Now Reading: How Jimi Hendrix Was Personally Connected To The Beatles
-
01
How Jimi Hendrix Was Personally Connected To The Beatles
How Jimi Hendrix Was Personally Connected To The Beatles
How Jimi Hendrix Was Personally Connected To The Beatles
-
It seems likely that Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles had a strong personal connection through friendship and mutual admiration in the 1960s London music scene.
-
Research suggests they met at clubs, with The Beatles attending Hendrix’s performances and Hendrix covering their songs, showing respect.
-
The evidence leans toward Hendrix renting an apartment from Ringo Starr, leading to an eviction after an LSD incident, yet their relationship remained friendly.
-
It appears The Beatles, especially Paul McCartney, supported Hendrix’s career by recommending him for the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.
Their Meetings and Friendship
Jimi Hendrix arrived in London in 1966, quickly becoming part of the vibrant music scene where The Beatles were already icons. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr saw Hendrix perform at the Bag O’Nails club on Wednesday 11th January 1967 and were impressed by his guitar skills.
Paul McCartney Tells Stephen Colbert
About Tuning Jimi’s Guitar
The Apartment Incident
An unexpected detail is that Hendrix rented an apartment at 34 Montagu Square from Ringo Starr in December 1966, composing songs like “The Wind Cries Mary” there. However, their living arrangement ended when Hendrix, under the influence of LSD, whitewashed the expensively decorated walls, leading to his eviction by Ringo. Despite this, their friendship seemed to endure, as Hendrix continued performing in London and maintained ties with The Beatles.
Career Support at Monterey Pop
The Beatles played a key role in Hendrix’s U.S. breakthrough by recommending him for the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. When asked to headline, they declined but insisted Hendrix perform, with Paul McCartney calling him “an absolute ace on the guitar.” This recommendation was crucial, launching Hendrix’s American career with his iconic June 18, 1967, performance (The Paul McCartney Project).
Exploring the Personal Connection Between Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles
The personal connection between Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles is a fascinating chapter in 1960s rock music history, marked by friendship, mutual admiration, and professional support within the vibrant London music scene. This note delves into the details of their interactions, providing a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Historical Context and Initial Encounters
The Beatles, comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, were already global icons by the mid-1960s, known for their innovative music and cultural impact. Jimi Hendrix, an American guitarist, arrived in London in September 1966, quickly making waves with his unique style. Their paths crossed in the bustling London club scene, a hub for rock musicians at the time.
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr first saw Hendrix perform at the Bag O’Nails club on January 11, 1967, where they were captivated by his guitar prowess and showmanship. Paul later recalled being “blown away” by the performance, describing it as “unbelievable” (Far Out Magazine). George Harrison also witnessed Hendrix at the Saville Theatre on June 4, 1967, an event notable for Hendrix’s bold move to cover The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” just three days after its release. This performance, attended by Paul and George, was described by Paul as “one of the great honors of my career,” underscoring the mutual respect (Metro News).
Hendrix, in turn, expressed admiration for The Beatles in interviews. In a 1967 interview with Steve Barker, he stated, “The Beatles are one group that you can’t really put down because they’re just too much,” highlighting their significant influence and his appreciation (Rock and Roll Garage). This mutual admiration set the stage for a deeper personal connection.
Living Arrangements and the Eviction Incident
An intriguing aspect of their relationship was Hendrix’s tenancy at 34 Montagu Square, an apartment leased by Ringo Starr. Hendrix moved in with his girlfriend Kathy Etchingham, manager Chas Chandler, and Chandler’s girlfriend Lotta Null in December 1966, paying a modest £30 monthly rent. During his stay, Hendrix composed classics like “The Wind Cries Mary,” adding to the apartment’s musical legacy, which also included Paul McCartney writing demos there earlier (Express.co.uk).
However, their cohabitation ended abruptly due to an incident involving LSD. While under its influence, Hendrix whitewashed the apartment’s expensively decorated walls, leading Ringo to evict him. Biographer Craig Cross reported that Ringo was forced to act due to the damage, but despite this, their relationship remained friendly, as evidenced by Hendrix’s continued performances and interactions with The Beatles (Beatles in London). This incident, while a point of friction, did not sever their bond, illustrating the resilience of their friendship.
Musical Tributes and Professional Support
Hendrix’s performance of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” at the Saville Theatre was a significant gesture of respect. On June 4, 1967, with Paul and George in attendance, Hendrix delivered an electrifying rendition, showcasing his innovative guitar techniques. Paul’s reaction, calling it a “major compliment,” reflects the depth of their connection (Cheatsheet).
