Homage: Fans' devotion takes the form of graffiti

Relatives of those buried close to the singer's grave have petitioned cemetery officials not to renew the lease, which expires on the 30th anniversary of his death on 6 July 2001, because of the thousands of fans who make a pilgrimage to his grave.

The graveside is often covered in graffiti and the cemetery has had to employ a full-time guard to dissuade fans from leaving a personal message.

'American in Paris'

Manzarek said "the French government is probably going to supersede" any petition by the families.

"It's a great place for him. It would be nice for him to be here, but that's a perfect place for him, the American in Paris," he added.

Guitarist Robby Krieger said that Morrison always wanted to be buried at Pere Lachaise.

Morrison, who died aged 27, was the wild frontman of the band which had hits such as Light My Fire and Touch Me.

He shares the cemetery with Oscar Wilde, Polish-born composer Frederic Chopin and Edith Piaf.

Manzarek, Krieger and drummer John Densmore re-united on Tuesday, with vocals provided by Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots and Ian Astbury of the Cult, for a TV special for music network VH-1.