Celebrated guitarist marks band’s milestone anniversary

Robby Krieger, a legendary guitarist from The Doors, is currently at the brink of performing a rare concert in Northern California. Before taking the stage at the 2025 BottleRock Napa Valley Festival, Krieger graciously sat down backstage with an exclusive interview. As a die-hard fan of The Doors, it was a tremendous honor to have a conversation with the 79-year-old rock icon, who is not only recognized for his exceptional guitar skills but also for his songwriting prowess.

Often overshadowed by his bandmates, vocalist Jim Morrison, drummer John Densmore, and keyboardist Ray Manzarek, Krieger’s songwriting contributions to The Doors’ catalog have been overlooked. Despite this, Krieger penned or co-wrote many of the group’s most iconic tracks, such as songs like “Peace Frog,” “Love Me Two Times,” “Light My Fire,” and “Love Her Madly.” “Light My Fire,” notably the first song Krieger composed for the band, remains one of their most famous compositions.

The 2025 BottleRock Napa Valley performance came at an opportune moment as Krieger and his exceptional band, featuring drummer Ty Dennis, bassist Dan Rothchild, keyboardist Ed Roth, and Krieger’s son Waylon on vocals, were in the midst of celebrating The Doors’ 60th anniversary. The festivities included complete album performances at the renowned Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip, leading up to a grand concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Oct. 30th to commemorate this significant milestone.

During my discussion with Krieger, it was revealed that he shares a profound connection with the Bay Area, much like Morrison. Having attended boarding school in Atherton, close to where Morrison resided in Mountain View during his younger years, the two legends are intertwined beyond their musical partnership.

In light of The Doors’ anniversary, Krieger and his band have been performing full album showcases at the Whisky A Go-Go each month, presenting all the songs from their albums in sequential order. This ambitious retrospective series aims to give fans a unique opportunity to experience the band’s discography in its entirety, honoring their lasting impact on rock music.

Reflecting on The Doors’ diverse discography, Krieger shared his thoughts on the experimental nature of albums like “The Soft Parade.” While acknowledging the initial audience skepticism due to its departure from the band’s typical sound, Krieger highlighted the quality of the songs and arrangements on the album. Notable tracks like “Tell All the People” and “Touch Me” from “The Soft Parade” stood out as significant achievements in The Doors’ musical evolution.

When asked about his personal favorite albums, Krieger leaned towards the band’s debut self-titled album and their final studio effort, “L.A. Woman.” Praising the raw energy of the first album and the bluesy vibe of “L.A. Woman,” Krieger’s choices resonate with fans who cherish The Doors’ groundbreaking work from start to finish.