Spirit of The Doors alive

But Wolverhampton played host to what's left of The Doors last night - and rock they did.

Original members Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger may now look like a science teacher from Vermont and Frank Skinner's dad respectively, but they rolled back the years with a classic show.In another coup for the Civic, the band, now known as Riders on the Storm after one of The Doors' hits, played one of only a handful of British dates last night on their 40th anniversary tour.

An eclectic mix of fans travelled from miles around to the city and were treated to a rip-roaring ride through one of rock's most influential back catalogues.

All the classic hits were on show, belted out with verve by Ian Astbury from The Cult, who bore a physical and musical resemblance to the late former Doors frontman Jim Morrison.

The Doors were formed in 1965 by Manzarek, Morrison, Krieger and drummer John Densmore. And despite Morrison's death in 1971, their popularity and mystique has continued.

The mixed crowd at last night's show - a combination of die-hard fans from the 1960s and younger fans acquainted with the music in recent years - was evidence of their varied appeal.

The jittery, testosterone-fuelled antics of Astbury leant an edge to the gig and his appearance certainly fired up the fans, who stood to acclaim the band as they went on stage - and did not sit down during the next two hours.

It was the psychedelic keyboard of Manzarek that dominated proceedings, controlling the tempo throughout after setting the bar high with second number Break On Through.

That quality continued right up to Manzarek's finest hour, the magnificent finishing number Light My Fire.

by Stuart Pollitt