A likeness bust of Jim Morrison that was placed on his grave, and seven years later stolen, has been recently recovered by the French police. The sculpture that was originally created by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin, was placed on Morrison’s grave in Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery to mark the tenth anniversary of his passing, on July 3, 1981.
The bust was stolen in May 1988, with Vanity Fair noting that two individuals were reported to have taken the statue after being locked in the cemetery overnight.
After years of rumor and speculation surrounding its fate, Parisian police have now announced the bust has been recovered, with its rediscovery occurring during a search related to a fraud case. No further details regarding its whereabouts for the past 37 years have been announced, nor has word been shared as to whether it will return to its original location atop Morrison’s grave.
Jim Morrison was the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band the Doors. Due to his charismatic persona, poetic lyrics, distinctive voice, and unpredictable performances, Morrison is regarded by music critics and fans as one of the most influential frontmen in rock history. In 1971, Morrison died unexpectedly in a Paris apartment at the age of 27, amid several conflicting witness reports. Since his death, his fame has endured as one of popular culture’s top rebellious and oft-displayed icons.
