Marble bust of rock legend Jim Morrison found, 37 years after it disappeared
A marble bust of rock legend Jim Morrison that went missing 37 years ago has been found in Paris, putting an end to a mystery that has baffled fans for decades. The sculpture, created by Croatian sculptor Mladen Mikulin, was originally placed on Morrison’s tombstone in 1981 to mark the tenth anniversary of his death. However, by 1988, it had disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only rumours and speculation.
The bust, carved from Macedonian white marble, was recently uncovered in Paris during an unrelated investigation by the city’s Financial and Anti-Corruption Brigade. The discovery came as a surprise to Jeff Jampol, manager of Morrison’s estate, who described it as a “really interesting twist” in the ongoing saga of the missing sculpture.
Despite being marred by decades-old graffiti and a broken nose, the recovered bust is reportedly in the same condition it was when it disappeared. It remains unclear whether the sculpture will be returned to Morrison’s grave or if further investigations will take place.
Jim Morrison, best known as the lead singer of the iconic rock band The Doors, was a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1960s. Alongside bandmates Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, and Robby Krieger, Morrison co-created a sound that was dark, experimental, and provocative, propelling the band to stardom with hits like “Light My Fire.”
Morrison, nicknamed The Lizard King, was known for his magnetic voice and outlandish performances that symbolized rebellion and counterculture. Despite his untimely death in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27, Morrison’s legacy continues to live on through his music, poetry, and filmmaking.
His grave at Paris’s Père-Lachaise Cemetery has become a pilgrimage site for fans and tourists alike, drawing visitors from around the world to pay their respects to the legendary musician. While the bust may serve as a tangible connection to Morrison’s legacy for some, Jampol emphasizes that it is the art, music, poetry, and filmmaking of Morrison that truly matter to his estate and family.
As fans celebrate the recovery of the long-lost bust, the essence of Jim Morrison’s legacy remains rooted in his artistic contributions and the enduring impact of The Doors’ music. The mythology and lore surrounding Morrison may be tied to physical objects like the recovered sculpture, but for those closest to him, it is his art and message that remain central to his enduring legacy.
