The Doors drummer John Densmore recently addressed rumors of a feud between his band and the Grateful Dead. He clarified the circumstances behind a widely discussed incident in Santa Barbara. His comments were shared in an interview with Classic Album Review.
The discussion arose from a passage in Robbie Krieger’s autobiography that suggested tension between the two iconic bands. When asked directly about the alleged friction, Densmore provided his perspective on what actually happened.
“We loved playing San Francisco, even though we kind of shocked them because, you know, Jim [Morrison] was in black leather, which is not peace and love,” Densmore said. “Look, it was just that one day that we had two gigs and we asked the Dead ahead of time if we could use their stuff.”
The drummer explained that the issue was more logistical than personal. It stemmed from a specific scheduling conflict.
“And we got there after the second first gig and for some reason they said no. I went, ‘Oh, thanks a lot,'” he continued. “So, I mean, other than that, you know, every time we went to San Francisco, I thought, why don’t I live up here? I could be the drummer in Jefferson Airplane. But, you know, now I’m blessed to have been in a band that with Jim who, you know, excuse me, a genius, you know, like you just think about his lyrics.”
Densmore’s account suggests the incident was an isolated equipment dispute rather than an ongoing feud between the legendary rock bands.
This clarification comes as Densmore continues to be active in preserving The Doors’ legacy and sharing stories from the band’s history. The 79-year-old drummer has been making appearances at various venues, including cultural institutions, to discuss his experiences with the iconic rock band.
The Independent reported that Densmore has been appearing at venues like the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. He shares insights about his career and The Doors’ impact on rock music at these events. These appearances demonstrate his ongoing commitment to telling the authentic story of the band’s history.
The drummer’s recent interviews also touch on his long-standing legal battles with surviving band members Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger over the commercialization of The Doors’ music. KCLU noted that Densmore has been vocal about protecting Jim Morrison’s artistic legacy and maintaining the integrity of the band’s work.
The Santa Barbara connection runs deep for The Doors. The band had multiple ties to the area throughout their career. Tina Eves documented that in 1968, The Doors were playing a show in Santa Barbara. While in town, guitarist Robby Krieger, along with drummer John Densmore, were involved in various local activities that became part of the band’s lore.
Densmore’s willingness to address these historical misconceptions reflects his broader effort to set the record straight about The Doors’ relationships within the rock community. His comments about the Grateful Dead incident provide valuable context for understanding how equipment sharing and logistical challenges were common issues for touring bands in the 1960s. These challenges were indicators of practical concerns rather than personal animosity between musical acts.
