RAY MANZAREK, ONE of the founding members of The Doors has died at the age of 74.
Manarek had been suffering from bile duct cancer and died surrounded by his family in Rosenheim, Germany.
The keyboardist, along with Jim Morrison, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robbie Krieger made six studio albums with The Doors, and was responsible for the distinctive organ on Light My Fire.
In a statement Densmore said:
There was no keyboard player on the planet more appropriate to support Jim Morrison’s words. Ray, I felt totally in sync with you musically. It was like we were of one mind, holding down the foundation for Robby and Jim to float on top of. I will miss my musical brother.
Speaking to the Eoin Butler of the Irish Times back in 2010 Manzarek – who was traveling to Dublin to play at the Grand Canal Theatre – said that he had memories of jamming with Van Morrison during The Doors’ first gig in LA.
He also said that he blamed the “dark, Irish drunk” alter ego of Jim Morrison for taking his friend’s life in Paris.
Ray Manzarek, right, and Robby Krieger light candles at the grave of Jim Morrison at the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris in 2011 (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
Fans of The Doors and Manzarek have been remembering him from the several times he played in Dublin.
Video: MadnessAndBadness
Manzarek (second from right) with The Doors (AP/AP/Press Association Images)
- Additional reporting by Associated Press
