Post by TheWallsScreamedPoetry on Sept 22, 2007 9:12:12 GMT
Riding The Times Of Change!
Interview with Leon Barnard by German Doors Fan Jochen Tittmar
Leon Barnard was the press agent of the DOORS in the late sixties and early seventies. I’d like to thank all my friends for sending in questions for the interview. Special thanks and appreciation goes out to Leon himself!!! JT.
What were your memories of the Doors European tour in 1968 and in particular the day of the gig in Amsterdam when Jim did not manage to take the stage causing chaos by collapsing and being taken to hospital and the London Roundhouse performances which Jim described as among the best gigs the Doors ever did?
“I met The DOORS for the first time in London, at which time they hired me to do their publicity for the European tour, travelling side by side with Jim Morrison, setting up interviews and photo sessions, etc.
Jim was in good spirits in London and I think he was looking forward to performing at the Roundhouse Chalk Farm outside the city.
Also, the press had been expecting a "bad boy" Jim Morrison, and he gave them just the opposite: Well mannered during press parties and interviews...almost to the point of being a Shakespearean actor on a public stage. A prince among men (so to speak) much to the delight of me and Bill Siddons. When he collapsed backstage in Amsterdam...that was truly scary...because as I watched him pass by me on a stretcher, and then being put into an ambulance, and then taken to the hospital, I felt like I was looking at a nearly dead, almost lifeless corpse, white as a sheet and unconscious to the world around him. Hardly even breathing. But miraculously the next day when I went to visit him in the hospital, he was sitting up with rosy cheeks and sparkling blue eyes as though nothing had happened. The DOORS first trip to Europe was an enjoyable one. We were all impressed with the culture and diverse habits of various people in a varied collection of countries. In most cases we were treated with dignity and respect. And the hot fudge sundaes in Holland are remarkable!“
What do you think of Jim as a poet? Did you ever hear the December 8th poetry session Jim recorded and do you think its about time the 'powers that be' released ALL of Jim's poetry recorded in 1969 and 1970 as a tribute to the man that made 'them' all rich who never really wanted to be a rock star and a pretty boy on the front of a Doors Greatest Hits package but just wanted to be remembered as a weaver of words?
“This question has only One answer: In my, mind, Jim Morrison is one of
the most important Poets of our time. Why? Because not only did he put
together assortments of meaningful words in a somewhat esoteric way, but
he Lived! the life he writes about...in one way or another. In other Words...
Jim Morrison's words were Living Theatre rather than just 'poems' put down
to rest on paper. The second part of the question is up for grabs...I haven't heard the December 8th tapes, and I don't have enough information from both sides to evaluate your question.”
As I understand Jim didn’t care for the teeny-bopper, media frenzy which was one of the reasons he chose to retreat away from the lime-light of being a rock star. In your opinion, why would the current Doors administration, considering their age, be bent on attracting this kind of attention to themselves while using the Jim Morrison name as a guarantee for their current success?
“I'd have to guess that The DOORS of The 21st Century are on the road
playing music, renewing feelings of the days when Jim Morrison was still alive and performing with them, mainly for the love of performing.
All things considered, I believe Robby and Ray just like to play the music, and that it is less about the money...or fame...or for any other
reason. Simply put: It's fun, and beats the hell out of sitting at home in a rocking chair. And I don't know who their audience is, but I'd imagine it to be a throw-back to the 60's, the generation of the so-called "Baby Boomers," married now with children, as well as a completely new group of DOORS' music appreciators and followers. But not necessarily bubble gum chewing teeny boppers, as I would think that demographic wouldn't be interested in watching more than middle-aged men in performance under the limelight of 2005.”
Talking about Jim Morrison's death: how and when did you get to know the sad news and who told you about it? What was your reaction and how do you see Jim Morrison today? As his death was surrounded by tons of rumours and Jim was your friend, didn't you want to know the truth right from the beginning? Didn't you do any own "research" just because your friend suddenly (and perhaps surprisingly to yourself) died?
“I had stopped by my mother's house, and my brother who still lived at home told me about the news of Jim's death, and that it had just been announced on the radio. We listened again for more news, and as I heard the report I found myself getting angry. Angry? Why?
Because my first response was that Jim probably had taken his excesses too far and that death had caught up with him. It was especially painful too, because he had talked about making changes
in his drinking habits, etc., before going back to Paris, and I believed he was
serious. So on that day I shed no tears. It seems to me I remember camouflaging my real feelings with complete acceptance of what I thought was the inevitable. It wasn't until 20 years later that I came to realize that he truly was gone, and that's when I cried and felt the pain of his loss. But up until then...in the back of my mind...I thought he might still be alive, because he had talked about pulling this prank - and if so - I knew that it would be entirely his own. So I left it behind me and went on with my own life. I'm not one to dwell on the past because I know it can't be changed. But I do know that by writing my book...and now recording my Morrison Moments voice clips… I can help to keep his memory alive for future generations who may be interested. Jim Morrison, the rock star, may have died in a bath tub in Paris, but Jim Morrison, the Poet, lives on through his verse and words.”
