Hendrix At 70: “‘Are You Experienced?’ Just Blew Me Away”

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Bill Wyman, Jimi Hendrix, peter frampton

Tuesday (November 27) marks 70 years since the birth of Jimi Hendrix, the man who changed electric guitar and rock and roll forever. When Hendrix hit the scene in England in the ’60s, there were already a lot of other guitar heroes commanding their own followings, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Pete Townshend. But even among those elite players, Hendrix stood out.

Peter Frampton was a up-and-coming rock star who was lucky enough to have Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones as a mentor. It was through that connection that he not only got to see Hendrix perform, but he also got to meet the man.

“Bill Wyman introduced me to Hendrix,” he told CBS Local. ”Hendrix didn’t know who I was, but I got to shake his hand. He’d just blown everyone away at a performance.”A fan of Clapton’s, he recalls that Hendrix’s playing was a completely different animal. “Clapton’s blues style was very sophisticated and charming. Very ‘on the money.’ Hendrix comes over… (His playing) wasn’t ugly, but it was more ballsy. A little out-of-tune, but it was full of passion. I think it’s his passion that I love most of all. I’ve got everything that he’s done. