When Jimi Hendrix died at the age of 27 on the 18th of September 1970 no one was happy.
Of course there have been numerous conspiracy theories since and The Last 24 Hours, one of the two feature docos collected here delights in delving into the mystery and inconsistencies that surround his death, painting shady characters with sinister motives, from jealous girlfriends to the Black Panthers. Whilst you always have to be suspicious of docos that rely on dramatic reenactments with actors to further their arguments, it is interesting to hear about the people Hendrix surrounded himself with and how he chose to spend his last 24 hours. The problem is that you feel like they’ve taken a leaf out of Hard Copy‘s book and are focussing on the more salacious aspects of the case.
The other doco Feedback, looks at how Hendrix broke in the UK by interviewing an ex Rolling Stones co manager, former lovers, record producers and assorted hangers on. Curiously both docos borrow liberally from each other, which is odd considering they’ve been presented in this collection together. Feedback though has some great outdoor live performances from a 1969 concert featuring Hear My Train Comin and Voodoo Chile amongst others, as well a bass heavy version of Sunshine of Your Love and the solo to Hey Joe which he plays with his teeth.
There’s also some unintentionally great quotes like, ‘he was the Charlie Parker of guitar, with a very similar life span,’ or ‘he should have stayed in New York, then he’d still be alive today.’ Much scorn is heaped on the hangers on who were also on his payroll. And of course there is the usual sentimental rubbish that he is up there in the sky playing great music with Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison. Cash in or serious exploration? The jury is still out. Clearly the filmmakers had limited means and access to Hendrix’s inner circle. So whilst the films throw up many questions very few are answered.
The third disc is a cd from Hendix’s last UK performance on the 18th and 24th of Feb 1969 at Royal Albert Hall. It’s got all the hits, Sunshine of Your Love, Fire, Purple Haze, Voodoo Chile and the quality is great. It’s beautiful just hearing the great man, and great band in action. It finishes with one of his less requested tunes called Smashing the Amps.
Bob Baker Fish
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