Introduction:
The late Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His electrifying performances and wild stage antics made him a true icon of rock and roll. But one question that lingers to this day is whether his guitar playing actually set it on fire. It’s one of the most enduring myths in music history, and in this blog post, we’re going to delve into the truth of the matter and take a closer look at the events that led to the famous image of Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar ablaze.
Table of Contents:
1. The Performance
2. The Fire
3. The Truth
4. The Aftermath
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ
1. The Performance:
It was 1967, and Jimi Hendrix was performing at the Monterey Pop Festival in California. It was the first major U.S. appearance for the British-born guitarist, and he was known for his electrifying guitar work, which involved distortion, feedback, and all manner of wild effects.
During his performance, Hendrix played a version of the song “Wild Thing” by the Troggs. As he reached the climax of the song, he got down on his knees, poured lighter fluid on his guitar, and set it on fire. He then smashed the guitar into the stage, eliciting one of the most iconic images in rock and roll history.
2. The Fire:
The image of Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire has become immortalized in popular culture. But did the guitar actually catch fire? The answer is yes, but not in the way that many people think.
In reality, the guitar did not burst into flames as soon as Hendrix poured the lighter fluid on it. Instead, it took a few seconds for the fluid to catch fire, and the actual flames were small and contained. Hendrix had planned the stunt with his road manager, Gerry Stickells, and they had taken precautions to prevent any serious damage from occurring.
Stickells had instructed the festival’s stage crew to have a fire extinguisher on hand, and in fact, a crew member did run onstage to douse the flames as soon as they appeared. The stunt went off without a hitch, and Hendrix emerged from the performance unscathed.
3. The Truth:
So, why did Jimi Hendrix set his guitar on fire? Some people believe that it was simply a gimmick designed to shock the audience and generate publicity. However, there is evidence to suggest that the stunt had deeper symbolic meaning.
Hendrix was known for his anti-war and anti-establishment views, and he saw his guitar playing as a form of protest. By setting his guitar on fire, he was making a bold statement about the need for radical change in society. He later said: “I wanted to symbolize the fact that we were all being burnt out. The Vietnam War had been going on for so long that everything was burning.”
In this sense, the stunt can be seen as a form of artistic expression rather than a mere publicity stunt. It was a way for Hendrix to use his platform to make a political statement and draw attention to the issues he cared about.
4. The Aftermath:
After the Monterey Pop Festival, Jimi Hendrix continued to perform with his famous Stratocaster guitar, but he never set it on fire again. He went on to become one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time, but his life was tragically cut short when he died of a drug overdose in 1970 at the age of just 27.
Despite his short life, Hendrix left an indelible mark on music history. His innovative guitar playing and groundbreaking use of effects continue to inspire musicians to this day. And while the image of him setting his guitar on fire may be the most iconic moment of his career, it was just one part of his legacy.
5. Conclusion:
Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing did indeed set it on fire, but the flames were small and contained, and the stunt was carefully planned to prevent any serious damage. More importantly, the stunt had important symbolic meaning for Hendrix, who used it as a form of political protest.
The image of Hendrix setting his guitar on fire has come to represent the anarchic spirit of rock and roll, but it’s also a reminder of the power of music to inspire people and effect change. Jimi Hendrix may be gone, but his music lives on, and his enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world.
6. FAQ:
Q: What type of guitar did Jimi Hendrix use?
A: Jimi Hendrix was known for playing a Fender Stratocaster guitar.
Q: Did Jimi Hendrix always play with distortion and effects?
A: No, Jimi Hendrix was a versatile guitarist who could play a wide range of styles, from clean jazz lines to heavy rock riffs. However, he is most famous for his use of distortion, feedback, and other effects.
Q: What was the significance of Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire?
A: For Hendrix, the stunt had important symbolic meaning as a form of political protest. He saw it as a way to draw attention to the need for radical change in society.
Q: How did the audience react to Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire?
A: According to reports, the audience was stunned and amazed by the spectacle. Many people had never seen anything like it before and were left speechless by the performance.
Q: Did Jimi Hendrix use the same guitar after he set it on fire?
A: Yes, Jimi Hendrix continued to play his famous Stratocaster guitar, but he never set it on fire again.
Image Credit: Pexels