In late June 1970 you were in New York with Jim.
During that time he was staying with Patricia Kennealy, as she tells in her book. In her book she describes a "mysterious illness" of Jim - that in the
morning he suddenly got high fever (103 °F), which disappeared within five or six hours, and after that Jim walked around like if nothing had happened.
Can you confirm this story? Do you think that the fever was that high, or was it exaggerated? Just tell about this story from your point of view.
“When Jim and I were in New York he disappeared for a couple of days,
and obviously that was when he spent the weekend with Pat Kennealy.
When it was getting close to the time he and I were to get on the plane
for Paris, is when I went looking for him...mainly by calling Pat at her flat,
to learn that Jim had been sick but was by that time fully recovered.
I talked to Jim and then took a taxi to meet him, at which time he told
me about some of the events of the weekend (about which I have agreed
to remain silent.) I told him at the time that I had had a "feeling" about his
being sick, and was surprised when he confirmed it. In his view he claimed
that his Will Power is what kicked into action to overcome the 103 degree
fever. This pays tribute to the Lizard King thing: "I can do anything!" We both just laughed, and for some reason I accepted his explanation, as when he said it,
he seemed to believe it, and that was just fine with me. Self healing? Who knows? The next day we flew to Paris and the rest is His story.”
After your time in New York in late June 1970, you flew to Paris with Jim. Could you tell me something about the time you spend there with Jim?
What did you do there and how was Jims state of mind at that time?
“Jim's state of mind while we were in New York, and then in Paris,
was comfortable and content. I think he was looking forward to the
new freedom coming his way by the eventual satisfying of contract
with The DOORS & Electra Records...that being the final album: L.A. WOMAN. He bought a handful of books at the airport in L.A. (about five) and carried them in a paper bag...which was the only baggage he had with him; no suitcases, or small bags, no nothing, other than a handful of paperback books. What were they? I do not know. I didn't look in the bag to find out. We stayed at George V Hotel in Paris, eating in small cafe's & restaurants, and on one evening, we ran into Alain Ronay quite by accident as we were walking down a small street...just cruising around enjoying the scenery.
So I'd say Jim's demeanour was that of just a regular guy on holiday...he didn't seemed stressed out about anything, and was pretty laidback...as I always knew him. Our conversations ran the gamut between what I was doing,and how he planned to make some changes in his own life...trading in his
rock and roll dancing shoes for something a bit more intellectual...such as writing, and possibly more filmmaking.”
The interview was arranged by Jochen Tittmar © 2005
Summer 2005 Scorpywag
Interview with Leon Barnard by German Doors Fan Jochen Tittmar
Leon Barnard was the press agent of the DOORS in the late sixties and early seventies. I’d like to thank all my friends for sending in questions for the interview. Special thanks and appreciation goes out to Leon himself!!! JT.
What were your memories of the Doors European tour in 1968 and in particular the day of the gig in Amsterdam when Jim did not manage to take the stage causing chaos by collapsing and being taken to hospital and the London Roundhouse performances which Jim described as among the best gigs the Doors ever did?
“I met The DOORS for the first time in London, at which time they hired me to do their publicity for the European tour, travelling side by side with Jim Morrison, setting up interviews and photo sessions, etc.
Jim was in good spirits in London and I think he was looking forward to performing at the Roundhouse Chalk Farm outside the city.
Also, the press had been expecting a "bad boy" Jim Morrison, and he gave them just the opposite: Well mannered during press parties and interviews...almost to the point of being a Shakespearean actor on a public stage. A prince among men (so to speak) much to the delight of me and Bill Siddons. When he collapsed backstage in Amsterdam...that was truly scary...because as I watched him pass by me on a stretcher, and then being put into an ambulance, and then taken to the hospital, I felt like I was looking at a nearly dead, almost lifeless corpse, white as a sheet and unconscious to the world around him. Hardly even breathing. But miraculously the next day when I went to visit him in the hospital, he was sitting up with rosy cheeks and sparkling blue eyes as though nothing had happened. The DOORS first trip to Europe was an enjoyable one. We were all impressed with the culture and diverse habits of various people in a varied collection of countries. In most cases we were treated with dignity and respect. And the hot fudge sundaes in Holland are remarkable!“
What do you think of Jim as a poet? Did you ever hear the December 8th poetry session Jim recorded and do you think its about time the 'powers that be' released ALL of Jim's poetry recorded in 1969 and 1970 as a tribute to the man that made 'them' all rich who never really wanted to be a rock star and a pretty boy on the front of a Doors Greatest Hits package but just wanted to be remembered as a weaver of words?
“This question has only One answer: In my, mind, Jim Morrison is one of
the most important Poets of our time. Why? Because not only did he put
together assortments of meaningful words in a somewhat esoteric way, but
he Lived! the life he writes about...in one way or another. In other Words...
Jim Morrison's words were Living Theatre rather than just 'poems' put down
to rest on paper. The second part of the question is up for grabs...I haven't heard the December 8th tapes, and I don't have enough information from both sides to evaluate your question.”