Beyond personal interactions, The Beatles played a pivotal role in Hendrix’s career by recommending him for the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. When festival organizers, including Derek Taylor, a former Beatles publicist, sought The Beatles to headline, they declined due to their cessation of touring in 1966. However, Paul McCartney insisted on Hendrix’s inclusion, calling him “an absolute ace on the guitar” and ensuring his performance on June 18, 1967. This recommendation was crucial, launching Hendrix’s U.S. career with a legendary set that included burning his guitar, significantly boosting his popularity (The Guardian, The Paul McCartney Project).
Later Interactions and Legacy
While their interactions were primarily in the late 1960s, with Hendrix’s passing in 1970 and The Beatles’ breakup around the same time, their influence on each other’s music is evident. Hendrix’s later comments on The Beatles’ “White Album” suggested a shift in perception, seeing them as more establishment, but he still admired their songwriting (Cheatsheet). The Beatles, particularly Paul, continued to speak highly of Hendrix, with Paul noting his impact on guitar music in various interviews.
Comparative Table of Key Interactions
-
- .
-
EventDateDetailsFirst Performance Seen by BeatlesJanuary 11th 1967Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr saw Hendrix at Bag O’Nails, impressed by his style.Saville Theatre PerformanceJune 4th 1967Hendrix covered “Sgt Pepper,” attended by Paul (who called it an honour) and GeorgeApartment Rental and EvictionDecember1966 – 1967Hendrix rented from Ringo, evicted after LSD wall damage, but remained friendly.Monterey Pop RecommendationApril 1967Led by Paul, The Beatles recommended Hendrix, leading to his June 18th performance.
- This table summarizes the timeline and nature of their interactions, highlighting their connection’s personal and professional dimensions.
The personal connection between Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles was marked by friendship, mutual admiration, and significant professional support, particularly in the late 1960s London scene. From club meetings to Hendrix’s apartment tenancy and The Beatles’ career-boosting recommendation, their relationship was a testament to the collaborative spirit of rock music. Despite challenges like the eviction, their bond endured, leaving a lasting legacy in music history.
Here are some more details on the personal connections between Jimi Hendrix and members of The Beatles:
-
Guitar Gift: One of the most famous anecdotes involves George Harrison giving Jimi Hendrix one of his guitars, a Gibson SG. This event reportedly happened during a meeting at the Speakeasy club in London. Harrison was so impressed by Hendrix’s performance that he decided to give him the guitar, which Hendrix had admired.
-
Mutual Admiration: Harrison was a huge fan of Hendrix’s work. He spoke highly of Hendrix in interviews, appreciating his virtuosity and innovative approach. Hendrix, in turn, respected The Beatles’ music, especially evident when he covered “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
-
Shared Performances: John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix shared the stage at the Savile Theatre in London in 1967. Hendrix opened for The Beatles’ performance, and Lennon was among those in the audience when Hendrix played “Sgt. Pepper’s” just days after its release. This was a significant moment, showcasing the immediate impact of The Beatles’ new music and the respect between the two acts.
-
Friendship: Lennon and Hendrix developed a friendship, with Lennon often speaking about Hendrix’s genius. There are accounts of them socializing in London, including at clubs like the Bag O’Nails, where musicians would often hang out.
-
Professional Respect: While Paul McCartney might not have had as many personal stories with Hendrix as Harrison or Lennon, he has spoken about the influence Hendrix had on rock music. McCartney was in the audience for some of Hendrix’s early London shows and was clearly impressed by his talent.
-
Shared Musical Space: Both artists were part of the same vibrant London music scene in the mid to late 1960s, where cross-pollination of ideas and styles was common. McCartney’s later work, particularly in his solo career, shows an appreciation for the kind of experimental music Hendrix was known for.
-
Social Encounters: While Ringo Starr’s interactions with Hendrix might not be as well-documented as those of Lennon or Harrison, he was certainly part of the same social circles where Hendrix was a frequent figure. Starr’s laid-back nature and love for music would have made him appreciate Hendrix’s performances.
Cultural Impact:
Even after Hendrix’s untimely death in 1970, his influence continued to resonate with The Beatles members. For instance, during the 1970s and beyond, Harrison and Lennon often referenced Hendrix’s impact on their music and the broader rock scene in interviews and discussions about music evolution. Also, Paul McCartney always references the time Hendrix played Sgt Pepper at every concert.
These personal connections highlight professional respect and genuine camaraderie among the musicians at the forefront of rock music’s evolution. As a result of their association and mutual admiration, they influenced each other’s music, underscoring a period of intense creativity in the late 1960s.
