Welcome to this blog post about one of the most famous and controversial stories in the history of rock music: the burning of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar on stage at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Many people believe that Hendrix was the first and only guitarist to ever set fire to his instrument while playing, and that this act symbolized the rebellious and revolutionary spirit of the counterculture of the 1960s. However, others argue that the story of the burning guitar is just a myth, a legend that has been embellished and distorted over time. In this post, we will explore the origins, details, and implications of this iconic event, and try to answer the question of whether or not Jimi Hendrix really set fire to his ax, or if it is just a myth.

Table of Contents

• 1. Origins of the Burning Guitar Myth
• 2. Details of the Burning Guitar Performance at Monterey Pop
• 3. Cultural and Symbolic Implications of the Burning Guitar
• 4. Debunking the Burning Guitar Myth: Evidence and Arguments
• 5. Conclusion and Reflections on the Burning Guitar Legacy
• 6. FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About the Burning Guitar

1. Origins of the Burning Guitar Myth

The story of Jimi Hendrix setting fire to his guitar on stage allegedly began in 1965, when he was playing with his backup band, The Isley Brothers. According to Hendrix’s biographer, Harry Shapiro, he was frustrated with the audience’s indifference and lack of attention, and decided to do something dramatic to grab their attention. He took his axe and poured lighter fluid on it, then set it on fire, while continuing to play. The crowd was reportedly stunned and fascinated by this act, which also caused some minor injuries to Hendrix’s hands and face.

However, this version of events is disputed by other sources, some of whom claim that the burning guitar was actually a stage prop that Hendrix used occasionally, and that he did not use real flamable substances, but rather smoke bombs and other theatrical effects. Nevertheless, the story of the burning guitar became part of Hendrix’s persona and reputation, and was amplified by the mass media and his fans.

Another key factor in the creation of the burning guitar myth was the performance that Hendrix gave at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967, which is often considered one of the most iconic and influential concerts in rock history. Hendrix had already gained a following in the US and the UK for his virtuosity, innovative guitar techniques, and psychedelic funk-blues-rock fusion style, but he had never performed in front of such a large and diverse audience as at Monterey Pop. The festival marked the arrival of the hippie culture and the Summer of Love, and was attended by more than 200,000 people, including many celebrities and music industry insiders.

2. Details of the Burning Guitar Performance at Monterey Pop

During his set, which included songs such as “Purple Haze”, “Hey Joe”, and “Wild Thing”, Hendrix played his guitar with his teeth, behind his back, and with his amplifier feedback, creating a sonic and visual spectacle that mesmerized the crowd. However, the most talked-about moment of his performance was when he took his white Stratocaster, drenched it with lighter fluid, lit it on fire, and smashed it on the stage. The flames and smoke created a dazzling and shocking effect, which was captured by the cameras and later included in the documentary film “Monterey Pop”.

Interestingly, Hendrix did not plan or rehearse the burning guitar act in advance, and in fact had only acquired the Stratocaster a few days before the concert, as his own guitar had been left behind in London. According to his manager, Chas Chandler, the idea of the burning guitar was suggested to Hendrix by Pete Townshend of The Who, who had smashed his guitars before, but had not set them on fire.

Some witnesses of the Monterey Pop performance claim that the burning guitar was not only a visual spectacle, but also a political and cultural statement, a way of protesting against the Vietnam War and the system that perpetuated it. Hendrix himself was known for his pacifism and anti-authoritarianism, and saw music as a means of transcending racial, social, and national divisions. By burning his guitar, he was symbolically destroying the boundaries between performer and audience, between traditional and avant-garde, between conformity and rebellion.

3. Cultural and Symbolic Implications of the Burning Guitar

The burning guitar performance at Monterey Pop had a profound impact on the history of music and culture, and has been interpreted and celebrated in various ways by different communities and generations. Here are some of the key implications and meanings attributed to the burning guitar:

Regardless of its precise meanings and implications, the burning guitar has become a cultural and symbolic icon of the 1960s, a symbol of the power and passion of rock music, and a reminder of the rebellious and visionary spirit of a generation.

4. Debunking the Burning Guitar Myth: Evidence and Arguments

So, did Jimi Hendrix really set fire to his guitar, or is it just a myth? This is a difficult question to answer definitively, as there are various accounts and interpretations of what happened at Monterey Pop, and there is evidence and arguments on both sides of the debate.

