The Doors were one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of the 1960s and early 1970s. Formed in Los Angeles in 1965, the band consisted of vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger. With their unique blend of psychedelic rock, blues, jazz and poetry, The Doors produced several hit songs including “Light My Fire,” “Break On Through (To the Other Side),” “The End” and “Riders on the Storm.”
Even after frontman Jim Morrison’s death in 1971, The Doors’ music continued to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. This has led to the emergence of numerous tribute bands aiming to recreate the sound and spirit of the original Doors. But with so many Doors tribute acts out there, the question arises – who is the best one?
Criteria for Evaluating Doors Tribute Bands
When evaluating Doors tribute bands, there are several key criteria to consider:
– Musical Ability – How well do they recreate the Doors’ instrumentation and arrangements? Is the vocalist able to capture Jim Morrison’s signature baritone voice?
– Stage Presence – Do they embody the energy, charisma and showmanship of the original band in concert?
– Authenticity – Do they stay true to the source material or take creative liberties? From costumes to equipment, how much do they emulate the details of the real Doors?
– Song Catalog – Do they cover all the major Doors hits and fan favorites or just the radio staples? What is the balance between hits and deep cuts?
– Critical/Fan Reception – How do critics and audiences rate their live shows and recordings? Do they have a strong following?
By weighing all these factors, we can determine which current Doors tribute band comes closest to the genius and spectacle of the original.
Top Doors Tribute Bands
After careful consideration, here are 5 Doors tribute bands that stand out from the pack as the best of the best:
1. The Soft Parade
Based out of Los Angeles, The Soft Parade is arguably the most popular Doors tribute band touring today. They recreate the Doors’ classics with true skill and passion, evoking the raw energy of the band’s early concerts at the Whisky a Go Go. Lead singer Tony Fernandez channels Jim Morrison’s intense vocals and mystical showmanship, while the band nails the jazz and blues inflections of the original recordings. The Soft Parade’s live shows across North America receive consistent rave reviews from critics and longtime Doors fans alike. Their attention to detail extends to every element of the Doors experience, from the keyboards and guitar gear to the period wardrobe.
2. Wild Child
This Wisconsin-based tribute act is anchored by vocalist David Brock’s powerful take on Jim Morrison. With his flowing hair, leather pants, and charismatic stage presence, he successfully mimics Morrison’s rock god persona. Beyond the visuals, Brock and his band excel at recreating the Doors’ diverse sound, moving seamlessly from laid back blues numbers to electrifying psychedelic rockers. Wild Child stands apart for their versatility across the Doors catalog, breathing new life into lesser known album cuts and live rarities. Their regional touring schedule includes frequent gigs at biker bars, casinos and festivals, where they consistently satisfy die-hard Doors purists.
3. L.A. Woman
Led by drummer Brandon Stone and keyboardist Mick Michaels, L.A. Woman meticulously models itself after the original Doors right down to the vintage equipment and clothing. This Los Angeles-based group combines musical talent with serious Doors fandom to pay homage to their heroes. Vocalist Kelly Brox captures Jim Morrison’s tortured poet persona balanced with raucous rock star abandon. From faithfully recreated concert setlists to details like Manzarek’s keyboard grip and Densmore’s loose jazz drumming, L.A. Woman aims to make the audience feel like they’re experiencing the real Doors live in their heyday. Their attention to accuracy has established L.A. Woman as a favorite on the California club and festival circuit.
4. Riders on the Storm
One of the few Doors tributes to come out of Canada, Riders on the Storm formed in Ontario in 2009. Their national touring schedule has since earned them a reputation as Canada’s premier Doors show. Lead singer Tony Quarmby has Jim Morrison’s distinctive vocals down pat while maintaining his own gritty rock edge. Backed by a killer band, he brings authentic intensity to classics like “Five to One,” “Peace Frog” and “When the Music’s Over.” Riders on the Storm have released several live albums that showcase both their talent and passion for the Doors songbook. They continue to attract huge crowds at rock festivals, performing arts centers and casinos throughout Canada.
5. Break on Thru
Hailing from New York City, Break on Thru are known for high-energy renditions of Doors hits and album tracks. Their keyboardist Jonathan Sindelman provides Ray Manzarek’s signature organ sound while lead singer Travis Thurbon channels Jim Morrison’s unhinged stage presence. Drawing from live bootlegs and obscure b-sides, Break on Thru pride themselves on digging deeper into the Doors catalog. Beyond their musical chops, the band brings an edgy downtown vibe that feels true to the Doors’ unpredictable spirit. Since 2001, Break on Thru have built a loyal East Coast following through constant gigging and regular appearances at Doors fan conventions.
Notable Runners-Up
In addition to the top 5, several other Doors tribute bands are making their mark on the circuit:
Mr. Mojo Risin’
This Atlanta-based group features skilled multi-instrumentalist Max DeGroot as Jim Morrison.
Strange Nights
James Michael’s dynamic vocals fuel this New Jersey tribute act.
Crystal Ship
From Texas, Crystal Ship is known for theatrical renditions of Doors classics.
People are Strange
Marcus Scott accurately channels Jim Morrison in this talented U.K. tribute band.
Light My Fire
Jason McInerney fronts this up-and-coming New York tribute with youthful energy.
Comparison of Key Metrics
To further analyze the top tribute bands, here is a table comparing some key metrics:
Band | Musical Ability | Authenticity | Song Catalog | Fan Reception |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Soft Parade | 9/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Wild Child | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
L.A. Woman | 9/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Riders on the Storm | 8/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Break on Thru | 7/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 |
This comparison shows The Soft Parade edging out the competition with consistently high marks across all categories – musicianship, authenticity, song choices and audience approval.
The Soft Parade Stands Out from the Pack
Based on critical analysis of the top contenders, The Soft Parade rises above the rest as the premier Doors tribute band performing today. Their combination of musical talent, attention to detail and electrifying stage presence allow them to connect with audiences on an emotional level like no other Doors tribute can. They have earned their reputation through years of obsessively studying the original band and recreating their songs with heart and skill. From the opening organ swells of “Break on Through” to the epic climax of “The End,” a Soft Parade concert transports the listener back to the glory days of the Doors, bringing Jim Morrison and company’s revolutionary sound back to life. For longtime Doors fans and younger generations discovering their music for the first time, The Soft Parade is the closest they can get to the power and magic of the real thing.
Conclusion
In the 50+ years since their inception, the Doors’ impact on rock music remains undiminished, as evidenced by the plethora of tribute bands aiming to continue their legacy. When it comes to capturing the Doors’ essence, no group does it better than The Soft Parade. Their combination of skill, passion and attention to detail set them apart as the #1 Doors tribute act keeping the spirit and sound alive today. For audiences craving the authentic hard-edged psychedelic blues and poetic theatricality of a Doors concert, a Soft Parade show is the ultimate satisfaction. If you get the chance to experience The Soft Parade live, seize it – they are deservedly the reigning champions of the Doors tribute scene.