The Doors at the Doors Workshop (8512 Santa Monica Blvd, WeHo)
"Playful ghosts have interrupted our tour"
-Haunted Mansion, Disneyland
WARNING!: GHOULA is going to do something a little different this month (we just couldn't resist this unique opportunity). We will do the previously unthinkable, and repeat a popular location from the past, breaking our uninterrupted streak of more than four years of different haunted bars. (Yes, you read that right.)
A TV show will be filming an episode at a local haunted bar, and they have asked GHOULA to be part of the fun. The bar will be closed to the public, and is just opening for our "Spirits with Spirits" meet-up. Thus, feel free to bring any ghost-hunting tools or spirit-communication devices to take advantage of this unique access. A signature alcoholic cocktail will be created by the show just for our group (the production company will also be buying a round of drinks).
So, come out for this special "Best of" edition of "Spirits with Spirits," be on TV, get a free drink, and perhaps even see the ghost of "The Lizard King."
GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual gathering of regional ghost hunters and those that just like ghost stories. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.” All those who attend will receive a free G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you.
THE DATE: November 13th, 2012 (Tuesday)
THE PLACE: Forbidden Lounge
(8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood) Map
THE TIME: 8:00pm to ???
PARKING: Free parking at Al and Ed's parking lot.
(Next door on the SW corner of La Cienega and Santa Monica Blvd)
THE GHOST(S):
Near the corner of La Cienega and Santa Monica Blvd, and not far from the hill that local motorists fear, sits what would be a very nondescript building if it weren't oozing with local Rock n' Roll history. Although, this plain building has had many tenants (and colors) over the years, it is perhaps most famous as the (bright yellow) headquarters (and crash pad) of the quintessential L.A. band, "The Doors." From the late 1960's thru the early 1970's, this simple two-story structure was known as "The Doors Workshop."
The upstairs was their offices, where business was conducted and fan mail answered. The ground floor served as their rehearsal space. After a suggestion from a producer at Elektra Sound Studios, the album "L.A. Woman" was recorded in this building to avoid the time pressures of rented studios (between October of 1970 and February of 1971). A few months later on July 3, 1971, Jim Morrison, The Doors' charismatic lead singer (a.k.a. "The Lizard King") died in a bath tub in Paris.
Ever since, legions of devoted fans make pilgrimages to his grave in France on the anniversary of his death, while ghost hunters journey to this West Hollywood restaurant to make contact with his ghost. The fact that most paranormal investigators head to the restroom inside this establishment is no reflection on the cuisine, or an allusion to Morrison death (which occurred in a bathroom), but instead is based on the belief that his spirit is felt strongest in this room. Before becoming a unisex latrine, this small chamber was once the sound booth, where Morrison recorded his vocals. Thus, perhaps his frustrated spirit is still trying to lay down one more track since witnesses claim the room's doorknob will sometimes inexplicably jiggle, as if someone where trying to enter (or exit).
Also, throughout the restaurant, employees have noticed lights that turn on an off by themselves, as well as "phantom footsteps" and drinking glasses that shatter for no apparent reason. (Note: on a recent visit, a member of GHOULA witnessed this phenomena as a water glass that had been set down on a table, suddenly split in half, cracking into two equal-sized pieces.)
Although, his ghost has also been seen in his former Laurel Canyon home over the years, and there have been other ghostly claims from many local bars, clubs, motels, and liquors stores he frequented in this small section of town. In a recent interview, The Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger, while visiting this restaurant to reminisce about the "Doors Workshop" said "His spirit is here for sure!"
http://forbiddenrestaurant.com/
(to read about last month's haunted location... )
(to see a map of previous SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations... )
No comments:
Post a Comment