Jimi & MLK

[Roscoe]

I seem to remember reading that Jimi played a show after Martin Luther
King was killed that literally brought tears to the eyes of the
audience. His tone and phrasing were like no other show before or
since. Sadly no recording was made. Does anyone have details?
Was it one of the shows below? Thanks~

Ask th Axis lists these shows:

4 Apr 1968 The Experience
Civic Dome Virginia Beach Virginia USA

5 Apr 1968 The Experience
Symphony Hall Newark New Jersey USA

6 Apr 1968 The Experience
Westchester County Center White Plains New York USA

[Tom K]

I seem to remember reading that Jimi played a show after Martin Luther King
was killed that literally brought tears to the eyes of the audience. His
tone and phrasing were like no other show before or since. Sadly no
recording was made. Does anyone have details?
Was it one of the shows below? Thanks~
4 Apr 1968 The Experience
Civic Dome Virginia Beach Virginia USA
5 Apr 1968 The Experience
Symphony Hall Newark New Jersey USA
6 Apr 1968 The Experience
Westchester County Center White Plains New York USA

I've heard the same story, but can only add that I seem to remember that the
evening also included B B King. Maybe that'll help?
But if it was on the eve of the assasination it woukd have been the Civic
Dome gig, or some after hours thing around Virginia Beach.

[Martin]

Post by Roscoe
I seem to remember reading that Jimi played a show after Martin Luther
King was killed that literally brought tears to the eyes of the
audience. His tone and phrasing were like no other show before or
since. Sadly no recording was made. Does anyone have details?
Was it one of the shows below? Thanks~
...
5 Apr 1968 The Experience
Symphony Hall Newark New Jersey USA

Hendrix came out to enormous applause and said, "This number is for a
friend of mine," and he abandoned completely his normal set. The band
played an improvisation which was absolutely hauntingly beautiful.
Immediately everyone knew what this was about. This was a lament for
Martin Luther King. And within minutes the whole audience was weeping. . .
. Old redneck stagehands came on the side of the stage and they were
standing there with tears running down their faces. The music had a kind
of appalling beauty. Harrowing music. When he came to the end there was no
applause. He just put down his guitar, the whole audience was sobbing, and
he just walked quietly off the stage. -- Mark Boyle (Soft Machine)

Source: Jimi Hendrix: Electric Gypspy, Shapiro & Glebbeek (c) by Shapiro &
Glebbeek, 1990

[Roscoe]

Thank you Martin -
I can only imagine the magic Jimi conjured up that night 40 years ago ~
Fly On...

Post by Martin

Post by Roscoe
I seem to remember reading that Jimi played a show after Martin Luther
King was killed that literally brought tears to the eyes of the
audience. His tone and phrasing were like no other show before or
since. Sadly no recording was made. Does anyone have details?
Was it one of the shows below? Thanks~
...
5 Apr 1968 The Experience
Symphony Hall Newark New Jersey USA

Hendrix came out to enormous applause and said, "This number is for a
friend of mine," and he abandoned completely his normal set. The band
played an improvisation which was absolutely hauntingly beautiful.
Immediately everyone knew what this was about. This was a lament for
Martin Luther King. And within minutes the whole audience was weeping. .
. . Old redneck stagehands came on the side of the stage and they were
standing there with tears running down their faces. The music had a kind
of appalling beauty. Harrowing music. When he came to the end there was
no applause. He just put down his guitar, the whole audience was
sobbing, and he just walked quietly off the stage. -- Mark Boyle (Soft
Machine)
Source: Jimi Hendrix: Electric Gypspy, Shapiro & Glebbeek (c) by Shapiro
& Glebbeek, 1990