Brett Scallions, former lead singer for Fuel, is the new lead singer for Riders On The Storm, the touring band for The Doors founders Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger.
Scallions fills the void following the departure of Ian Astbury who has gone back to work with his previous band The Cult.At his official website, Ray Manzarek says "Well, we got the new singer. Brett Scallions from Fuel. He's going to be great! Big voice, commanding stage presence. Prowls like a cat. 6 feet tall, 165 lbs. Blond spiked out hair. Wears leather like it's licorice. I'm really excited about his joining the band. We auditioned him on the day after Robby and I received our Star on Hollywood Blvd. Two other guys came down (they will remain nameless) but Brett blew them away. Robby, Tom Vitorino (Riders manager) and I looked at each other and said "He's the one!" The next day we called Brett back and went to work. This is going to be serious fun. And the new songs are going to be great with Brett's voice on them. I can't wait to tour and for all of you to see him. It's a new era!".
Ian Astbury quit The Doors to go back to The Cult in February this year. "I have decided to move on and focus on my own music and legacy," he said in a statement.
Astbury performed with the Doors founders for four years under various names while the band underwent legal challenges. The Doors were forced to change their name, firstly to The Doors of the 21st Century, then DC21 and now Riders On The Storm, following legal action from surviving founder John Densmore and the estate of the late Jim Morrison.
Ray Manzarek is in Australia this week to talk up the 40th Anniversary of The Doors and the re-released and remastered back catalogue.
