Jim Morrison records an anti-speed statement

Back in the hey days of the Doors, the anti-drug foundation 'Do It Now' asked their singer Jim Morrison to tape an anti-drug ad for their "Speed Kills" radio campaign. Alice Cooper and Grace Slick had already done it and Frank Zappa had also recorded a fierce warning that "[...] In general, this drug will make you just like your mother and father."

Below you can read what happened when it was Morrison's turn.

(All of this text is from Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugarman's book "No one here gets out alive")

Ad: Test the purity of your speed!


When the Do It Now representative finally arrived with his tape recorder to produce the 60-second spot, Jim found himself a great seat and graciously offered the rep the one on the other side of his corner desk. He appeared eager to please. "Okay, now, what we want you to say," the rep nervously started, "is 'This is Jim Morrison from the Doors,' and then just, ummm, in your own words, tell them speed kills."

Jim thought for a moment and then conceded. "Okay, is this thing on? Testing, testing ... you better play it back, make sure it's working. We don't wanna go through all this trouble and then discover, only too late, you missed your only chance."
The tape was rewound, played, checked out, and rewound again. "Ready, Jim?" "Ready." "Okey, now go." Jim thought for a moment and then began:

- "Hi, you little assholes out there listening to the radio instead of doing your homework, This is Jim Morrison of the Doors."

The Do It Now representative stopped the recorder. Jim shot a wink at Denny. "What are you doing?" he asked the rep. "I hadn't finished!" "Please Jim, We can get this whole thing done in just a minute if you'll be straightforward. Remember, this is a public service spot." Jim listened attentively and nodded. "I think I understand. Can I try it again?" The recorder was switched back on to record:

- "Hey, how you guys out there doin'? This is your old buddy Jim Morrison. I sing with a group called the Doors. You might have heard of them. We done a few songs, but I never, never did a song on speed. Drunk? Hell yeahhh ..."

The exasperated rep told Jim, "Please, you must understand what we need. Frank Zappa had fun. You can have fun, too, but you must be serious." Jim seemed to understand. "Okay, got it. Turn the sucker on. We'll get it this time. I promise."

- "Hello, this is Jim Morrison of the Doors, I just want to tell you that shooting speed ain't cool, so snort it."

The recorder was turned off and the representative sat motionless. The room was silent. "Something the matter? Was that alright?" The rep only shook his head. Jim stood up and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey man, I'm sorry, come on, turn that back on. I'm real sorry, I'll give it to you straight this time. Honest." The rep looked at Jim. "You promise?" Jim was solemn. "I promise". The tape was set and rolling:

- "Hello, this is Jim Morrison. Don't shoot speed. Christ, you guys, smoke pot!".

 

The rep looked up. "I think we're getting closer, Jim, if you could just change those last few words." "I know exactly what you mean," Jim assured him. "One more time, roll it." This time Jim gave his formal introduction, warned that:

- "Shooting speed isn't that smart. Shooting speed kills geese. If you shoot a goose full of speed that goose is gonna swim in circles forever."

The Do It Now man had lost all patience and was nearly in tears. Jim was begging him. "Come on man, I'm sorry, I was just having fun, we'll get it right this time, I promise." "I don't know Jim" - the rep was shaking his head - "I can't spend all day here." "One last time," Jim insisted. "Okay, but if you don't get it right this time, that's it." "I'm sorry. This will be a take - you know what a take is?" Jim held the microphone carefully before his mouth. He paused and then began:

- "Hello, this is Jim Morrison from the Doors, and I just got one thing to say. Don't shoot speed. Speed kills. Please don't shoot speed. Try downers, yeah downers, barbs, tranqs, reds ... they're much less expensive and ... "

The Do It Now representative finally gave up.

Need anything from a headshop? Then this is the place for you:

(they even got legal shroom-boxes and a LOT more good stuff)


If you find any errors on this page (linguistical, factual, technical...) please send me an e-mail at robbie (a] schar.info.

Main index

Copyright © Rob J . 2004-2005