Jim Morrison, the enigmatic frontman of The Doors, was more than just a rock icon. His life was a complex tapestry woven with threads of poetry, rebellion, and self-destruction. While his artistic genius and captivating stage presence are well-documented, his personal struggles with weight, body image, and substance abuse offer a glimpse into the man behind the Lizard King persona. This article explores the multifaceted aspects of Jim Morrison's diet, lifestyle, and the impact they had on his life and career.
Early Life and Weight Struggles
As a child, Jim Morrison faced teasing and judgment due to his weight. This early experience likely contributed to his later preoccupation with his physical appearance. During his college years, Morrison gained weight, seemingly embracing the opportunity to indulge in the university's meal plan. He jokingly expressed that he wanted to "get his money's worth."
In a revealing interview with Howard Smith, Morrison questioned the societal stigma surrounding weight, asking, "Why is it so onerous to be fat?" He reminisced about a time when he weighed 185 pounds, feeling strong and powerful, "like a tank." He contrasted this with the feeling of being "thin and wispy," vulnerable to being "knocked over by a strong wind."
Transformation and the "Svelte Sex Symbol"
Before The Doors catapulted into fame, Jim lived in Venice Beach. He frequented Olivia’s Place, where he could get a plate of short ribs, beans and cornbread for 85 cents or a steak dinner for $1.25. Jim immortalized the place in the song Soul Kitchen in his 1967 debut album.
The summer of '65 marked a turning point for Morrison. He shed approximately thirty pounds, reportedly due to drug use in place of eating and spending time on the Venice boardwalk. This transformation coincided with the band's rise to prominence, and Morrison's image as a "svelte sex symbol" became integral to The Doors' appeal.
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Linda Eastman, a former girlfriend, noted Morrison's unease with the attention he received based on his appearance. He seemed to crave recognition for his intellectual and artistic endeavors rather than his physical attributes.
Diet and Substance Use
Morrison's lifestyle during his years of fame was characterized by excess. He openly admitted to "pounding tequilas and dropping acid all night," neglecting basic self-care practices like hydration. He described a period where "Jim wasn't taking care of Jim, period."
His bandmate, Ray Manzarek, even intervened, pointing out the detrimental effects of Morrison's lifestyle on his physical health and urging him to prioritize his well-being.
Beauty and Self-Care
Despite his reputation for hedonism, Morrison also expressed an interest in beauty and self-care. In a Her Top Shelf interview, he stated, "I'm also passionate about beauty and health and the stuff I put not just on my body but also into it."
He revealed that he used an avocado deep-conditioning mask on his hair once or twice a week to maintain its shine and fragrance. He also emphasized the importance of exercise, stating, "You think I got this body just by drinking and drugging?" He incorporated physical activity into his travel routine, carrying sneakers to work out wherever he found himself.
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Morrison also professed his love for face masks, particularly when combined with peyote and reading "Thus Spoke Zarathustra." He favored simple, American drugstore brands for skincare and indulged in essential oils for body care, soaking in the tub for hours.
Style as Poetry
Morrison viewed personal style as a form of poetry, capable of expressing both beauty and ugliness. He famously said, "For me, personal style is like poetry. It can be as beautiful and as ugly as deflowering two virgins in a motel room in Tijuana while shooting up cocaine for three days straight. Ride the snake, you know?" He considered a Navajo belt with large silver conchos the quintessential accessory.
Later Years and Weight Gain
In his later years, Morrison gained weight and grew a beard. Some close to him suggested that he yearned for people to focus on his music and poetry rather than his physical appearance.
He addressed the criticisms about his weight gain directly, challenging the prevailing beauty standards. "What's wrong with being fat? That's what I want to know," he declared.
Relationships and Personal Struggles
Morrison's relationship with Pamela Courson was tumultuous and complex. Their dynamic was marked by intense passion, substance abuse, and destructive behaviors.
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Courson's own struggles with heroin addiction and eating disorders further complicated their relationship. According to one account, she went on a ten-day heroin fast while Morrison was in Miami for court. She was known to be mean and enjoyed scaring people.
The Paris Years and Death
Morrison's final years were spent in Paris, where his health deteriorated. He gained more weight, increased his alcohol consumption, and experimented with heroin.
His physical and mental state declined, leading to his untimely death in July 1971. He was found in a bathtub, and the official cause of death was attributed to heart failure, although the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery and speculation.