Those who believe that the burning guitar is a myth often point to the fact that there is no footage or photographic evidence of Hendrix actually lighting his guitar on fire. The images that exist show him pouring the lighter fluid on the instrument, and then smashing it or throwing it into the air, but do not show any flames or smoke emanating from it. They argue that if Hendrix had actually set his guitar on fire, it would have been dangerous and potentially catastrophic, as the stage and the audience were surrounded by flammable materials and substances.

Moreover, some argue that Hendrix was not the first or only guitarist to use pyrotechnics or similar effects on stage, and that other musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis, The Yardbirds, or Johnny Cash had already used fire or explosives in their performances. They argue that the burning guitar story was fabricated or exaggerated by the media and Hendrix’s fans to create a sensational and mythical image of him as a wild and untamed genius.

However, those who believe that the burning guitar is a real event point to various sources and testimonies that support this claim. For example, Chas Chandler, Hendrix’s manager, and Eddie Kramer, his sound engineer, have both confirmed that Hendrix did set his guitar on fire at Monterey Pop, and that they were worried about the safety and legality of this act. Chandler also wrote in his autobiography that he had to bribe a firefighter to be allowed on stage during the performance, and that he had to stomp out some of the flames that had spread to the stage floor.

Furthermore, there are other witnesses, such as fellow musicians who played with Hendrix, journalists who covered the festival, and fans who attended the concert, who claim that they saw flames and smoke coming from Hendrix’s guitar during the performance. Some even report smelling burnt wood or strings, or seeing sparks fly off the guitar as Hendrix smashed it against the stage floor. They argue that while it is true that the footage of the burning guitar does not show the flames, this may be due to technical or aesthetic reasons, such as the brightness of the stage lights or the angle of the cameras.

5. Conclusion and Reflections on the Burning Guitar Legacy

After examining the evidence and arguments presented above, it is reasonable to conclude that the burning guitar of Jimi Hendrix was not just a myth, but a real event that took place at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. While there may be some discrepancies or exaggerations in the various versions of the story, the fact remains that Hendrix did use a combination of lighter fluid, theatrical smoke bombs, and a Stratocaster guitar to create a powerful and memorable moment of his performance.

However, the burning guitar is not just a factual or historical event, but also a powerful story and symbol that has inspired and challenged countless people around the world. Whether one sees it as a revolutionary, spiritual, sacrificial, or destructive act, the burning guitar has become one of the most enduring and iconic images of rock music and counterculture, and a representation of the human desire for freedom, creativity, and expression.

6. FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About the Burning Guitar

• Q: Was the burning guitar a spontaneous or planned act?

  A: It was partly spontaneous and partly planned. Hendrix did not intend to set his guitar on fire when he first came to Monterey Pop, but he was open to improvisation and experimentation during his performances. He also had a prop man who was instructed to bring him lighter fluid, and a backup guitar in case something went wrong with the burning guitar act.

• Q: Was the burning guitar dangerous or illegal?

  A: Yes, it was potentially dangerous and could have caused harm to the performers, the crew, and the audience. Moreover, it was against the local fire codes and regulations, and Hendrix could have been arrested or fined for his actions. However, no one was seriously hurt during the performance, and the authorities did not press charges against him at the time.

• Q: What happened to the burnt guitar?

  A: There are different versions of what happened to the burnt guitar after the Monterey Pop Festival. Some say that Hendrix gave it to a fan as a souvenir, while others claim that he smashed it further backstage, or that it was stolen or lost. In any case, the original guitar is no longer in existence, and its whereabouts or fate remain unknown.

• Q: Did the burning guitar impact Hendrix’s career or reputation?

  A: Yes, it did. The burning guitar act established Hendrix as a flamboyant and daring performer, and enhanced his mystique and charisma. It also intensified the controversy and criticism that he faced from some conservatives and establishment figures who saw him as a threat to traditional values and morality. However, it also increased his popularity and influence among his fans and peers, and helped to establish him as one of the greatest guitarists and musicians of all time.

• Q: Has anyone tried to recreate the burning guitar performance?

  A: Yes, many musicians and guitarists have tried to recreate or pay homage to the burning guitar performance of Jimi Hendrix, in various ways and contexts. Some have used fireworks or explosives, while others have used fake or modified guitars to create the illusion of burning. However, none of these recreations have achieved the same impact or fame as the original burning guitar, and many have been criticized or ridiculed for their lack of authenticity or creativity.