The Cult’s Ian Astbury Says Jim Morrison’s Brother Thanked Him For Representing His Music

The Cult frontman Ian Astbury recalled during a recent interview with Q1043 when Jim Morrison’s brother Andy conveyed his gratefulness to him for representing his brother’s music.

The Doors came to the fore as a controversial and influential band in the ’60s, attracting significant attention with Jim Morrison’s songwriting, distinctive voice, and unpredictable stage performances. The vocalist became an important figure with his poetic lyrics representing the era’s counterculture. With his baritone singing voice, he became a source of inspiration for upcoming musicians like Scott Weiland.

Morrison released six studio albums throughout his five-year career with the band. The Doors gained achievements primarily with their self-titled record, ‘Strange Days,’ and ‘L.A. Woman.’ By 1972, the band had sold more than four million albums. Unfortunately, Morrison passed away in 1971 due to uncertain reasons, and the remaining members continued as a trio until 1973.

In 2002, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger decided to return to the stages under as ‘The Doors of the 21st Century.’ They formed the band with the Cult’s Ian Astbury, who was on a hiatus with his band due to ongoing tensions. The singer delivered Morrison’s vocals from 2002 to 2007.

Recently, Astbury revealed that his times with Manzarek and Kriger were excellent, and he learned many things from them. As he mentioned, when the pair decided to make their music again, the drummer John Densmore was also with them; however, he had to leave because of familial issues. The singer also stated he was incredibly proud when Jim Morrison’s brother Andy thanked him for representing Jim’s music by delivering his vocals.

Ian Astbury said the following about The Doors of the 21st Century:

“The beauty of that was it was very much Ray and Robby at that moment. People said, ‘Why now? Why are you doing this now?’ and they said, ‘Well, if not now, then when? When can we play our music again.’ And initially, original The Doors drummer John Densmore was involved. But it descended into fraternal spats — very painful — a familial thing that had to be sorted out and sadly was done in public.

I got dragged into court. It was a whole to-do. I was even speaking with Andy Morrison, Jim’s brother, and he said, ‘Thank you so much for representing my brother’s music,’ which was profound to have. And meeting people like Michael McClure, who was a mentor for Morrison. And people were giving us their blessing.”

You can check out the interview below.