Emerging from the vaults after more than fifty years, The Doors’ Live At Konserthuset, Stockholm; September 20, 1968 is a revelation, a superb three-LP collection that serves as a vital document of the band’s prowess during their storied European tour with Jefferson Airplane. This release transports listeners back to a moment when The Doors were not just riding the wave of their early successes but were actively shaping the sound of rock music. Where the 5-LP, Live at the Matrix, 1967 provides a glimpse of a band still in its formative stages, this new release from Stockholm showcases The Doors in full command of their artistic capabilities. The performances captured here are electrifying, marked by a maturity and intensity that far surpass earlier live recordings. It’s a wonder these masterful renditions remained tucked away for so long. Bruce Botnick’s expert remastering of the original four-track tapes elevates the album’s audio quality to a level of clarity that rivals, and perhaps exceeds, any other live recording in The Doors’ catalog. The crispness and vitality of the sound are particularly noteworthy compared to the Copenhagen sessions from the same tour. For RSD this year, Rhino Records debuted this release on limited Translucent Light Blue vinyl, but will continue to offer this masterpiece on black vinyl.
The 3-LP collection contains the entirety of The Doors’ performance of the day which includes both an early show and a late show. The Early Show includes poignant renditions of “Love Street” and a gripping “The Unknown Soldier” which culminates in nearly three minutes of fervent applause—a sound that vividly captures the magnetic allure of a Doors concert. The track list of the Late Show is a deep dive into the band’s rich discography, featuring monumental versions of “The End” and “Light My Fire” from their debut album, along with “You’re Lost Little Girl” and a powerful “When the Music’s Over” from Strange Days. Each performance underscores the synergy between Jim Morrison’s charismatic vocals and the dynamic interplay of Ray Manzarek’s keyboards, Robby Krieger’s guitar, and John Densmore’s drums. This synergy is apparent in the jammed-out twelve-plus minute versions of “Light My Fire” and “When The Music’s Over” played at both shows and especially in the sixteen-minute rendition of “The End” that closes out the show and takes up a whole side on LP-3.
Live At Konserthuset, Stockholm; September 20, 1968 is not just an archival release; it’s a thunderous reaffirmation of The Doors’ legacy, offering both die-hard fans and newcomers a chance to witness the band at a zenith of live performance. This album doesn’t just play music; it ignites the revolutionary spirit that The Doors are remembered for, making it an essential addition to any rock music collection.
