Music News
Doors Fans Mark Morrison's Ill-Fated Miami Concert
Forty-one years ago, Doors frontman Jim Morrison made his infamous performance at Miami's Dinner Key Auditorium, appearing overly intoxicated and allegedly flashing the audience.
While it is still debated whether the Lizard King did expose himself onstage or not, the incident became a low point in the Doors' career.
Consequently, Morrison was charged with a felony count of "lewd and lascivious" behavior by the District Attorney's office of Miami, along with three misdemeanor counts, including public intoxication and indecent exposure.
By that point the band had been struggling to keep things fresh, and Morrison was tired of the rock star lifestyle. His Miami performance, it was later revealed, was influenced by experiencing the Living Theater, which strives to reject audience complacency through direct spectacle.
Morrison didn't surrender to the charges until a month later. He was found guilty of the misdemeanors but was able to dodge the felony charge, which left him with a six-month sentence and 60 days of hard labor.
His spirits already depleted, Morrison appealed the sentence. While out on bail, he made his way to Paris, where he died in July 1971.
Image used with permission by Michael Ochs Archives.
