You’ve heard of “face the music”, but these mugshots are the music. Arresting? Absolutely. But somewhere between criminal and cool, these wild, weird, and wonderfully chaotic mugshots look less like jail material and more like Rolling Stone covers from an alternate universe. Think less "caught red-handed" and more "caught mid-tour."
From wild hair to bad decisions, from glam rock vibes to full-on punk meltdown, these snapshots scream ALBUM ART. So crank up the nostalgia, dust off your record player, and get ready to meet the rockstars who accidentally served platinum-level felon looks behind bars. Let the tour begin.
1
Sid Vicious, 1978: "No Future... in Court"
Sid went to jail for detoxification. Punk legend or punk cautionary tale? Probably both.
2
Elvis Presley, 1970: "The Narc King"
Elvis had this mugshot taken at the FBI headquarters, when Elvis visited President Nixon. The most rockstar move that didn’t involve drugs... but was entirely about them.
3
Janis Joplin, 1963: "Piece of My Mugshot"
College-era Janis was arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct. She dropped out soon after. The blues had bigger plans.
4
Steven Tyler, 1967: "Dream On... In County Jail"
Arrested for weed possession. Just a long-haired teen with a joint and a dream (and probably a scarf or two).
5
Prince, 1980: "Controversy: The Mugshot"
Caught speeding and driving without a license in Jackson, Mississippi. His hair had more volume than the radio.
6
Frank Sinatra, 1938: "The Chairman of the Bordello"
Arrested for seduction and adultery, actual charges in 1938. Even his mugshot looks like a love letter.
7
Axl Rose, 1992: "Use Your Illusion, Lose Your Bail"
Busted for inciting a riot during a Guns N’ Roses concert. Because if you’re gonna rage-quit a show, do it with fireworks.
8
Johnny Cash, 1966: "Ring of Steel"
Arrested in El Paso with hundreds of pills in his guitar case. The Man in Black was also the Man in Detox.
9
Dimebag Darrell & Phil Anselmo, 1990: "Cowboys From the Slammer"
The Pantera duo was arrested for getting violent backstage after a show. Southern hospitality… with fists.
10
Jim Morrison, 1963: "Hangover in Jail"
Jim was arrested for disturbing the peace and petty larceny while drunk at a Florida State University football game. His face says it all: "Give me my bed".
11
Elvis Presley, 1956: "Jailhouse Rock: The Prequel"
Early-career Elvis was arrested for a fight at a downtown service station. Even his mugshot had sideburns and swagger.
12
Ozzy Osbourne, 1984: "Bats, Booze & Bladders"
Ozzy was arrested for public intoxication... after allegedly urinating on the Alamo. Metal history, urine-soaked.
13
Kurt Cobain, 1986: "Bleach & Vandalism"
19-year-old Kurt got nailed for spray-painting “God is gay” on a wall in Aberdeen. Punk rock prophet, already pushing buttons.
14
Jim Morrison, 1967: "Eat Me, Officer"
Arrested mid-show after telling a cop to “eat me,” then got maced backstage. Performance art? Crime? Yes.
15
David Crosby, 1982: "Love the One You’re With... In Jail"
Caught with cocaine and a gun in a Dallas nightclub bathroom. Because nothing says peace and love like an Uzi and a speedball.
16
Jim Morrison, 1970: "Miami Heat"
Arrested for allegedly exposing himself on stage in Florida. Whether it happened or not, he went down swinging.
17
Axl Rose, 1982: "Appetite for Destruction... of Property"
Before he was yelling at crowds, Axl was getting arrested for public intoxication. Classic warm-up act.
18
David Bowie, 1976: "The Thin White Line"
Bowie got popped in Rochester for marijuana possession... while on tour with Iggy Pop. Arrested, but with rockstar glam.
19
Jimi Hendrix, 1964: "Are You Experienced... With Grand Theft?"
Pre-fame Jimi was caught joyriding in a stolen car. He chose jail or the army. Lucky for music, he chose the army. Kinda.
20
Mick Jagger, 1967: "Satisfaction Denied"
Busted with pills during a major British drug raid. The Rolling Stones' wild ride was just getting started.
21
James Brown, 1988: "I Feel Arrested"
The Godfather of Soul began serving a six-year sentence for carrying a deadly weapon at a public gathering, attempting to flee police, and driving under the influence of drugs. But, he felt good.
22
Axl Rose, 1978: "Welcome to Juvenile Hall"
Teen Axl was busted for drinking underage and getting rowdy. Even at 18, the chaos had begun.
