Jim Morrison's father speaks out

Morrison (second right) and The Doors were rock n' roll icons

The father of late Doors frontman Jim Morrison has broken his silence about his son in a book to celebrate the band's 40th anniversary.

George Morrison, a retired US Navy admiral, has shared memories of his son in The Doors by the Doors, saying his untimely death was "unfortunate".

Morrison died of a heart attack in Paris in 1971, aged 27.

It is almost 40 years since the band released their debut album, The Doors, featuring hit song Light My Fire.

The book's author, rock journalist Ben Fong-Torres, also interviewed the band's three surviving members and Jim's younger brother and sister, among others.

He knew I didn't think rock music was the best goal for him George Morrison

Mr Morrison said: "We look back on him [Jim] with great delight... The fact that he's dead is unfortunate but looking back on his life it's a very pleasant thought."

Morrison was a rebellious teenager who went on to become one of the most exciting performers in Sixties rock 'n' roll.

But he disowned his family, and once made a throwaway comment that they were dead.

His brother Andy recalled how, at a concert in Washington DC, the singer had refused to see his mother Clara, who died last year.

Surviving members

His father added: "I had the feeling that he felt we'd just as soon not be associated with his career.

"He knew I didn't think rock music was the best goal for him. Maybe he was trying to protect us."

Morrison's sister Anne, said: "He liked mystique, too. He didn't want to be from somewhere."