The Doors – Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970 (Live DVD Review)

The Doors are without a doubt one of the most unique and important Rock bands to emerge from 1960s. A time of change in America, the anti-Vietnam war movement was only part the story. Essentially, the music of the time encapsulates the feeling and emotion of the country, and The Doors were right at the forefront of it all.

One part Blues, another part Jazz, and full of unpredictable Rock-n-Roll, The Doors sound was all their own. Unfortunately Lead Vocalist/Lyricist Jim Morrison’s addictions took over his life, and thus would lead to the demise of The Doors’ success. Yes, the talents and vision of Ray Manzarek (keyboards, vocals), John Densmore (drums), and Robby Krieger (lead guitar, vocals) would keep the band going strong, but following the untimely passing of Morrison in 1971, at only 27 years of age, things would never be the same for The Doors.

Of course it was a tragic loss for the music world to find Morrison gone in his prime, and the future was looking up for he and The Doors despite his struggle with addiction and legal issues. The band had just released an epic comeback record in the form of L.A. Woman months before Morrison’s passing. An album that saw the band clicking once again musically, who knows what would have been, had Morrison not passed. In spite of Morrison’s legal troubles in the year prior to his death, 1970, the band continued to tour. Unsure what the future held, August 29th of 1970 would become a bold marker in the band’s history, it would be the very last time they would perform live with Morrison.

There final filmed show together would be held at The Isle Of Wight Festival off the south coast of England. Really taking place on August 30th, because the band hit the stage at 2 AM the next morning, it would be a performance those in attendance would never forget. Where has that footage been all these years? Would it ever be released to fans? Well, maybe the fact that there was minimal lighting due to communication error that the footage has never been released. In fact, the band performed with a singular red spotlight.

Fortunately, thanks to new technology, the previously unreleased concert has been restored through color correcting and visual upgrading. Now the entire concert, which is presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital sound, makes its way to Blu-ray and DVD for the first time ever on Friday, February 23, 2018 under the title The Doors Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970. Finally available thanks to the people at Eagle Rock Entertainment, it was also mixed from the original multi-track audio by longtime Doors Engineer/Mixer/Co-producer Bruce Botnick. So, are you ready to relive this special piece of history?

The Isle of Wight Music Festival was an all out battle, with over 600,000 in attendance literally tearing their way into the event. Yes, the likes of Miles Davis, Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who play this amazing festival. Add The Doors, some may argue it is one of the most legendary Rock music festivals of all-time.

As alluded to, with only a singular red spotlight helping them along the the way, The Doors made the best of that dark stage and doing what they do best, break through and hold an audience with a mesmerizing performance. A seven song set, the performance starts with “Roadhouse Blues,” which is delivered with electrifying intensity the moment Krieger hit the first note. True to form, Morrison puts a carnivorous emotion into the song as the lyrics flow like water. From there, it is other Doors greats including “Backdoor Man,” “Break on Through (To The Other Side),” “When The Music’s Over,” “Ship of Fools,” the commercial hit “Light My Fire,” before rightfully concluding with “The End.”

Additionally, the legendary and monumental solos make the performances that much more entrancing and unforgettable. Not to mention the enigmatic quote from “When The Music’s Over” “We want the world and we want it now” resonating in chilling fashion in the audio recording. These are the worlds that would define a generation.

Not only does this newly available piece of history come with The Doors final performance with Jim Morrison, it also includes interviews conducted by the films original Director Murray Lerner with  Robby Krieger, John Densmore, and original Doors Manager Bill Siddons. Not just another piece to add to your collection and never watch again, this is a piece of history all Rock-n-Roll fans need to own. That is why CrypticRock gives The Doors Live at the Isle of Wight 5 out of 5 stars.

Purchase The Doors Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970:

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