discovered The Doors music which opened the doors to many other rock and roll bands, influential musicians and authors that were a result of the psychedelic era, i.e., Ken Kesey, Hunter S. Thompson, as well as the Beat generation writers. To say that the influence was strictly due to the wild life of Morrison is not a fair call, but reading his story did change my life, which was in desperate need of some excitement.
January 28, 2024
I have read Robby and Ray’s books and this part three of a very sad story. Jim was very talented but a tortured soul. There were no explanations of why this was, probably because no one really know but Jim. I give John credit for being the first band member to say we can’t continue like this. I don’t know how Jim could have been helped as there were no rehabs back then and he had an endless supply of money and a great appetite for drugs.
April 28, 2023
This book vacillated between being interesting and extremely boring. I didn't really learn anything new other than that Densmore needed a spellchecker or proof-reader (Tight My Fire?! Really?). Didn't really learn anything new but I enjoyed the photos.
November 7, 2018
Nothing new that I didn't know from No One Here Gets Out Alive by Sugarman.
November 28, 2025
I never thought much about the Doors’ drummer, but had unconsciously memorized much of their music when I was young. As I read Riders on the Storm I remembered parts and arrangements in detail. Being a drummer myself, I now fully appreciate John Denmore’s contribution to the group. He was quite ingenious, synching perfectly with the guitar and keyboard solos. He would drive the music forcefully, or fill in quieter passages delicately to enhance and create the mood of a song. The book made me experience the Doors’ music differently without even hearing it again.
Densmore himself is a lapsed Catholic, writing in 1990 about the volatile 1960s-70s rock n roll era. The Doors were famously the bad boys of rock, perceived as worse even than the Rolling Stones, who at least had some British decorum. Jim Morrison’s stage persona was so bad-boy that many attested that he exposed himself during a concert, despite no photos or other evidence presented at his trial. Strange working context for a 1960s Catholic boy.
Inevitably, I compared this memoir with Ray Manzarek’s Light My Fire . Manzarek and Densmore were polar opposites in how they viewed both Morrison and their personal worlds. Densmore was younger, less socially adept, more practical and sheltered in his upbringing, and arguably a fairer judge of Morrison’s character. Also Densmore is much less judgmental of Manzarek and his lifestyle than vice versa. Densmore quotes many of Doors’ songs to emphasize biographical points, enhancing the material.
I didn’t like the ongoing plot device of a monologue with Morrison, who never responded. I get that Densmore had plenty of questions about what Morrison was thinking, whether his death was intentional, etc. It’s a lot for a bandmate to process. And given the publication date (1990), such heartfelt soul-searching was newly acceptable for men. To me it dated the book a bit, yet also gave an uncensored look into Denmore’s despair and desire to understand Morrison.
Definitely a worthwhile read, with many great insights into how Doors songs came into existence. Great to see guitarist Robby Krieger get credit for his ingenious songwriting as well, and to see how the instrumentalists collaborated even when Morrison was on a binge or otherwise absent.
Highly recommended for 1960s-70s rock n roll fans!
Densmore himself is a lapsed Catholic, writing in 1990 about the volatile 1960s-70s rock n roll era. The Doors were famously the bad boys of rock, perceived as worse even than the Rolling Stones, who at least had some British decorum. Jim Morrison’s stage persona was so bad-boy that many attested that he exposed himself during a concert, despite no photos or other evidence presented at his trial. Strange working context for a 1960s Catholic boy.
Inevitably, I compared this memoir with Ray Manzarek’s Light My Fire . Manzarek and Densmore were polar opposites in how they viewed both Morrison and their personal worlds. Densmore was younger, less socially adept, more practical and sheltered in his upbringing, and arguably a fairer judge of Morrison’s character. Also Densmore is much less judgmental of Manzarek and his lifestyle than vice versa. Densmore quotes many of Doors’ songs to emphasize biographical points, enhancing the material.
I didn’t like the ongoing plot device of a monologue with Morrison, who never responded. I get that Densmore had plenty of questions about what Morrison was thinking, whether his death was intentional, etc. It’s a lot for a bandmate to process. And given the publication date (1990), such heartfelt soul-searching was newly acceptable for men. To me it dated the book a bit, yet also gave an uncensored look into Denmore’s despair and desire to understand Morrison.
Definitely a worthwhile read, with many great insights into how Doors songs came into existence. Great to see guitarist Robby Krieger get credit for his ingenious songwriting as well, and to see how the instrumentalists collaborated even when Morrison was on a binge or otherwise absent.
Highly recommended for 1960s-70s rock n roll fans!
June 11, 2019
I really enjoyed reading John Densmore's book Riders on the Storm. It was a decent insight into his life and his journey with Jim Morrison and the Doors. It starts with Jim Morrison's death beginning of the group/influences such as meditation, jazz and how Densmore had coped with life after Jim and the band. They're aren't too many startling accounts that I hadn't read from Danny Sugarman's book No One Here Gets Out Alive which I highly recommend! Funnily enough Densmore does speak of Danny being shut out of most of the band's in studio performances and feeling a little nervous on the Oliver Stone biopic that did in fact focus on Jim's darkside which John was hoping they wouldn't do. I recommend this book for the Doors fan.
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