Former Doors drummer John Densmore’s legal attempt to stop the band from using the Doors name has failed at least his request for a temporary restraining order has.  A judge denied his request earlier this week, so the Doors 21st Century will resume their tour on May 22nd in Tampa Florida. 

Down but not out. Densmore’s suit will still be heard in court but for the time being the new band can use the name.  

In that suit, Densmore is asking for a share of revenue from recording and touring, even though he declined to join the new incarnation due to hearing damage. Densmore claims breach of contract on the part of Manzarek and Krieger, stating that they started the new version of the band without his consent. The three surviving Doors reached an agreement  after Morrison’s death in 1971 to split all profits from the Doors. 

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory W. Alarcon sided with the Doors 21st Century lawyers who claimed that changing the name at this point would damage the existing tour dates that have been booked. He further ruled that the addition of 21st Century in their name was sufficient to differentiate the new group from the original incarnation. 

Alarcon also stated that the death of the original lead vocalist Jim Morrison is well known to the public, so the issue of people mistaking this new group for the original is not a major concern. 

In a statement, Manzarek said, "We're happy justice prevailed. We feel the judge made a wise and astute decision. And as we have from the beginning, our invitation for John Densmore to play with the band still stands."

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