The Doors’ Famous Morrison Hotel Was Set on Fire
A vacant building, formerly known as the Morrison Hotel in Los Angeles, was knocked down during a fire that had over 100 firefighters working to stop the blaze. The Morrison Hotel most famously appeared as the cover art for the Doors’ 1970 album titled Morrison Hotel. The fire took place on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
The band actually snuck into the hotel one day to take photos with photographer Henry Diltz because they didn’t acquire a permit. Diltz took as many photos as he could during that time featuring frontman Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger before sneaking out.
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The album, with the cover featuring the band under the arched Morrison Hotel sign, was released on February 9, 1970, and housed songs such as “Peace Frog” and “Roadhouse Blues.” The band’s fifth studio album came out just over a year before Morrison sadly died of an overdose on July 3, 1971.
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Unfortunately, the fire came at a time when the building was going to be converted into 111 units of low-income housing. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation acquired it last year, and Densmore and Diltz were working with the foundation to help bring the project to fruition.
No injuries were reported, but as of now, there is no word on what will happen with the space moving forward, as there are now safety concerns due to the roof collapsing in the fire. What is your favorite song on the album?
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