July 3 is a date engraved on fire in the history of rock, not only for the tragic coincidence of two deaths, but because it cemented the macabre legend of the “Club of the 27”. On this day, with only two years apart, the world lost two iconic figures that, despite their different paths, shared a fatal destination.
Brian Jones of The Rolling Stonesdeceased in 1969, and Jim Morrison of The DoorsIn 1971, they not only left an indelible musical legacy, but became prominent members of this select and dreary club.
Brian Jones: The tormented soul of the Rolling Stones
Lewis Brian Hopkins Jonesborn on February 28, 1942 in Cheltenham, England, was the original founding member and guitarist of The Rolling Stones.
Since its inception, Jones was the creative and aesthetic engine of the band. His musical vision, which incorporated influences from blues, R&B and rock and roll, was essential to shape the distinctive sound of stones.
He was a prodigious multi -stertumer, capable of playing the slide guitar, harmonica, satita, marimba and a variety of other instruments, enriching the sound palette of the band in songs like “Paint It Black”, “Ruby Tuesday” and “Lady Jane”. His androgynous style and his aura of rebellion made him a fashion icon and a key figure in the counterculture of the 60s.
However, as the fame of the stones grew, so did the personal problems of Jones. His drug addiction and alcohol became uncontrollable, affecting his performance in the band and his relationship with Mick Jagger and Keith Richardswho gradually assumed creative control.
His contributions to the discs began to decrease and their erratic behavior became a burden. In June 1969, the Rolling Stones, fed up with their constant absences and inability to play, expelled him from the band.
Just a month later, on July 3, 1969, Jones was found dead in his house in Hartfield, Sussexat the age of 27. Although the coroner ruled “accidental death” with a mention of alcohol and drugs, the circumstances that surrounded his death have been subject to speculation and conspiracy theories for decades, feeding the legend of a possible implication of third parties.
His premature death was a shock for the world of music and marked the first significant income to the “27th club.”
Jim Morrison: King Lagarto and Rock Poetry
James Douglas Morrisonborn on December 8, 1943 in Melbourne, Florida, was the charismatic vocalist and lyricist of The Doors.
Since his conception in 1965, Morrison and his band revolutionized the musical panorama with their unique mix of blues, psychedelia and dark poetry. Jim, with his magnetic scenic presence and his deep and resonant voice, became a totemic figure, a rock shaman that explored the limits of consciousness and artistic expression.
His lyrics, loaded with symbolism, mythology and existentialism, distinguished him as a modern poet, influencing innumerable artists and writers. Hymns like “Break on Through (To The Oher Side)”, “The End” and “Riders on The Storm” They encapsulate the essence of The Doors and Morrison’s vision.
Despite his genius, Morrison also fought with internal demons, mainly alcoholism, which eclipsed his talent and plunged him into self -destructive behaviors.
His live appearances became increasingly unpredictable, oscillating between ecstatic brilliance and chaotic confrontation with the public and authorities. The pressure of fame, legal problems and its own battle against addiction led him to a state of physical and mental exhaustion.
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In March 1971, Jim Morrison moved to Paris with his partner Pamela Coursonhoping to escape pressure and focus on his poetry. However, their habits did not change.
On July 3, 1971, Jim Morrison was found dead in the bathtub of his apartment in Paris, at the age of 27. The official cause of his death was a cardiac arrest, but as with Jones, the lack of official autopsy and ambiguous circumstances have generated persistent theories about a possible overdose of heroin.
His grave in the Cemetery of Père Lachaise has become a pilgrimage place for his innumerable fans.
The 27th club: a curse or a tragic coincidence?
The death of Jones and Morrison the same day, although with two years apart, he added a gloomy weight to date and solidified the notion of the “Club of the 27”, an infamous group of influential musicians who died at the early age of 27 years. While the idea of a “curse” is more an urban legend than a reality, the recurrence of this age in the death of extraordinary talents is undeniable and, for many, disturbing.
Beyond Brian Jones and Jim Morrison, the club has other notable members who left an indelible mark on music:
- Jimi Hendrix (September 18, 1970): Considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Hendrix revolutionized the sound of the electric guitar. He died suffocated with his own vomit after an overdose of barbiturates.
- Janis Joplin (October 4, 1970): The iconic “Queen of Rock and Roll” and “Blanca del Blues” had an incomparable voice. His death was caused by an overdose of heroine.
- Kurt Cobain (April 5, 1994): The leader of Nirvana, a central figure of the Grunge movement, fought against depression and addiction. His death was a suicide due to gunshot wound.
- Amy Winehouse (July 23, 2011): The talented British singer, known for her powerful contralt voice and her mixture of Soul, R&B and Jazz, died from ethyl poisoning.
The coincidence of the date of the death of Jones and Morrison highlights the fragility of life and the high cost of fame, addiction and extreme life styles that often accompany stardom in the world of rock.
On July 3, beyond being a date on the calendar, it has become a constant reminder of the lights and shadows of the musical genius and the tragic legacy of the 27th club.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
