In 1967, a meeting of musical minds took place that would become legendary. The Who’s guitarist, Pete Townshend, recounted the first time he saw Jimi Hendrix perform live in London, a moment that left an indelible mark on his memory. This encounter, which took place at a nightclub called Blaze’s, was more than just a concert – it was a cosmic experience, one that would solidify Hendrix’s place in rock history and forge a bond between two of the greatest guitarists of all time.
The Setting: Blaze’s Nightclub, London
Blaze’s was one of the many clubs in the vibrant London music scene of the 1960s, a place where new sounds and groundbreaking acts were emerging constantly. It was here that Pete Townshend, already a rising star with The Who, witnessed a performance by Jimi Hendrix that would change his perception of rock music forever. Townshend recalls the experience as “a cosmic experience,” an encounter that seemed to transcend the ordinary, one that would leave him awestruck by Hendrix’s raw talent and magnetic stage presence.
At the time, Hendrix was still relatively unknown in the mainstream, despite being signed to the same record label as The Who. He had already been making waves in London’s music scene, but it was at this moment that Townshend saw firsthand the electrifying potential of the man who would soon redefine the electric guitar.
The Meeting and the Advice
Pete Townshend was not only a fan but an early mentor of sorts to Hendrix. The two musicians first met thanks to Hendrix’s association with Chas Chandler, the bassist from The Animals who had taken on a management role after leaving the band. Chandler discovered Hendrix in New York and brought him to London, where he began shaping his career. Townshend had already established a reputation for his innovative guitar playing and his exploration of new sounds, so Hendrix turned to him for advice on equipment.
“Jimi was unfamiliar with the kind of way Cream and The Who work on stage with their equipment,” Townshend explained. The two guitarists, having similar approaches to their instrument, were already on parallel paths, but Hendrix was still new to the British live scene and the use of powerful amplifiers that bands like The Who had pioneered. Townshend, ever the innovator, shared some key advice with the young guitarist: “Well, I’ve been using Marshall, and I found this new amp, the High-Watt. I would suggest you buy one of each.”
Hendrix took the advice to heart, and Townshend would later recall that Hendrix incorporated this new gear into his performances, which helped him achieve the sound that became so iconic. While Townshend’s advice was technical, it was Hendrix’s musicality that left an unforgettable impression.
A Shamanic Experience: Hendrix on Stage
As Townshend watched Hendrix perform, he was struck not just by his extraordinary guitar skills, but by his presence on stage. Hendrix’s playing wasn’t just about technical proficiency – it was about creating an experience. Townshend described Hendrix as a “shaman,” a performer whose energy seemed to radiate from his very being.
“The light seemed to come out of him,” Townshend said. “He was walking on the stage, and suddenly he would explode in light, and he was very graceful.” Hendrix’s performances were marked by a unique fluidity, his movements as much a part of the spectacle as his guitar playing. He didn’t just strike chords; he created an atmosphere, weaving together sound and motion. Townshend noted the way Hendrix moved, using his arm and even his tongue in a fluid, almost ritualistic way – an act of transcendence that made his performances unforgettable.
Hendrix was known for his physicality on stage, often contorting his body in ways that seemed almost otherworldly, and Townshend saw this firsthand. His movements became a part of the music itself, his guitar playing less about precision and more about creating an experience that enveloped the audience. Hendrix was not just a guitarist; he was an entity, a force of nature.
The Influence and Connection Between Two Icons
In the wake of his initial encounter with Hendrix, Townshend reached out to another legendary guitarist: Eric Clapton. He urged Clapton to see Hendrix perform, knowing that the virtuosity he had witnessed was something that would deeply resonate with Clapton, too. Townshend said, “I called up Eric, I said, ‘You got to see this guy, he’s on our label, you got to see him.'”
When Clapton went to see Hendrix play, it was clear that the admiration was mutual. Hendrix was reportedly impressed that Eric Clapton, another guitar icon, was in the audience. This moment marked the beginning of a lasting respect between two of rock’s greatest guitarists. Hendrix’s influence on Clapton is well-documented, and Clapton himself later praised Hendrix as one of the greatest guitarists he had ever seen.
Hendrix’s Legacy: A Cultural and Musical Phenomenon
Jimi Hendrix’s rise to fame in the late 1960s, with his revolutionary approach to the guitar, his wild stage antics, and his raw creativity, was a turning point in the evolution of rock music. His debut album Are You Experienced, released in 1967, showcased his groundbreaking approach to sound and performance, and it quickly became a defining moment in music history. The Who, already making their own mark on the rock scene, saw in Hendrix a kindred spirit – a visionary who, like them, sought to push the boundaries of music and performance.
Hendrix’s contributions to rock music were profound and enduring, from his mind-bending guitar solos to his genre-defying blend of blues, rock, and psychedelia. His performances, often described as cosmic or transcendent, forever changed the way music was experienced. Townshend’s description of Hendrix as a “shaman” encapsulates the aura that surrounded the guitarist – someone whose performances were a spiritual experience for those fortunate enough to witness them.
Conclusion
The meeting between Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townshend in 1967 represents a key moment in the history of rock music. Hendrix’s appearance at Blaze’s nightclub in London left a lasting impression on Townshend, who would go on to help guide his development with technical advice on amplifiers. But it was Hendrix’s onstage persona – his raw, otherworldly energy – that captivated not only Townshend but an entire generation of musicians and fans.
Both The Who and Hendrix were pioneers in their own right, and their paths crossed in significant ways. Through mutual respect and admiration, they helped shape the landscape of rock music, influencing countless musicians who followed in their wake. Hendrix’s cosmic, shamanic performances would continue to define the late 60s, leaving an eternal mark on the genre and confirming his place as one of rock’s most innovative and influential figures.