Musician and author John Densmore, 78, formed the Doors along with Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger.
The iconic American rock band produced a string of memorable albums, including Strange Days, Morrison Hotel and L.A. Woman, in the late 1960s, early 1970s.
Following Morrison’s death in 1971, Densmore sued his former band mates to prevent them touring as the Doors. The subsequent legal case is the focus of his book the Doors Unhinged. Densmore continues to perform as a drummer, and lives In Los Angeles with his wife Ildiko Von Somogyi.
What was the best financial advice your parents gave you?
My dad told me not to quit the Doors. I was kind of tortured at the time because Jim’s self-destruction was increasing and really wearing on me.
This was in the middle period, and we didn’t realise Jim was ill. I much appreciated the advice later because I’m rather proud of the music we created.
How did you get into drumming?
I took piano lessons when I was eight, and just went crazy for it. By the time I got to junior high I just wanted to play music, but they didn’t have pianos in a marching band.
I chose clarinet next, but the orthodontist who put a brace on my teeth said “no, you’re not gonna play that instrument”. So, drums it was and I guess I owe my career to the dentist.
When did you think about a music career?
I started playing casual gigs, weddings, bar mitzvahs, all that stuff. But I never thought I could make a living out of it. Things really started taking off, and that surprised me. I just hoped I’d earn well for a decade, yet, 50 years later and I’m still talking about this frigging band.
What would you have done if it hadn’t worked out?
How can I answer that question? I guess a paperboy, like when I was a kid. Back then, Ray was living in a two-bed apartment over a garage with an ocean view in Venice Beach, for $75 (£60) a month.
I thought I just can’t do the nine-to-five thing, so I’ll just live in Venice where it’s cheap. Well, it’s about $1m (£800,000) for that tiny kind of place now.
