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When assessing the talented musicians we’ve been treated to over the years, Jimi Hendrix is certainly up there with some of the best of them. For many, the American musician, singer, and songwriter is the greatest to have ever lived, despite his mainstream career only lasting around four years. In those four years, though, Hendrix made quite an impact.
Widely regarded as being one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, the Seattle-born musician’s masterpieces have influenced a great deal of fellow musicians since penetrating the overall music industry greatly. Hendrix’s influence didn’t just end there either, having an impact on various cultural aspects of society also. It comes as no surprise, then, to see the endless amounts of material on Hendrix online, from documentaries to fan tributes and even a Jimi Hendrix slot game at casino.com. His impact will be felt forever and his legendary guitar riffs will never die. There have been so many memorable moments associated with such an icon, too. Below is a look at some of them.
Playing the guitar with his teeth before a tribute to Clapton, The Lulu Show, 1969
Most people have seen the famous clip, but not everyone is aware of the context behind it. As Jimi Hendrix appears on The Lulu Show in 1969 and treats viewers to “Voodoo Child”, just when it’s coming to an end, he produces a remarkable solo with his teeth. Perhaps more powerfully, though, was when he ends “Hey Joe” early and insists that he and his bandmates play “Sunshine of Your Love” instead as a tribute to his good friend, Eric Clapton.
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band cover, Saville Theatre, 1967
Paul McCartney and George Harrison were flattered after Hendrix – who they were massive fans of – learned the title track from the Beatles album and didn’t just play it to the pair but opened his entire show with it. Hendrix went on to cover the song again at various other shows, including his amazing performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. Sadly, though, there is no footage of him undoubtedly bringing a smile to the faces of Paul McCartney and George Harrison at Saville Theatre, but there is no doubting how close he was to The Beatles.
The star-spangled banner, Woodstock, 1969
Woodstock is magical in itself, but witnessing Jimi Hendrix play his very own version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” there makes it even more appealing. In fact, his iconic version of the track lives long in the memories of fans who were there in 1969. The track, which was enjoyed greatly by Americans at the time, helped showcase his electric guitar skills rather beautifully and enabled Hendrix to gain even more admirers.
Setting his guitar on fire, Monterey Pop Festival, 1967
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Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire and then swinging it around on stage, alongside nearly having intercourse with his amp, is one of the genre’s golden moments. In fact, it’s a truly iconic scene from the world of music in general, especially as you wouldn’t expect such actions from a man who clearly adores all things guitars. This all came after Hendrix played a cover of “Wild Thing” at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, with the subsequent fire and amp attention coming alongside an array of destruction and chaos as Hendrix aimed to get the crowd going and create a truly destructive image. Given the overall impact of the performance and the subsequent image it has created, it’s probably fair to say that Hendrix absolutely nailed it once again