“Last night at ‘The Plaza’, Newbury, The Jimi Hendrix Experience roared and romped their way through an hour and a quarter’s worth of music that shattered the senses both aurally and visually. Resplendent in red corduroy trousers and antique waistcoat, Jim proceeded to show just how many positions it was possible to play the guitar in, at the same time showing his very own professional skill which must rate him as one of the most outstanding newcomers on the scene since Jeff Beck or Eric Clapton.
Outstanding for ‘The Experience’ on drums was Mitch Mitchell, youthful understudy of ex-Pretty Things drummer Viv Prince.
Throughout the evening, Jimi showed flashes of on-stage humour for which he must be given full credit. ‘Hey Joe’ current chart rider, was introduced as being written by Mickey Mouse; after a sudden frenzy of excitement in which he attacked his amplifier with his guitar (not a new idea, but somehow done refreshingly) he announced ‘Anyone wanna buy an’ ole guitar?’ This one don’t tune so well.’
The finish came suddenly, in an excess of violence. Mitch Mitchell attacked a cymbal stand and it broke into pieces, then distributed his drum kit round the stage and finally squirted the other two with a handy water pistol. The bass guitarist locked his guitar in it’s case and then kicked it about over the stage. Jimi attacked his huge amplifier with his guitar, breaking all the strings and nearly toppling the amplifier onto his hand. He then squatted on the guitar with both feet and rocked to and fro. Then the evening came to it’s conclusion in a storm of feedback, flying microphones and water pistols."
Source : The Plaza Bulletin
Sujet: Newbury (Plaza) : 10 février 1967 
Jeu 8 Juil 2010 - 18:55