As I understand Jim didn’t care for the teeny-bopper, media frenzy which was one of the reasons he chose to retreat away from the lime-light of being a rock star. In your opinion, why would the current Doors administration, considering their age, be bent on attracting this kind of attention to themselves while using the Jim Morrison name as a guarantee for their current success?
“I'd have to guess that The DOORS of The 21st Century are on the road
playing music, renewing feelings of the days when Jim Morrison was still alive and performing with them, mainly for the love of performing.
All things considered, I believe Robby and Ray just like to play the music, and that it is less about the money...or fame...or for any other
reason. Simply put: It's fun, and beats the hell out of sitting at home in a rocking chair. And I don't know who their audience is, but I'd imagine it to be a throw-back to the 60's, the generation of the so-called "Baby Boomers," married now with children, as well as a completely new group of DOORS' music appreciators and followers. But not necessarily bubble gum chewing teeny boppers, as I would think that demographic wouldn't be interested in watching more than middle-aged men in performance under the limelight of 2005.”
Talking about Jim Morrison's death: how and when did you get to know the sad news and who told you about it? What was your reaction and how do you see Jim Morrison today? As his death was surrounded by tons of rumours and Jim was your friend, didn't you want to know the truth right from the beginning? Didn't you do any own "research" just because your friend suddenly (and perhaps surprisingly to yourself) died?
“I had stopped by my mother's house, and my brother who still lived at home told me about the news of Jim's death, and that it had just been announced on the radio. We listened again for more news, and as I heard the report I found myself getting angry. Angry? Why?
Because my first response was that Jim probably had taken his excesses too far and that death had caught up with him. It was especially painful too, because he had talked about making changes
in his drinking habits, etc., before going back to Paris, and I believed he was
serious. So on that day I shed no tears. It seems to me I remember camouflaging my real feelings with complete acceptance of what I thought was the inevitable. It wasn't until 20 years later that I came to realize that he truly was gone, and that's when I cried and felt the pain of his loss. But up until then...in the back of my mind...I thought he might still be alive, because he had talked about pulling this prank - and if so - I knew that it would be entirely his own. So I left it behind me and went on with my own life. I'm not one to dwell on the past because I know it can't be changed. But I do know that by writing my book...and now recording my Morrison Moments voice clips… I can help to keep his memory alive for future generations who may be interested. Jim Morrison, the rock star, may have died in a bath tub in Paris, but Jim Morrison, the Poet, lives on through his verse and words.”
In late June 1970 you were in New York with Jim.
During that time he was staying with Patricia Kennealy, as she tells in her book. In her book she describes a "mysterious illness" of Jim - that in the
morning he suddenly got high fever (103 °F), which disappeared within five or six hours, and after that Jim walked around like if nothing had happened.
Can you confirm this story? Do you think that the fever was that high, or was it exaggerated? Just tell about this story from your point of view.
“When Jim and I were in New York he disappeared for a couple of days,
and obviously that was when he spent the weekend with Pat Kennealy.
When it was getting close to the time he and I were to get on the plane
for Paris, is when I went looking for him...mainly by calling Pat at her flat,
to learn that Jim had been sick but was by that time fully recovered.
I talked to Jim and then took a taxi to meet him, at which time he told
me about some of the events of the weekend (about which I have agreed
to remain silent.) I told him at the time that I had had a "feeling" about his
being sick, and was surprised when he confirmed it. In his view he claimed
that his Will Power is what kicked into action to overcome the 103 degree
fever. This pays tribute to the Lizard King thing: "I can do anything!" We both just laughed, and for some reason I accepted his explanation, as when he said it,
he seemed to believe it, and that was just fine with me. Self healing? Who knows? The next day we flew to Paris and the rest is His story.”
After your time in New York in late June 1970, you flew to Paris with Jim. Could you tell me something about the time you spend there with Jim?
What did you do there and how was Jims state of mind at that time?
“Jim's state of mind while we were in New York, and then in Paris,
was comfortable and content. I think he was looking forward to the
new freedom coming his way by the eventual satisfying of contract
with The DOORS & Electra Records...that being the final album: L.A. WOMAN. He bought a handful of books at the airport in L.A. (about five) and carried them in a paper bag...which was the only baggage he had with him; no suitcases, or small bags, no nothing, other than a handful of paperback books. What were they? I do not know. I didn't look in the bag to find out. We stayed at George V Hotel in Paris, eating in small cafe's & restaurants, and on one evening, we ran into Alain Ronay quite by accident as we were walking down a small street...just cruising around enjoying the scenery.
So I'd say Jim's demeanour was that of just a regular guy on holiday...he didn't seemed stressed out about anything, and was pretty laidback...as I always knew him. Our conversations ran the gamut between what I was doing,and how he planned to make some changes in his own life...trading in his
rock and roll dancing shoes for something a bit more intellectual...such as writing, and possibly more filmmaking.”
The interview was arranged by Jochen Tittmar © 2005
Summer 2005 Scorpywag
