Copeland was drummer in The Police

Copeland had been recruited to play in The Doors 21st Century alongside original members Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger.

His lawsuit contends that he had a binding oral contract to be included on a forthcoming tour and album.

But after playing a few dates with the band he was replaced, leading him to sue through the Los Angeles Superior Court

The lawsuit accuses the defendants of "exploiting the credibility, talent and reputation" of Copeland.

Manzarek and Krieger reformed the band, bringing in Cult singer Ian Astbury, to replace the late Jim Morrison, and Copeland for drummer John Densmore.

The line up was unveiled in September 2002, with Copeland joining the others for a press conference in LA.

Damaged ears

The group announced they would be making the first The Doors album since American Prayer, a 1978 release of Morrison reading poetry of Doors music.

Copeland, 50, last performed with the band in February but was replaced later that month.

Original Doors drummer Densmore is also suing Manzarek and Krieger for embarking on a tour without him.

Densmore said he wanted the band billed not as a doors gig but a concert by "the former members of the Doors".

He had been invited to join the band but he said his ears were too badly damaged to continue playing drums.

Manzarek and Krieger hit back at the lawsuit, saying they were The Doors and that their former bandmate had given his blessing for them to tour.