Stolen Jim Morrison Statue Since 1988 Found

After nearly four decades, the marble bust of Jim Morrison that once adorned his grave in Paris has been recovered. French police confirmed the statue’s discovery during an unrelated financial investigation, marking a surprising end to one of rock history’s enduring mysteries.

A Chance Discovery

The bust, sculpted by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin and installed in 1981 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Morrison’s death, was stolen in 1988 under mysterious circumstances. Rumors swirled for years, including tales of fans whisking the 128-kilogram statue away on a moped. Its whereabouts remained unknown until now.

“During an investigation conducted by the Financial and Anti-Corruption Brigade of the Directorate of Judicial Police of the Prefecture of Police, under the authority of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, this iconic symbol for the singer’s fans was recovered,” an official statement read, adding that it had been a “chance discovery.”

The bust, though weathered and bearing graffiti, remains largely intact. Its future placement is uncertain. Benoît Gallot, curator of Père-Lachaise cemetery, stated, “The police haven’t contacted us, so I don’t know whether the bust will be returned to us.”

A Legacy Remembered

Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, passed away in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27. His grave at Père-Lachaise quickly became a pilgrimage site for fans, often marked by gatherings, graffiti, and tributes. In 1991, on the 20th anniversary of his death, police dispersed a riot at the site, leading to increased security measures.

The Morrison family expressed gratitude for the bust’s recovery. A spokesperson told Rolling Stone, “Obviously it’s a piece of history, and one Jim’s family wanted there on his grave, so it’s gratifying to see that it’s been recovered.”

Fan Tributes and Controversies

The bust’s absence didn’t deter fans from honoring Morrison. In 1994, American Todd Mitchell and his nephew were arrested attempting to install a bronze replacement at the grave. Mitchell recounted to the Salt Lake Tribune that the noise of drilling alerted a guard. “I showed him, ‘Here’s Jim.’ I said, ‘I’ve got Jim, and I’m going to put him here.’” Though detained, they were released without charges, and Mitchell expressed a desire to complete the tribute in the future.

As discussions continue about the bust’s potential return to Morrison’s grave, fans worldwide celebrate the restoration of a significant piece of rock history.