The Doors New York Book Launch

'We really knew each other musically, and we knew Jim too. The three of us used to talk about how we could make him move around, rile him up and get him into a dance. There was a connection there.' – John Densmore

Last Thursday, legendary Doors drummer John Densmore joined renowned music journalist and author Anthony DeCurtis for an intimate conversation at New York’s Rizzoli Bookstore. The exclusive event, attended by 100 readers and subscribers, celebrated the launch of Night Divides the Day – the ultimate official anthology by The Doors published with complete access to the band's archives. 

Densmore reflected on his early journey of musical discovery – from keyboard to clarinet before finding his true calling with the drums. His classical training and rhythmic instincts were to perfectly complement the talents of Manzarek, Krieger, and Morrison, whose evocative lyrics floated over the band’s signature sound. 

'Music was in my blood. Some kids went to the movies for escape. I found it in jazz... This is where I got religion. It was a kind of raw spiritual anarchy.' – John Densmore 

Midway through the conversation, Densmore brought out drums and percussion instruments, treating the audience to demonstrations of how they were used in some of the band’s most iconic songs. 

Densmore also recalled the spirit of experimentation that defined that era – crafting soundscapes that included thunderclaps – and expressed gratitude to those who’ve made The Doors' music the soundtrack of their lives: from Vietnam War survivors to new generations discovering the band during the pivotal moments of youth and adulthood. 

'They're just beautiful. I was aware of Genesis, I had been given a couple of their books and was duly impressed. And then this project came around, and, of course, we would do this. It's the highest quality you can get.' – John Densmore 

With Night Divides the Day currently earning rave reviews from acclaimed outlets such as Forbes ("a dazzling and lavish visual history of the band"), USA Today ("a literary time machine"), and MOJO ("a whopping 344-page slab of text and photographs, many unseen"), we recommend acting fast to secure your copy of The Doors' historic signed limited edition boxed set. Now shipping to subscribers worldwide, click here to secure your copy.