Two members of rock band The Doors have hit back at a lawsuit brought by drummer John Desmore lawsuit over the use of the band's name for concerts.

Doors drummer Densmore is suing keyboard player Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger over a Los Angeles concert that featured a stand-in singer and drummer.

Ex-Cult singer Ian Astbury replaced the group's late singer Jim Morrison and former Police percussionist Stewart Copeland also performed at the 4 February concert.

Manzarek has said the concert, and the use of the name Doors 21st Century, had been used with Desmore's approval.

If we're not The Doors then who is? Ray Manzarek

"John has an open invitation," said keyboardist Manzarek. "Everybody asked him and he said, 'No, my ears (are too damaged)'.

"Then I said, 'Why not play hand percussion?' and John said, 'No way. I'm not a sideman'.

"Instead he then chose to sue us. He gave Robby his blessing (to use the name)."

Manzareck said he and Krieger were entitled to use the band's name.

"This is ridiculous. The guy who put together the band and plays keyboards is performing with the guy who wrote Light My Fire, Love Me Two Times and Love Her Madly, said Manzarek.

"If we're not The Doors, then who is?"

"Sad and hurt"

The gig was attended by concert promoters from across the US and the agency which books the band is now fielding offers for April and May concert dates and summer shows in Europe.

Densmore, 58, is suing Manzarek, 63, and 57-year-old Krieger for breach of contract, trademark infringement and unfair competition.

Astbury and Copeland have also been named in the suit.

"I'm sad and hurt my former bandmates are misusing the logo and the name, confusing people," said Desmore.

"It shouldn't be called The Doors if it's someone other than Jim singing."

The Doors, one of the biggest bands of the 1960s, broke up a few years after the death of their singer Jim Morrison in 1971.

The name and logo of the band are owned by a partnership of the three surviving members, together with the estate of Morrison and his late wife Pamela Courson.