You know how some fans of deceased performers visit their graves to pay respects or leave a small gift? Well, there are some people who like to watch the world burn and vandalize these same resting places. Paris police have uncovered a bust of The Doors frontman Jim Morrison that was stolen from his grave in 1988.
Officers found the bust during an unrelated investigation by a financial anti-corruption unit. At this time, it’s unclear if the sculpture will be returned to the gravesite or placed somewhere more secure. It is also unclear how much damage it may have sustained while being stolen or due to natural aging.
Morrison passed away in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27. He was buried in Père-Lachaise cemetery with other cultural icons like Marcel Proust, Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, and Edith Piaf.
The Stolen Bust of Morrison
In 1981, to mark the 10th anniversary of his passing, Croatian sculptor Mladen Mikulin created a 300lbs bust of the singer. “I think it would be incredible if they put the bust back onto where it was and it would attract so many more people, but the cemetery wouldn’t even be able to hold that many people,” Jade Jezzini, a Paris tour guide, told The Associated Press. “The amount of people who would rush in here just to see the bust to take pictures of it, it would be incredible.”
Père-Lachaise cemetery is already a hot spot for tourists, with Morrison’s grave being a huge draw. It is frequently covered in liquor bottles and flowers. While his family later replaced the bust, the stolen statue became the stuff of legend.
Only time will tell if the original bust of Morrison will make a triumphant return to Père-Lachaise. We’ll keep you posted on updates about the recovered sculpture as the situation develops.
