Watch Robby Krieger and John Densmore Unite Musicians Worldwide for “Riders on the Storm”

Playing for Change, the global group focused on uniting people through music, has released a new worldwide performance built around The Doors’ classic song “Riders on the Storm.” The project brings together remaining Doors members Robby Krieger and John Densmore with musicians from different countries, continuing the group’s long-running Songs Around The World series.

The collaboration debuted as part of the Doors’ 60th anniversary celebration. It connects artists across cultures while honoring the band’s legacy, using one of their most recognizable tracks as a shared musical language.

A Global Take on a Classic Song

The video opens with the Lakota Drum Group, whose rhythm sets a grounded tone before the song expands across continents. Performers appear from many locations, each adding their own sound while staying true to the song’s familiar mood and structure.

According to the video’s description, “From the first beat of the Lakota Drum Group, grounding the song in ancestral rhythm, to magnetic performances by Lukas and Micah Nelson, Sierra Ferrell, Don Was and Rami Jaffee of the Foo Fighters, every note reminds us that music is a universal language that serves as a bridge to unite a global community. In a time when the world may feel divided, this Song Around The World stands as a testament to the power of music to heal, connect, and bring us together.”

Supporting Music and Community Programs

The project also carries a larger purpose beyond performance. The description adds, “This monumental song also marks a full-circle moment as it will help support the first Playing For Change Foundation music program established in America, in partnership with the Indigenous-led non-profit First Peoples Fund, uplifting Indigenous communities and ensuring that the rhythms, stories, and voices that began this journey continue to inspire hearts around the world.”

The musicians featured reflect the project’s wide reach. Performers include John Densmore and Robby Krieger representing The Doors, along with the Red Cloud Drum Group, Aaron White, Micah Nelson, Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell, Rami Jaffee, William Barton, Don Was, Boboulay Sissokho, Macarena Montesinos, Guarani Andeva Group, Iron Cult Dancers, Izzana Jaa, Ezequiel Acosta, and Erik Prevost David.

Watch the video below:

About Playing For Change

Playing For Change was created to unite people through music by recording artists in their natural settings. These performances are blended into videos called Songs Around The World, highlighting culture, place, and collaboration.

Over the years, the organization has produced more than 400 videos, recorded over 1,400 musicians across 65 countries, and reached billions of viewers through videos, live events, and school programs. It has also received the Polar Music Prize in 2019 around the world today.