The Doors – When You’re Strange
Documentary and Exhibition
The Doors are one of coolest bands ever. From the groove of their rock beats to the charisma and iconic-ness of front man Jim Morrison they ooze timeless cool and musical and artistic integrity. Although Morrison tragically died at the age 27 nearly 40 years ago, The Doors and their music still sound strong today. If you listen to tracks like ‘This Is The End’, ‘Break On Through’, ‘Light My Fire’ you hear a sound that personifies the turbulent 1960s that they were from yet also still sound fresh, new and relevant today.
This month sees two great celebrations of The Doors. The new documentary When You’re Strange claims to be “the true story of The Doors” (says Keyboardist Ray Manzarek). It is directed by American indie director Tom DiCillo and narrated by Johnny Depp (a perfect choice as Morrison clearly resonates through Depp’s own persona). The film chronicles the formation of the band, recording, touring and all the controversy, hype and intrigue surrounding the charismatic Jim Morrison.
There is also a new exhibition at The Idea Generation Gallery in Shoreditch dedicated to The Doors, also conveniently called When You’re Strange. In its own words –
‘The exhibition will offer an intimate account of The Doors from their rise to fame to their breakthrough on the music scene in 1965. The exhibition will reveal intimate portraits of Jim Morrison and how he became one of the most charismatic lead singers with The Doors becoming one of the most controversial rock bands to exist.
In conjunction with Morrison Hotel Gallery, Idea Generation Gallery will showcase the photography of Henry Diltz, Joel Brodsky, Bobby Klein and Ken Regan, who all documented the bands time together. Alongside their most celebrated works, When You’re Strange brings together the lesser known archives and previously unseen contact sheets of photography taken over the decade the band were together.’
The Doors: When You’re Strange will run from…
5th July – 27th August @ The Idea Generation Gallery
11 Chance Street
London
E2 7JB
When You’re Strange – A Film About The Doors has a limited release in various venues around London and is getting A ONE OFF SCREENING at the Duke Of York’s in Brighton on 25th July
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