RIP Ray Manzarek

[thenitgoesoff]

Just read about the sad news of the death of The Doors keyboardist ray manzarek, its got me listening to my doors collection, was one of the first bands I got into when I was young,they always remind me of my parents having house parties, peace frog been my favourite song R.I.P

[JamesT977]

When i heard the news i was very shocked, had been going on a lot this year about how good it would be if him and Robby turned up at Glastonbury this year. Shame that i most likely see any carnation of The Doors now was hoping that i would maybe have seen them.

[eoinca]

Wow, thats devastating news, I saw him play in Dublin with Robbie Krieger a few years back and they were incredible. He was still amazing on the keys. Was hoping that they'd come back around again at some point.

His book is also one of the best music books I've ever read.

[grumpyhack]

Shame that i most likely see any carnation of The Doors now was hoping that i would maybe have seen them.

[Ruwise]

Very sad news the soundtrack to my teenage years and his distinctive keyboard sound a great influence on one of my other favourite bands Inspiral Carpets.

[The Nal]

RIP.

Mad thinking The Doors were only around for four years. Its like a band who started in 2009 breaking up now. But making 6 albums in that time. Doesnt happen anymore.

[When Jokers Attack]

RIP

Always been a favourite of mine.

Was lucky enough to see him in concert a good few years back.

[DeadAmos]

Sad news indeed

[jonny2mad]

Well we still have the music, one of my favourite bands if not my favourite band, it would have been nice to see them live when jim was still alive too, sexy real music by real musicians

rest in peace ray

[russycarps]

He came across as the fella who had a basement they could practice in.

This is the end, indeed.

[justperfect]

A few tribute cover versions would be a nice touch.

[Krazypinkminx]

So sad

[eoinca]

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/ray-manzarek-through-the-years-20130520/0719348

Great photo of a great man

[mr gumby]

A few tribute cover versions would be a nice touch.

[The Nal]

Not only making 6 albums, but to make 2 albums as good and as ground breaking as "The Doors" and as powerful as "LA Woman" in 4 years alone would be out of the reach of nearly all modern day bands.

[russycarps]

Morrison was everything a front man should be. I fugging love the doors.

[russycarps]

Even touch me

[eoinca]

The only weak link on any of their albums is Running Blues on The Soft Parade. Its terrible.

[ninetyeightytwo]

Break On Through, Light My Fire, The Crystal Ship, Alabama Song...these are all songs that are arguably more famous for their keyboard riffs than their guitar licks - utterly remarkable for a rock band.

Does this make Ray Manzarek the greatest rock keyboardist who ever lived?

My other favourites include Rick Wakeman (who, to put it lightly, could get a tad self indulgent), Keith Emerson (ditto), Richard Wright (who, rather than driving a song, instead created warming drones over which Dave Gilmour could sore) and such German wizards as Edgar Froese and Klaus Schulze.

None of them have the identity, the soul and, crucially, the restraint of Manzarek.

So unless there's anyone I'm forgetting, can we call him rock's greatest keyboard player? I mean, when tutoring the keyboard player in School Of Rock, what does Jack Black give the kid to learn?

Edited May 21, 2013 by ninetyeightytwo