“If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.”
That one line didn’t just inspire a band name, but an entire musical philosophy. Before they became icons of psychedelic rock, The Doors were just a group of outsiders chasing something wild and new in the streets of Los Angeles.
Formed in 1965, the band fused poetry, blues, and mysticism into a sound that felt like both a revolution and a haunting experience. With Jim Morrison’s hypnotic presence up front, Ray Manzarek’s swirling keys, Robby Krieger’s inventive guitar work, and John Densmore’s jazz-infused drumming, The Doors were a volatile mix of love, death, and chaos destined for greatness. From the very beginning, they weren’t just making music; they were bending reality.
These photos from the 1960s and early 1970s capture their rise, one strange, beautiful moment at a time.
1
1967
Jim Morrison being photographed by Gloria Stavers.
2
1967
In February, Jac Holzman had a billboard in Los Angeles to promote The Doors’ debut album. This was the first time a rock album was promoted with a billboard sign.
3
1967
In May, Elektra Records hosted a luncheon in Los Angeles for The Doors to celebrate the release of their second single “Light My Fire.”
4
1967
Lighting fires and minds, one show at a time.
5
1967
The Doors at the Whisky a Go Go in Sunset Blvd.
6
The band that made being weird look magnetic.
7
1967
On May 30, The Doors performed at a Los Angeles venue called Hullabaloo.
8
1967
In October 20, The Doors performed at the University of Michigan. Photo by Steve Bober
9
1967
Ladies and Gentlemen The Doors by Guy Webster.
10
1967
On December 9, The Doors performed one of their most infamous concerts in New Haven, Connecticut in which Morrison would get arrested.
11
1968
Ray Manzarek points his finger in the Sam Houston Coliseum lobby.
12
Morrison wasn’t just the frontman, he was The Doors' storm.
13
Four guys, one psychedelic, poetic, and unapologetically loud sound.
14
1970
On December 8th, Jim Morrison celebrated his 27th birthday, last one before he passed.
15
Backstage in the '60s, part poetry, part mayhem.
17
Group photos never looked this cool.
18
Their music wasn't jus heard, it was felt.
19
Back when Venice Beach dreams turned into rock ‘n’ roll history.
20
Leather pants, cryptic lyrics, and a stare that burned. That was Jim Morrison for you.
21
Cigarettes, poetry, and a whole lot of vinyl and chaos. By Bobby Klein.
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