The Story Behind “Break On Through (To the Other Side)”
“Break On Through (To the Other Side)” is a song by The Doors that has become an anthem of 60s music and a classic of the band. The song’s story is just as fascinating as the song itself, and it’s a testament to the innovative spirit of the band and their record label.
The Doors’ Debut Song
In the mid-60s, Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger, and John Densmore came together to create music. Influenced by rock, blues, poetry, and psychedelia, they began to compose their first songs and play in relevant places on the Los Angeles scene. “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” was one of their first songs, and it was released in 1967 as the lead single from their debut album.
The Innovative Promotional Campaign
The group also innovated with the promotion of “Break on Through (To the Other Side)”. The head of Elektra Records, Jac Holzman, requested that a promotional film be recorded to give the song a boost. They commissioned the work to Mark Abramson, who was an artist and producer for the same record label. The film featured The Doors playing the song, with a focus on Jim Morrison, and was sent to many television stations in the hope that they would show it on the air.
Although the film was not widely shown on television, it was screened at some of the band’s concerts in 1967 and 1968. This idea may have been a “failure” at the time, but it showed that the band was ahead of its time. Along with The Beatles, they were among the first to create these films to accompany the release of their songs, laying the foundations for what would later become music videos.
The Billboard on Sunset Boulevard
Elektra Records also promoted the band’s debut album with a billboard on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The billboard featured a photo of the band members and the phrase: “The Doors Break On Through With An Electrifying Album”. This may not seem impressive today, but it was the first spectacular to promote a rock group in that area, and it attracted many people who did not yet know the band.
The Song’s Legacy
As the years went by, “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” became a classic of The Doors and an anthem of 60s music. The song has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and video games, including Forrest Gump, The Simpsons, Deliver Us From Evil, Minions, Rock Band 3, Tony Hawk’s Underground 2, and Burnout Revenge. In 2012, NASA even chose the song to be played on Mars during a space mission.
The song’s legacy is a testament to the innovative spirit of The Doors and their record label. They were ahead of their time, and their music continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans.