Jim Morrison's Parents Sue The Doors

The Smoking Gun ^ | 04/24/03

[Drew68]

APRIL 24--The parents of Jim Morrison yesterday sued two of their son's former Doors bandmates, claiming that the musicians, now touring in a reformed version of the famous group, have "maliciously misappropriated" the name and logo of The Doors and are using Morrison's poetry and photos without permission.

In a Los Angeles Superior Court complaint, octogenarians George and Clara Morrison allege that Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger have stolen "these valuable property rights" in a bid to promote and market "a new band that they recently organized with two other individuals that have never been associated with the original Doors band" and which plans on launching "a national and international tour in order to wrongfully enrich themselves."

Along with Manzarek and Krieger, the Morrisons have named as a defendant Ian Astbury, The Cult's former lead singer and the man now trying to fill Morrison's leather pants.

The lawsuit, a key excerpt from which is below, does not specify damages, but demands that the defendants "disgorge all profits which they have improperly received" from the band's resuscitation. The complaint also seems to take a swipe at the new band's musicianship, noting that the group has "attempted to play songs written and made popular by the original Doors band in a manner which attempts to copy the original distinctive sound of The Doors."

The reformed Doors tour has apparently been successful, with the group playing a sold-out show ($70 per ticket) tonight at New York City's Roseland Ballroom (capacity of about 3000).

Joining the Morrisons as plaintiffs in the L.A. lawsuit are Columbus and Pearl Courson, the parents of Pamela Courson, Jim Morrison's late common-law wife.

The Morrisons and Coursons share a 25 percent ownership stake in the corporations formed to administer the Doors partnerships. The other 25 percent partners are Manzarek, Krieger, and former Doors drummer John Densmore.

[Drew68]

The Doors should have replaced Morrison after his death. He was overrated (IMHO). He showed talent at first but then descended into alcoholism and became a parody of himself.

Manzarek and Krieger were the true talents of the band with Krieger penning the Doors' biggest hit, "Light My Fire."

When I first heard The Cult's Ian Astbury back in the mid-80s, I thought he was a dead-ringer for Morrison's voice.

Incidentally, Densmore --who claims to not be in the best health, is also suing The Doors for touring without him --despite refusing to tour after being asked.

Former Police drummer, Stewart Copeland is filling in for Densmore.

[Larry Lucido]

There was no love lost between Morrison and his dad. But his folks don't mind raking in the cash generated by this cult status.

[stands2reason]

Stewart Copeland, Ian Astbury....sounds better than your usual Famous Band Retread...

[Larry Lucido]

this = his

[sine_nomine]

Meanwhile, Home Depot is suing The Doors for infringing on their product, doors, while Bill Gates is suing for the damage done to Windows. In a news release, Gates said, "I don't want all the money in the world, just most of it."

[Joe Hadenuf]

I think Jims Dad was a former Admiral in the Navy...I hear Jim had a strange relationship with his folks......

[Drew68]

I think Jims Dad was a former Admiral in the Navy...I hear Jim had a strange relationship with his folks......

He was. Infact, Jim's bandmates used to refer to Mr. Morrison as "The Admiral."

According to seminal Morrison Biography, "No One Here Gets Out Alive" Morrison was going to spend some time on the aircraft carrier that his dad commanded in an effort to dry up from booze. Obviously, he died before this took place.

Question: What do Morrison, Janis Joplin, Pigpen (from the Greatful Dead), Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain have in common?

Answer: All died at 27 years old.

[wolficatZ]

The DOORS without Morrison are a joke. The original band members look incredibly ghastly, like they are about to drop into a coma any second. I saw them on TV a few weeks ago, and frankly "IMHO", they sucked bigtime.

[Drew68]

The DOORS without Morrison are a joke.

I respectfully disagree. I saw the three remaining members perform on TV with Creed's Scott Stapp filling in on vocals. Their rendition of "Roadhouse Blues" was awesome!

[dts32041]

Perfer Burdon's and Brian Agur's version?

After the 1st two ablums, doo9rs went down hill unitl the LA woman ablum, then they just kind of died away.

[Nick Danger]

Another lawyer with nuthin' to do.

[Larry Lucido]

There was a great Mike Peters (of Mother Goose and Grimm) cartoon strip. A young Jim Morrison is blocking his annoyed dad's view of the TV. Dad yells sarcastically, "Hey, Morrison, you make a better door than a window."

[TLBSHOW]

They are great and it is about time they did this, way past over due.

[Rainmist]

Jim wrote almost every song, but credited them to the whole band. His talent of observation was 20 years ahead of him. Jim had an IQ of 140, and he hated his parents and told others that they were dead. Killed in a car crash. The Morrisons and Coursons must be running out of Jim's money and need to replenish the coffers. They disapproved of him, treated him like crap while he was alive ... but they sure don't mind spending his money, do they ?

[Scenic Sounds]

I doubt that this has anything to do with the money. I think the parents are probably just interested in protecting their son's memory and the integrity of their son's legacy.

You know, if they don't step forward to protect their son, who will? ;-)

[RightWhale]

the group has "attempted to play songs written and made popular by the original Doors band in a manner which attempts to copy the original distinctive sound of The Doors."

Seeing as how Manzarek was the sound of the Doors, it shouldn't be hard for Manzarek's new band to cop that sound.

[discostu]

They did two albums after jim died (both of which stank). Jim was the soul of the band (talent, lack of talent, doesn't matter, the band revolved around him) and it's f'ed up to pretend they're The Doors without him, but given that they did stuff after he died I don't think they have a case.

[discostu]

Strange relationship is a good way to put it. While he didn't get along with them well growing up a military brat taught him respect for those that served and he really hated the hippy movement for their behavior to the military. Interviews with him that turned to popular culture were hilarious, the hippies loved him and he was openly derissive to them.

[joesnuffy]

yep that navy retirement pay of jims pop aint going as far...
did he retire with the rank of admiral?