An iconic Los Angeles rock-and-roll landmark, the former Morrison Hotel, was tragically engulfed in flames on Thursday. The Morrison Hotel, made famous by The Doors‘ fifth album in 1970, was heavily damaged in the fire that required over 100 firefighters to bring it under control.
The four-story building, originally constructed in 1914, had been considered vacant for over a decade. Despite being purchased in 2022 by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation with plans to convert it into affordable housing, squatters had been a recurring issue. Luckily, during the blaze, several individuals were safely evacuated from the property without any injuries.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined by the Los Angeles Fire Department, as reported by David Ortiz. The LAFD also mentioned that many unhoused individuals often use vacant buildings as temporary shelters, and a significant number were observed self-evacuating during the fire.
Photographer Henry Diltz, known for capturing the iconic cover image of The Doors at the Morrison Hotel, shared that the “run down” atmosphere of the hotel was discovered by band member Ray Manzarek. Despite being initially denied permission to shoot inside the lobby, Diltz and the band managed to quickly capture the unforgettable shot when the clerk left his post.
The historic significance of the Morrison Hotel and its connection to The Doors make this devastating event a poignant loss for the rock-and-roll community. The legacy of the hotel, immortalized in music history, will forever hold a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts and fans alike.
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