2017 marks 50 years since The Doors released their eponymous debut album at the height of Acid Rock, yet their music and legacy are as influential today as ever.

New band is 'Unlocking The Doors' 50 years on

"We like to show people how brilliant The Doors were... and how intoxicating Jim Morrison was on stage." - Rich Mikic aka 'Morrison', Unlocking The Doors

South coast band 'Unlocking The Doors' are returning to The Bridge Hotel, Saturday June 17 showing audiences just how the original L.A. quartet relentlessly challenged, confronted and inspired their legion of fans.

This is not just a pub covers band playing Doors songs. 'Unlocking The Doors' is a powerhouse multi-media production that takes you back in time. It's a near-theatrical experience delivering a very personal interpretation of four legendary artists, with hard-won musical authenticity the key.

Out front, leather-clad Rich Mikic sets out to capture the magic of Morrison while leaving most of the clichés behind. He fully embraces the role, providing an insight into the mystical command once held by the man who was undoubtedly the iconic heart of The Doors.

Behind 'Jim', Sandy Soon reproduces the unmistakable audio tapestry of Ray Manzarek on organ and keyboard bass. Sandy has dedicated herself to mastering the almost split personality style of the man considered the true creator of The Doors' sound. Playing hypnotic bass fills with one hand and stabbing syncopation with the other, Sandy showcases Manzarek's signature melody lines, notably on the opening of 'Light My Fire'.

On guitar, Mick Mulhearn fingerpicks his Gibson SG standard to emulate Robbie Krieger's renowned Legato style. From the beautifully atmospheric tremolo of 'Riders on the Storm' to the grinding attack of '5 to 1', Mick plays homage to that impossible-to-pigeonhole Krieger style.

And completing the line-up on drums is Chris Mitrevski. John Densmore's unique fusion of Jazz, Rock and Latin beats still stands unsurpassed for the eclectic signature it placed on The Doors' sound. Chris unlocks Densmore's original style, providing the backbeat so vital when paying tribute to this stunning catalogue of classics.

50 years since that first release, The Doors remain a touchstone of insurrection, their songs as powerfully contemporary as when first created. Unlocking The Doors takes some of us back to when 'The Lizard King' ruled, while helping a new wave of listeners break on through to the other side.