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California finds itself in the spotlight once again, unfortunately, this time because of heartbreaking news. A massive fire erupted last night, causing significant damage to the historic Morrison Hotel, a 100-year-old landmark situated at 1246 South Hope Street. This iconic building holds a special place in cultural history, famously serving as the inspiration and backdrop for The Doors’ Morrison Hotel album cover, photographed by Henry Diltz in 1970. The fire, which occurred late Thursday night, left the cherished structure in ruins.

After the blaze, Mark Dyer from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) revealed that the Morrison Hotel had remained abandoned for more than a decade before AHF purchased it last year for $11.9 million. The foundation planned to transform the building into 111 affordable housing units. Thankfully, the fire caused no reported injuries. Investigators are actively determining whether homeless activity, frequently reported in the area, or more sinister causes sparked the fire. The Los Angeles Fire Department labeled the incident a major emergency and deployed 17 fire companies to extinguish the flames.

Renowned UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of the historic landmark. Taking to social media, he wrote: “The famous Morrison Hotel that The Doors used as the name and cover photo of their 1970 album burnt to the ground today in LA. It was an abandoned building being used by homeless people.” Rogan’s post quickly sparked reactions, including a stunned comment from MMA fighter-turned-boxer Dillon Danis, who said: “I would have bought it if I knew it was abandoned.”

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A post shared by Joe Rogan (@joerogan)

However, not all reactions, however, echoed Rogan’s sentiments. The incident has fueled debates online, with fans and commentators speculating on the causes and implications of the fire. Despite attempts to secure the building with fencing, it had long been a refuge for homeless individuals. Consequently, this tragedy now raises questions about whether the fire was the result of human activity or a deliberate act. As investigators work to uncover the truth, the incident continues to draw widespread attention. Let’s take a closer look at how fans and the community are reacting to this unfortunate event.

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Fans react to Joe Rogan’s Morrison Hotel tribute

In the comments, many fans shared their sadness over the loss of this iconic cultural landmark. One commenter expressed, “Top 3 best albums in history. Erasing history by design.” However, some fans tied the Morrison Hotel to the themes of homelessness and the counterculture of the ’60s and ’70s, which were often riddled with substance abuse and petty crime. Others strongly rejected any connection between the hotel and these elements, with one fan noting, “Kinda amazing way to portray what has happened to the city and state.” Another fan, clearly disheartened, lamented, “This is why we can’t have nice things in L.A. anymore.”

Built in 1914, the Morrison Hotel stood as a symbol of music and history. Its destruction marked a significant loss, prompting some fans to speculate about potential conspiracy theories. Since the building was being redeveloped by a non-profit organization, there were suspicions that the fire might have been a way to clear the site for new development. One fan raised an eyebrow, commenting, “I guess another condo highrise was needed,” referencing the rising rent in the area.

The incident also sparked criticism of California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, particularly with his policies focused on relocating homeless individuals into shelters. One fan remarked, “LA is burning, and Gavin Newsom wants to be president! Watch out, America!!!” This comment referenced Newsom’s directive to local authorities to move homeless people into shelters or risk losing funding, with Newsom emphasizing, “I want to see results” to better support local communities. On the other hand, another fan expressed their thoughts by invoking the spirit of Jim Morrison, commenting, “(Jim) Morrison would HATE what California has turned into.” As the rebellious frontman of The Doors, Morrison was not only known for his influential music but also his outspoken persona, making him one of the most iconic figures in rock history.

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On the other hand, some fans expressed frustration with Joe Rogan’s focus on cultural issues. One fan criticized him, saying, “2015 Joe Rogan would hate 2024 Joe Rogan. Stop posting this culture wars bullsh*t.” Another fan humorously asked when Rogan would bring back the InfoWars host Alex Jones on his podcast, commenting, “If the walls in that place could talk… it would ask when Alex Jones is coming back to the pod.”

What do you think about the iconic Morrison Hotel and its place in Los Angeles history? Despite its connection to homelessness, it undeniably played a significant role in the city’s cultural landscape. As Don Brown once said, “Homelessness is not a choice, but rather a journey that many find themselves in.” How do you feel about Joe Rogan’s heartfelt post, expressing disappointment over the destruction of the building? Share your thoughts below.

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