The Doors Co-Founder Ray Manzarek Dies Aged 74

The Doors co-founder Ray Manzarek has sadly passed away, aged 74.

The Chicago-born man had been suffering from bile duct cancer for quite some time, and succumbed following his lengthy battle at 12:30 yesterday (May 20th). The news was broken via a post on The Doors’ official Facebook page, which revealed that the keyboard-player - one of the the band’s founding members - passed away with his wife Dorothy Manzarek and his brothers Rick and James Manczarek by his side.

Former bandmate and long-time friend Robby Krieger has paid tribute to the star, saying:

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today. I'm just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him.”

The statement also adds:

“Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please make a memoriam donation in Ray Manzarek's name at www.standup2cancer.org.”

Manzarek was responsible for forming The Doors alongside Jim Morrison, and the pair enjoyed massive success with their bandmates Krieger and John Densmore - the band sold over 100million records worldwide. After Morrison died in 1971, the band split and Manzarek went on to make music with Nite City and then Manzarek-Krieger.

We at Stereoboard send our condolences to his friends and family - RIP.

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