John Densmore, drummer of the iconic rock band The Doors, led a music workshop at the Homeboy Art Academy in Los Angeles on Wednesday, engaging with young musicians participating in the academy’s gang intervention and rehabilitation programs. At 81, Densmore demonstrated his enduring skill by joining a jam session playing Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” a song linked to a recent music project involving the academy.

The Homeboy Art Academy, founded by artist Fabian Debora and located near Metro’s Chinatown station, provides art education to thousands of individuals, many of whom have experienced significant social challenges. Debora, reflecting on his own path to healing through art, highlighted the academy’s role in offering transformation and opportunity for young adults.

Densmore’s visit followed an invitation from Homeboy founder Father Greg Boyle, who noted Densmore’s admiration for the organization’s mission. The drummer proposed returning to lead a workshop or drum circle, which was welcomed by the academy’s participants and instructors, including musicians Joe Calderon and Martin Flores from the Young Musicians Foundation’s Music Heals program. The program recently released a new album featuring artwork by Homeboy’s students and funding support from songwriter Mike Stoller.

During the workshop, Densmore emphasized music’s ability to create a meditative, timeless state that benefits players regardless of their professional ambitions. “If you want to be a professional musician, cool. If you wind up playing the piano in a closet and nobody hears it, you’re still getting into this space that kind of heals and feeds you,” he told approximately 30 attendees.

Following the workshop, Densmore performed alongside Calderon, Flores, bassist Mackenzie Azela, and academy participants Fabian Debora Jr. and Ralph Quintero, both of whom are in Homeboy’s rehabilitation program. The group played a range of songs, including “Got My Mojo Working,” “Stand By Me,” and Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love,” drawing applause and smiles from the audience and fostering a multi-generational connection through music.

The session also included a moment of collective rhythm-making, which Densmore described as conjuring “the heartbeat of Mother Earth,” underscoring the communal and healing aspects of music. During a Q&A, Densmore reflected on his time with Doors lead singer Jim Morrison, acknowledging the late artist’s creativity while contrasting it with Morrison’s self-destructive behavior.

Before departing, Densmore recorded a video for the family of a young woman whose late grandfather was a long-time Doors fan, underscoring the enduring personal impact of the band’s music across generations.

The visit served as a reminder of Boyle’s dual mission to offer love and practical support to those rebuilding their lives while fostering a sense of shared humanity. Flores, director at Music Heals, expressed gratitude for Densmore’s contribution, noting the drummer provided “not only an incredible artistic experience, but also a deep sense of connection, inspiration and hope” to those involved. Densmore responded, “I think I might have gotten more out of it than I gave.”