Iconic 60s drummer from legendary band spotted on rare outing at 80

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A beloved member of a famous band from the 1960s made a special appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday, exciting many fans.

Legendary 80-year-old drummer John Densmore, who continues to perform with Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, 81, was recently seen looking energetic while shopping at a grocery store in Malibu.

The musician seemed cheerful as he walked through the parking lot, with a relaxed and stylish appearance that reminded people of his late bandmate, Jim Morrison.

He looked very different from his rock star past. Instead of flashy stage clothes, he was wearing a simple white Oxford shirt, cargo pants, and a fedora. This was a long way from 1966, when he and his band recorded their first album at Sunset Sound on the Sunset Strip.

Dedicated fans might remember that Densmore and Krieger first played together in a band called the Psychedelic Rangers. Later, in 1965, they joined forces with Morrison and Ray Manzarek to create one of the most iconic bands of all time.

Can you guess the mystery drummer?

If you guessed John Densmore, you’re absolutely right!

Beyond his work with The Doors, the artist has enjoyed a varied career, exploring dance, acting, and writing. He’s found success not only as a performer, but also as a playwright and author.

In his popular autobiography, Riders on the Storm (1990), Densmore recounts his life story, his experiences with Jim Morrison, and the memorable era of The Doors.

He also wrote the book The Seekers (2020), which shares stories about the inspiring people he’s met during his career.

Beyond his achievements as an author, Densmore has also appeared on television. He’s particularly remembered for playing the drummer in Johnny Slash’s band, Open 24 Hours, on the show Square Pegs, appearing as himself.

He also appeared in a 1992 episode of Beverly Hills 90210, where he portrayed Ben, Dylan’s sponsor.

John Densmore briefly left The Doors because of Jim Morrison’s erratic and harmful actions, but he quickly returned the very next day, according to the book Riders on the Storm.

Densmore often urged the band to stop touring due to Jim Morrison’s unpredictable actions, but the other members disagreed.

After a particularly bad concert in New Orleans on December 12, 1970, where Jim Morrison seemed unable to speak clearly, The Doors decided to stop touring.

This marked the final public appearance of The Doors as a quartet.

Following Jim Morrison’s death in 1971, the remaining members of The Doors created two additional albums. They uniquely combined Morrison’s previously recorded poetry with their musical performances.

Densmore stayed with the band until its formal dissolution in 1973.

In 1978, The Doors came together to produce An American Prayer, an album that mixed newly recorded music with poetry Jim Morrison had recited in 1969 and 1970.

The band got back together briefly in 1993 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and continued to reunite occasionally for special performances and projects afterward.

In 2002, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and Ian Astbury of The Cult started performing as “The Doors of the 21st Century.” However, John Densmore and the estate of Jim Morrison sued them and won, preventing them from using the band’s name.

The band eventually chose the name Manzarek–Krieger and kept performing concerts until Ray Manzarek passed away in 2013.

Oh my gosh, The Doors? They weren’t just good, they were history makers! Seriously, they were the very first American band to have eight albums in a row go Gold or Platinum! Can you believe it? Eight! It just proves what I’ve always known – they were, and always will be, legendary.

With over 36 million albums sold in the U.S. and more than 100 million worldwide, they’re recognized as one of the best-selling music groups ever.

Publications such as Rolling Stone frequently include them on lists of the all-time greatest artists, even ranking them at number 41 on their list of 100 Greatest Artists.

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2026-04-03 16:35