Sad news to report as Ray Manzarek, the legendary keyboardist of the Doors, has passed away at the age of 74. The veteran musician died today in Germany after a long battle with bile duct cancer.

Manzarek formed the Doors with John Densmore, Robby Krieger and the late Jim Morrison back in 1965, and the band went on to be one of the biggest groups of its time, delivering such classics as 'Light My Fire,' 'Break on Through' 'People Are Strange' and many more memorable hits.

Following Jim Morrison's tragic death in 1971, Manzarek and Krieger had revived the Doors in various incarnations on a number of occasions, including stints with Ian Astbury of the Cult and Brett Scallions of Fuel fronting the band.

"I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today," said Krieger in statement. "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."

Manzarek is survived by his wife Dorothy and his son Pablo. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations be made in Ray Manzarek's name at www.standup2cancer.org.

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