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THE HITS LIST TURKEY TROT
...with all the trimmings (11/22a)
AN AWARD-WINNING CMA GALLERY
Cowboy hats and funny caps (11/21a)
NEAR TRUTHS: WITCHING HOUR
It's not easy being green. (11/21a)
NEAR TRUTHS: REALIGNMENT AND RECOGNITION
Underscoring the year's biggest stories (11/19a)
NEAR TRUTHS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Nervous time in the music biz and beyond. (11/16a)
NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
Critics' Choice
#FBF: CELEBRATING RAY MANZAREK
2/19/16

Now that the Grammy craziness has subsided, we're throwing it back to last Friday (2/12). Why? That's when The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore joined each other for a rare performance in celebration of legendary keyboardist Ray Manzarek at the sold-out Fonda Theater in Los Angeles.

The event—produced by Jeff Jampol of Jampol Artist Management and Jonathan Shank of Red Light Management—featured a line-up studded with stars, who joined the surviving members of the band onstage. Through the majority of the set, Jane’s Addiction’s Stephen Perkins held down the rhythm section with Stone Temple Pilot’s Robert DeLeo and Foo Fighters Rami Jaffee.

Foos drummer Taylor Hawkins (pictured above) retired his his drumsticks for the night, as he took center stage, singing “Alabama Song” and "Love Me Two Times," before chill-inducing vocal performances by MAGIC!’s Nasri Atweh, Dead Sara’s Emily Armstrong and Warren Haynes of The Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule. Krieger kept it in the bloodline by welcoming his son, Waylon, who filled in as the lead vocalist for a handful of songs.

X's founding vocalist Exene Cervenka and bassist/co-vocalist John Doe performed two X songs in honor of Manzarek, who is responsible for discovering X and producing their first four albums. Paul McCartney's guitarist, Brian Ray, joined the X members during their songs and also treated the audience to a killer performance of "Light My Fire."

A silent auction was held during the intermission, allowing fans to get their hands on signed instruments, set lists, and photos captured by rock n roll photographer, Henry Diltz. All proceeds benefited Stand Up To Cancer in honor of Manzarek. The disease may have taken his life but his music and talents will influence the world forever.

Varvatos/Republic’s rising rockstar, Andrew Watt, stole the show with his electric performance of “L.A. Woman.” Channeling Jim Morrison’s wild spirit, he stepped onstage with a bottle of wine in hand, jumped into the audience to surf the crowd and got down on the floor, as he belted “Fuck me” and earned a standing ovation. And on that note, we bid you adieu.