Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Are You Experienced?


Rock is so much fun. That's what it's all about - filling up the chest cavities and empty kneecaps and elbows.
-Jimi Hendrix


The greatest electric guitarist in the history of Rock and Roll was only 27 (27!) when he passed from this earth in September of 1970.

Can you believe it.

Surely, you must be kidding?

'Fraid not, brother.

Impossible to comprehend.

So many of our iconic rock gods died far too young. They lived hard and died harder. Erecting such massive bridges, only to burn them down behind them. Thus sealing their legacy. We are unable to follow directly in their footsteps, which forces us to choose alternate pathways in life.

Perhaps that is what makes them legendary. Like mile markers along motorways we can view their career achievements, missteps, pitfalls and misfortunes and either slow down, stop the car, or hit the gas and blast over those humps. But, when the fingers of Hendrix fly across that Strat it's hard not to put four on the floor and launch yourself into orbit.

Rock is fun.



Hendrix during soundcheck at the Monterey Pop Festival, 1969. Copyright Jim Marshall photography.



Hendrix during soundcheck at the Monterey Pop Festival, 1969. Copyright Jim Marshall photography.





Hulton Archive/Getty Images



Jimi Hendrix, Smoking, London (1967) by Gered Mankowitz


Noel Redding, Jimi Hendrix, and Mitch Mitchell (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) - Heathrow Airport, London, 1967. AP Photo/Peter Kemp

Jimi Hendrix and Brian Jones

Jimi Hendrix at Montagu Place in London. Photo MAGNUS/Rex Features


Hendrix live at the Royal Albert Hall in London, 1969.

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