Highlights
- Jim Morrison’s rebellious behavior and multiple arrests added to his controversial legacy as a rock icon.
- Morrison’s infamous fifth arrest during a concert showcased his wild and unpredictable behavior.
- Despite his troubled personal life and early death, Morrison’s music with The Doors continues to be loved and influential in the rock genre.
Music icon Jim Morrison was undoubtedly one of the most eccentric and beloved rock ‘n’ roll singers of the 1960s. He was the face of The Doors, and became the voice of a generation. A free spirit, Morrison’s charisma allowed him to become one of the greatest stage performers in music history. He was wild, vibrant, youthful, and energetic.
Morrison’s personality extended well beyond the concert stage. He lived an unapologetically rebellious life, which ultimately became self-destructive. Morrison’s behavior, even during concerts, caused significant controversy. He was arrested multiple times while performing.
Why Was Jim Morrison Arrested During The Doors Concerts?
According to Grunge, Jim Morrison was arrested six times throughout his life. His first arrest occurred when he was a student at Florida State University in 1963. The teenager was reportedly disturbing the peace at an FSU football game. Morrison’s actions only hinted at his future behavior. In 1966, Morrison was arrested again before The Doors became nationally recognized. The singer allegedly kissed a minor without consent.
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Morrison’s third arrest occurred during a Doors concert in December 1967. The performer reportedly was making out with a young woman in one of the venue’s bathrooms, and a police officer attempted to stop the interaction. Morrison did not obey, causing the officer to mace the entertainer, according to Grunge.
This, as can be expected, did not please Morrison one bit. Even though the officer apologized once he learned who Morrison was, the singer was not forgiving. When Morrison returned to performing the concert, he criticized the officer on stage, claiming that he was a “little blue man in a little blue hat.” Morrison allegedly used foul language as he stirred up his audience. A riot among concert-goers then took place after Morrison’s comments. Morrison was arrested for causing the riot and for public obscenity.
Morrison’s fourth arrest came shortly after, in January 1968. He was allegedly drunk, which was far from uncommon for the legendary rock star, and attempted to smoke a cigarette in a similar manner to marijuana to frustrate security at a nightclub. Morrison loved to irritate authority. His behavior eventually caused the nightclub’s security to get physical, and Morrison was later arrested for public drunkenness, among other charges. Morrison being Morrison was reportedly very vocal when getting arrested and yelled out profanities at the police officers.
The entertainer’s fifth arrest is perhaps his most iconic, and for all the wrong reasons. During a Doors concert in March 1969, an intoxicated Morrison reportedly engaged in a fan-directed expletive rant.
According to Far Out, a fan decided to pour alcohol on Morrison, which then caused the performer to behave very strangely in response. He allegedly began to perform indecent activities on stage, including possibly exposing himself, according to Grunge. Morrison was sought after by law enforcement after the incident and eventually was arrested a month later. He was later charged with indecent exposure, and lewd behavior, among other charges, according to Far Out. While Morrison was near spending months in a jail cell for his behavior, he was able to appeal his case.
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Morrison’s last arrest occurred in August 1970, less than a year before he passed away. The iconic entertainer was severely intoxicated and fell asleep on an individual’s property. The woman who owned the residence attempted to awaken Morrison, but he would not budge. She then called law enforcement and they arrested Morrison. He was discharged after paying a $25 bail, according to Far Out.
Interestingly, Morrison is among multiple noteworthy entertainers who were arrested, including Jerry Lee Lewis who was arrested at Graceland, and Frank Sinatra, who was arrested for seduction.
What Is Jim Morrison’s Controversial Legacy?
Jim Morrison, who was one of the biggest celebrities in America in the 1960s, had a troubled personal life. Despite his multiple run-ins with the law, The Doors remained popular and beloved. Morrison, who grew up in a strict military family, was always rebellious and was very much of his era. He behaved in whatever way he liked and did not care if there were repercussions.
Morrison’s fifth arrest, in particular, has become almost legendary among rock ‘n’ roll fans and historians. While the details of what indecent behavior Morrison engaged in are not clear, his actions during the March 1969 concert are infamous. Besides his performing, Morrison is often remembered for this particular arrest. The incident showed Morrison at his worst and what he was capable of. Furthermore, it truly demonstrated that Morrison did not care what anyone thought about his behavior.
Morrison’s fame only escalated his addiction to substances. In his final years, Morrison was nearly unrecognizable. He would eventually pass away prematurely in July 1971 at only 27 years old due to alleged heart failure. His mysterious death has stirred controversy. He would be one of multiple stars of his era to die at this young age. Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones all passed away at 27.
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Since his passing over fifty years ago, Jim Morrison remains a beloved figure in rock ‘n’ roll. Despite the controversies that surrounded his personal and professional life, Morrison and The Doors are just as popular among rock ‘n’ roll fans today as they were in their heyday. Songs such as “Light My Fire”, “Hello, I Love You”, and “Touch Me” are classic rock staples that multiple generations know and love. Morrison would most likely be proud that his work is still having an influence on lives. More so, he would perhaps be reflective of his youthful behavior and how it cultivated his image.
Source: NewsFinale
