Doug Lubahn

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November 20, 2019 (Age 71) died

December 20, 1947 Birthday

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About

Doug Lubahn was a rock bassist best known for his work with the psychedelic rock band, The Doors. Lubahn moved to Los Angeles in 1965 and quickly connected with like minded musicians to form the band Clear Light. They were signed to Elektra Records and managed by Paul Rothschild, who also worked with The Doors. The Doors did not have a full-time bassist, but used one for their recordings. Rothschild asked Lubhan to the role for the band's second album, "Strange Days" (1967). Impressed with his work, The Doors invited Lubahn to join the band permanently. However, he declined, citing his commitment to Clear Light, though he continued to play on their next two albums. Clear Light released one album and opened for well known groups such as The Grateful Dead and The Steve Miller Band but ultimately disbanded. Lubahn went on to form the jazz-rock band Dreams, as well as the rock bands Pierce Arrow and Riff Raff, serving as the lead vocalist as well as bassist for the latter. In the 1980s, he performed and recorded with Billy Squier and appeared on Ted Nugent's album "Penetrator." In the 1980s Lubahn performed and recorded with Billy Squier and appeared on Ted Nugent's album "Penetrator". Doug Lubahn passed away in 2019 at the age of 71.

Trivia

In 2007 Doug Lubahn published a memoir titled "My Days with The Doors." Doug Lubahn co-wrote Pat Benetar's 1978's hit song "Treat Me Right." Doug Lubahn, with the band Clear Light appeared in the 1967 film "The President's Analyst."

Early Life

Doug Lubahn was born in Golden, Colorado, in 1947. After graduating from high school, he moved to Aspen, where he worked as a ski instructor and played with local bands. In 1965, a chance encounter with Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas changed the course of his life. Elliot was in Aspen touring with a rock band called Candy Store, and Lubahn joined the band on stage for several nights. Impressed by his talent, Elliot encouraged him to move to Los Angeles to immerse himself in the city’s vibrant music scene. Inspired by her advice, Lubahn relocated to Los Angeles and, by 1966, had formed the band Clear Light with drummer Dallas Taylor and guitarist Bob Seal.