Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Jim Morrison’s Graveside Bust Has Been Found After 37 Years

THE GRAVE OF JIM MORRISON JIM MORRISON'S GRAVE , PERE LACHAISE CEMETERY, PARIS, FRANCE - 1994
Photo by Rick Colls/Shutterstock (224930f)

The long-missing bust of iconic American singer Jim Morrison has been recovered nearly four decades after it was stolen from Morrison's grave at the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris. Created by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin in 1981, the sculpture was meant to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Morrison's death, the legendary frontman's life having ended under still-mysterious circumstances in 1971 at the age of 27. Since this time, the grave has become a pilgrimage site for fans of The Doors. The bust vanished in 1988 under unusual circumstances, which led to multiple speculations about how it went missing. Some rumors speculated fans secretly took the heavy sculpture on a moped at night, while others theorized authorities might have hidden it for protection. Despite these theories, there was no confirmed report about the bust's whereabouts over the years.

Recently, in a turn of unexpected events, the bust resurfaced during a police investigation unrelated to its disappearance. Officers from the Paris public prosecutor's office were conducting a search tied to a fraud case when they stumbled upon the graffitied sculpture. Remarkably, the sculpture, weighing about 250 pounds, survived without further damage apart from existing graffiti and a broken nose, remnants of its previous days at the grave site. The Paris Police Prefecture's Criminal Investigation Department announced the surprising recovery via social media, sharing images of the bust as part of their findings.

Jim Morrison's grave remains one of the most visited sites at Père Lachaise cemetery, appealing to rock enthusiasts who pay homage by leaving flowers and notes. Over the years, the grave has drawn continuous crowds, and despite tight security measures implemented following unruly incidents at the site, the fascination surrounding Morrison's legacy has hardly waned. Following its recovery, it remains uncertain whether the administration at Père Lachaise will return the bust to its original place. As of now, the curator of the cemetery, Benoît Gallot, has not been contacted by police officials about any plans for its restitution.

The significance of Morrison and The Doors continues to echo through time, with their music being a staple of 1960s and 1970s rock culture. The band earned a legendary status with hits like “Riders on the Storm,” “Light My Fire,” and “The End,” music that has left a lasting impression on generations of fans. Despite the enigmatic air surrounding Morrison's passing, the legacy left by the band and the frontman’s captivating persona secures their remembrance in the annals of rock history.

While French authorities conduct further analysis and make decisions regarding the future of the statue, fans of Jim Morrison and The Doors await news, hoping for the bust's reinstatement at Morrison's gravesite. Meanwhile, for fraud investigators, the unearthing of this historic artifact came as much of a surprise as it did to the global community of Morrison's followers. Whether the bust becomes a permanent fixture once more at its rightful resting place or finds a new home, its recovery marks a significant moment in preserving the enduring legacy of Jim Morrison.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Billy Joel in London Various

Billy Joel Opens Up About Suicide Attempts & More in New Documentary

In the recently premiered documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, iconic musician Billy Joel opens up about a particularly…

Neil Peart and Geddy Lee of Rush Rush in concert, Austin, Texas - 16 May 2015

Rush’s ‘The Albums: 2002-2012’ 7-LP Box Set Out Now

Rush, a band celebrated worldwide for its innovation and impact on progressive rock, has left a lasting legacy that continues…

Axl Rose, left, and Slash, of Guns N' Roses, perform on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Guns N' Roses in concert at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA - 24 Aug 2023

Guns N’ Roses Announce 2nd Leg of 2025 Tour

Guns N’ Roses has announced the second leg of their 2025 world tour, captivating fans across Latin America with a…

Daron Malakian Bravalla Festival, Sweden - 28 Jun 2017

Daron Malakian And Scars On Broadway Announce New Album With New Song

Daron Malakian, guitarist and vocalist for System Of A Down, has announced the release of a new album under his…

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath OZZY OSBOURNE - 1983

Global Livestream of Ozzy & Black Sabbath’s Farewell Show

On July 5, 2025, a landmark moment in heavy metal history will take place as Black Sabbath, one of the…

JAMES HETFIELD - METALLICA THE READING FESTIVAL, BRITAIN - AUG 2003

Enter To Win A Metallica ‘Load’ Deluxe Box Set

Metallica fans are in for a treat as the iconic band has announced the release of the Load (Remastered) Limited…

The Dirty Knobs, Mike Campbell Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs perform at Park West, Chicago, Illinois, USA - 02 Apr 2022

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Unveil New Song

Mike Campbell, known for his legendary role with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, has yet again captured the essence of…

Gavin Rossdale of the band Bush performs Loaded: "The Greatest Hits Tour" at Hard Rock Live, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Aug. 30, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida Bush in concert, Hard Rock Live, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 30 Aug 2024

Bush Unleashes Music Video For ‘The Land Of Milk And Honey’

British rock band Bush has unveiled their latest single “The Land of Milk and Honey,” leading up to the release…

Jessie J Meo Mares Vivas music festival, Day 3, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal - 17 Jul 2022

Jessie J Plays Concert After 5 Biopsies

British singer Jessie J has recently become the focus of public attention not for her musical endeavors but for her…