Review & Photos: The Ultimate Doors genuinely pay homage to Jim Morrison & Co. with authentic performance in Columbus

 

By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Last night, incense burned as The Ultimate Doors teleported a packed Newport Music Hall back in time to The Doors’ prime; it was as though the late ‘60s and early ‘70s were present day.

It was a tribute to remember by the nationally touring band; respectfully honoring the legendary and often controversial Los Angeles’ band that became a well-known symbol for counterculture and psychedelic rock music of the era.

The voice of Jim Morrison echoed through the Columbus’ venue as the quartet stepped on stage: “Is Everybody In? Is Everybody In? Is Everybody In? The Ceremony Is About To Begin.”

The band members’ image, clothing, instruments, and even the amps, EV gold microphone and mic cord on stage purposely and meticulously matched the same as those used when The Doors performed live—right down to the stage setup and positioning.

Vocalist and showman Darrian Kenney’s portrayal of The Lizard King was chillingly precise—from Morrison’s distinct vocal range to his intoxicated mannerisms. 

Kenney spontaneously spun around, back kicked, leaned forward, tribally danced and clapped. At times he hunched over and collapsed to his knees, eventually falling down and crawling across the stage.

Kenney went wild during “When The Music’s Over,” while standing he flailed his arms, waved to the crowd and blew a kiss. During “Light My Fire,” he jumped off stage and strolled through the entire venue, dancing and screaming with concert goers during the song’s lengthy instrumental breakdown.

Rounding out the lineup: Todd Huffman flawlessly rocked a Gibson portraying guitarist Robby Krieger, Brandan Eifrid dominated his Fender Rhodes piano and Gibson organ as the great Ray Manzarek and Jordyn Huffman ruled his Ludwig Classic mod orange set as drummer John Densmore. 

The tribute band left no page unturned, performing all the hits and more through the nearly two-hour set, songs included: “People Are Strange,” “Riders On The Storm,” “Moonlight Drive,” “L.A. Woman,” “Break On Through,” “The End,” “Love Me Two Times,” “Roadhouse Blues,” “Peace Frog,” “Gloria.” 

Five decades after The Doors’ hey day, The Ultimate Doors provided a proper and memorable night that paid homage to the timeless legacy of one of the most influential and impactful rock bands in music history. 

It’s a must see show for any generation and they will continue touring throughout next year. Thanks to these guys, the legacy lives on.

See Tour Dates

The Doors never performed at Newport Music Hall, but they did perform once in Columbus on Nov. 2, 1968 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium—three years before the death of 27-year-old vocalist, lyricist, poet Jim Morrison, listed as heart failure. 

That historic show at Vets—with a traditionally wild, incomprehensible, profane Morrison—ended with fans protesting because The Doors’ set was cut off by police during “Light My Fire.” (Read Ricki C.’s detailed first-person review of the show, see advertisements and much more from the event)