John Densmore Remembers Jim Ladd’s 2005 Walk of Fame Star
Legendary Doors drummer and rock peers gathered in Hollywood to honor DJ Jim Ladd in 2005.
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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Celebrating A Rock Radio Icon
May 2005 was a landmark month on Hollywood Boulevard when rock radio legend Jim Ladd received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Best known for his free-form programming and crusade to champion emerging artists, Ladd has been a trusted voice in rock ’n’ roll for decades. Photos from Getty Images capture the buzz around the ceremony, spotlighting Ladd beaming under the midday sun.
Doors Legend John Densmore Reflects
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Jim Ladd was John Densmore, the Doors’ founding drummer. Born December 1, 1944, Densmore helped shape the band’s signature rhythms and earned induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. In a recent Instagram caption, Densmore looked back: “May, 2005 – what a day on Hollywood Blvd. I had the honor of standing alongside friends and fellow music lovers as we celebrated Jim Ladd getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
On stage and along the red carpet, Densmore shared the moment with fellow musicians: Robby (Doors guitarist Robby Krieger), Ed, Woody, George, Benmont (Benmont Tench of the Heartbreakers) and Jackson. “Pure magic,” he wrote, thanking Ladd for playing “the music that matters.” Collectively, these artists represented a cross-section of rock’s pioneers, united to salute a DJ who made their tracks household names.
The images show Densmore in a dark blazer, smiling as Ladd poses by his star, while Krieger and Tench applaud in the background. Getty’s high-resolution stills recall the excitement of a community rallying behind a broadcast icon.
From Hollywood To Tribeca
Fast-forward to 2025, and John Densmore remains active in celebrating rock history. In an Instagram post earlier this year, he announced a giveaway for two pairs of tickets to the Tribeca Festival. On June 14 at New York’s SVA Theatre, fans can catch a special screening of WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE—the Emmy-nominated Doors documentary narrated by Johnny Depp—followed by an exclusive Q&A with Densmore at 2:00 pm ET.
The Tribeca event coincides with The Doors’ 60th anniversary and promises rare archival footage and firsthand stories from Densmore himself. Fans are invited to enter via the link in his bio, with winners selected at random.
Honoring A Lifelong Champion Of Rock
Jim Ladd’s star on the Walk of Fame marked an early milestone in a career defined by loyalty to artists and listeners alike. John Densmore’s presence underscored the deep respect musicians have for someone who shaped their public voice. Four years later, Densmore continues to bridge past and present—hosting screenings, moderating discussions, and keeping rock culture alive.
Whether on Hollywood Blvd or at Tribeca, the legacy of Jim Ladd and the Doors drummer’s own journey remind us that rock ’n’ roll isn’t just music—it’s a shared history passed from airwaves to stages, from one fan to the next.
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