July 3, 2001 15:27

DOORS OPEN AGAIN

Up to 20,000 people are expected to visit the Doors singer's grave...

Up to 20,000 visitors are expected to visit the grave of DOORS vocalist JIM MORRISON later today, marking the 30th anniversary of his death.

Morrison died in a Paris apartment on July 3 1971 at the age of 27. Following his death, he was buried in the city's Pere Lachaise cemetery, which has since become a shrine for fans and one of Paris's main tourist attractions

Marie Arnal, a spokesperson for the Paris parks department, told CNN news that anywhere between 10,000 and 20,000 fans may make a pilgrimage to the grave.

Police will also be at the grave, and are hoping there will be no repeat of the scenes on the 20th anniversary of Morrison's death in 1991, when they had to disperse a restless crowd with tear gas.

Speaking to BBC news, cemetery director Thierry Bouvier said: "It's important to not get too excited."

Jacquelyne Ledent-Vilain, from the band's label Elektra added: "The word is out that it's the 30th. The Doors' flame is still shining. I've heard that people will just go smoke a joint, drink something and kind of just talk among themselves."

This year, in addition to the fans coming to the city, fellow Doors member Ray Manzarek will be screening rare band footage, including television specials on the band, as well as rare videos, while a series of tribute bands will play live across the city.