In 1967: The Doors Banned From The Ed Sullivan Show
19 Sep 2024
This week marks the anniversary of one of the most infamous moments in the
Doors' storied history, as they made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and were subsequently banned from the show due to their performance.
Before the performance, a producer from the show entered the band's dressing room and informed the group that they needed to alter a line in the song "Light My Fire," specifically changing the lyrics, "Girl, we couldn't get much higher." He explained that it was deemed inappropriate for a family show on national television due to its association with illegal drug use.
Though Jim Morrison wasn't happy with this demand, the group relented and told the producers that they would alter the lyrics as requested.
'The Ed Sullivan Show was the biggest show you could play on at that time. If there was a show of that calibre today I would definitely play on it, but only if we had total control over the lyrics.' - Robby Krieger
'At one point during rehearsal, Ed says to us, "You know, you boys are too serious. You should smile. You look good when you're smiling and laughing." Thanks for that stage direction, Mr. Sullivan.' - John Densmore
Following the comedy performance of Rodney Dangerfield, the band took to the stage to perform two of their biggest hits, 'People are Strange' and 'Light My Fire.' When it came time for the requested line change in the song, Morrison took the opportunity to sing the song as it was written.
Backstage, the furious producers informed the band that Ed Sullivan had planned to have them for an additional six shows and they would never perform on it again. Morrison replied, "Hey, man. We just did the Sullivan show." And the rest is history.
'I think of myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being with the soul of a clown. It always forces me to blow it at the most important moments.' - Jim Morrison
