The Doors Wanted Paul Rodgers to Replace Jim Morrison

The death of Jim Morrison in 1971 almost spelled the end of the Doors, with the remaining members finally disbanding in 1973, but a little-known story about the search for a replacement has finally been uncovered.

It seems the band had Free singer Paul Rodgers in mind, but after difficulty making contact, keyboardist Ray Manzarek stepped up to the microphone instead.

Speaking to Uncut, Rodgers explains how he was unaware of the opportunity until Doors guitarist Robby Krieger recently told him the true story.

"I discovered quite recently that I was lined up to join the Doors, which blew my mind. Robby Krieger told me that the Doors were all fans of Free, and after Jim Morrison's death, they came to England looking for me.

"(The) thing is, at that time, I had buried myself in the country, working on things, and they couldn't get a hold of me. My jaw actually dropped like in a cartoon when Robby told me this."

Rodgers could well have been a good fit, with the singers both charting within 10 places in the Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Rodgers was placed at 55, while Morrison reached the lofty heights of 47.

Would the singer have joined the band, considering his career? "I dunno. It's hard to say, looking back. But I think not. I tend to form bands, that's what I do. Although it's always flattering to be asked!"

Watch Free Perform 'All Right Now' on the BBC's 'Top of the Pops'