April 8, 2006

As the Doors’ surviving members gear up for the band’s 40th anniversary — with plans for a comprehensive boxed set, reissues, merchandise and an interactive Las Vegas attraction — there is a possibility that their music may be used in commercials for the first time.

It almost happened in 1969, when drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek agreed to license “Light My Fire” to Buick to advertise its German-made Opel. Singer Jim Morrison, who was out of town for the meeting, vehemently disagreed, and the deal never came to pass. From that point, Densmore has opposed commercial usage, although Krieger and Manzarek have opened up to the possibility.

All deals, licensing and otherwise, must be approved by all partners in the Doors’ assets: The three surviving members have a 75% share, and Morrison’s families and his late girlfriend, Pamela Courson, share the other 25%.

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Radiohead is eyeing multiple-night stands in Montreal, Toronto, Philadelphia and Chicago as part of its summer North American tour, which will get underway in June, Billboard.com has learned. Dates, venues and an opening act are still being finalized. For now, the lone confirmed show is a June 17 headlining set at the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tenn.

Radiohead has not performed in the United States since it headlined California’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival almost two years ago. As previously reported, the band begins a European tour May 5 in Copenhagen. International headlining and festival dates will resume Aug. 12 in Budapest.

Following the expiration of its contract with longtime label EMI, the band has been working on a new studio album for several months. In a recent interview with NME, frontman Thom Yorke said Radiohead will not sign a new deal until the as-yet-untitled album is complete.

Source billboard.com.