Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek

Forty-six years after the formation of The Doors and 40 years since the death of frontman Jim Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek are still breaking on through to the other side.

After several decades playing with various side projects, Krieger and Manzarek got back together in 2002 to keep the spirit of The Doors alive, playing the anthemic '60s rock classics that have immortalized the band throughout the world.

Initially performing as The Doors of the 21st Century, the pair were forced to begin performing under their own names after a legal battle with drummer John Densmore over the use of The Doors moniker. The group has shuffled through a number of singers, most recently settling on David Brock, frontman of a high-profile The Doors tribute band, Wild Child, which Krieger has said is the best of the tribute bands he's heard.

Despite successful outings in solo careers, Krieger and Manzarek are devoted to playing Doors material exclusively when they tour together, and though the project has been met with mixed reactions by the first generation of Doors fans, audiences looking for a good time dancing to the greatest Doors cover band on earth are unlikely to be disappointed.

Both Krieger and Manzarek have kept busy since The Doors disbanded, Krieger largely as a sideman and collaborator with musicians including Eric Burden of The Animals, Daryl Hall, and Blue Oyster Cult. Manzarek has branched out his musical tastes, fronting several blues-rock ensembles out of L.A., including Nite City. He also collaborated with Philip Glass, Iggy Pop and the band X on a rock adaptation of Carmina Burana and has published two novels.

Although critics are likely to point out that Krieger and Manzarek are simply trying to cash in on an old legend, it is important to remember that Krieger composed the music for most of the band's biggest hits, and, as their continued careers in music would suggest, the duo are inspired by a genuine love for their craft, as well as ambition to keep the spirit of The Doors alive and away from the clutches of cover bands, which Krieger has called "a double-edge sword."

"On one hand, it helps keep the kids aware of The Doors, and on the other hand, it's not The Doors," Krieger said. "The kids come away thinking, 'Oh, that's how The Doors were,' and it's not."

Krieger and Manzarek might not be The Doors without Densmore and Morrison, but they're as close as we'll get and a real treat for fans who want to ride the snake.

Stephan Delbos can be reached at
sdelbos@praguepost.com