Experience Hendrix: Featured Stories delves behind-the-scenes, on stage and in the studio to further explore the music, life and legacy of Jimi Hendrix… the world’s greatest guitarist. Check back regularly for new stories, interviews, photos, music, videos and more.
UNWRAPPED: THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE – A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the First Deluxe Box Set
Sep 26 2023by Steven C. Pesant. Upon its original release on September 12, 2000, The Jimi Hendrix Experience – aka. “The Purple Box” became one of the most talked-about artist compilations on the scene with Rolling Stone dubbing it “the Rolls Royce of posthumous collections.” Recently expanded to 60-songs and more than 4-hours of music, much of it previously unreleased, the deluxe set marked the first truly comprehensive Jimi Hendrix box set ever produced. This behind-the-scenes interview with John McDermott details some of efforts and music that went into this stunning release 23 years ago.
Interview by John McDermott. The process of uncovering leads which shine new light on Jimi's recorded legacy is often a fascinating exercise. New information often arises from the wildest of circumstances. Such an occasion happened following the 2000 release of The Jimi Hendrix Experience box set, with a chance meeting with Al Marks, who came forward to provide compelling detail about the April 21, 1969 recording of "Room Full Of Mirrors".
Interview by John McDermott. As technicians scurried around him making last minute preparations prior to filming, Mitch Mitchell sat comfortably in a New York recording studio, reflecting upon the August 30, 1970 performance at the Isle Of Wight and the tumultuous events which led up to the group's performance. Like those of fellow band mate Billy Cox, In this classic interview from 2000, Mitch's comments provide an insightful perspective for Jimi's fans.
Interview by Steven C. Pesant. Jimi Hendrix was a technical wizard. His explosive imagination and unabashed hunger to experiment with the flexible sounds of music undeniably aided his success. While Jimi's history with blues is well documented, his admiration of the experimental sounds of jazz has yet to be fully understood. The following interview his acclaimed Arranger and Composer Larry Fallon details his involvement with Jimi Hendrix at Record Plant Studios on June 14, 1968 where the song “South Saturn Delta” was recorded.
By Dave Thompson. They came from all corners, converging on the Swiss capital of Zurich for two nights of music quite unlike anything the country had ever seen. The musicians arrived from England, Europe and beyond at the same time as the youngest elements of the city’s outspoken left wing were busily preparing for the day when revolution would come to the streets of Zurich. Was it design, or coincidence, that decreed May 30, 1968 as their chosen date, and that day's Pop Monsterkonzert as the powder keg?
Interview by Steven C. Pesant. "In many ways music hasn't changed at all," explains guitarist, Kim Simmonds. And he should know -- for more than 50 years Simmonds has been leader of one of the original British-blues bands, Savoy Brown. Founded in 1966 at the crossroads of the British invasion and America's increased export of blues music; they were, in part, responsible for what would become one of the most influential periods in rock 'n' roll history. First published in the Spring 2000 issue of Experience Hendrix, in this classic interview Simmonds discusses his 30-plus years in music, the revitalization of blues music, and of course, lots about Jimi Hendrix.
REAL AMBITION – Backstage With Jimi Hendrix
Mar 15 2023Interview by Tony Palmer. Riding high on the success of The Experience’s debut release Are You Experienced and the recent sophomore release of Axis: Bold As Love, The Jimi Hendrix Experience visited Clark University in Worcester, MA on March 15, 1968 as part of their late Winter Tour. Snuggled between the band’s two performances that night, Jimi Hendrix sat down with the BBC’s Tony Palmer for a backstage interview that covered a variety of topics including Hendrix’s real ambition—to be respected as musicians and songwriters.
By John McDermott. Like no Hendrix live disc ever before issued, The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At Clark University provides a window into one night on the road—March 15, 1968—with The Experience. Beyond the memorable concert performances of “Fire”, “Red House”, “Foxey Lady”, “Purple Haze”, and “Wild Thing” featured here, Live At Clark University provides a further treat in the form of extended interviews with Jimi, Mitch, and Noel. What makes this collection so unique is the perspective and extraordinary insight gained by listening to the interviews conducted with each band member prior to and immediately following the group’s performance. Let’s spend a night with The Experience.
By John McDermott. In January 1969, the fortunes of The Jimi Hendrix Experience had never burned brighter. The group had barnstormed America and Europe for better than two years propelled by two ground-breaking albums Are You Experienced and Axis: Bold As Love and their with their third album – Electric Ladyland – riding high in the sales charts, the group embarked on a nine date tour of Germany. The group had not performed in Germany since 1967 and audiences there enthusiastically welcomed them—perhaps none more vocally than those who packed Sporthalle, an indoor arena in Cologne, Germany on January 13, 1969.
By Experience Hendrix. Experience Hendrix and the family of Jimi Hendrix are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our good friend, legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. Jeff was an unparalleled innovator who never stopped pushing the envelope. He came to prominence first with the Yardbirds, but he would follow his own unique creative path for the next five decades. His extraordinary improvisational skills earned him admiration from fellow musicians to his global, multi-generational fan base. Rest In Peace, Jeff your music plays on!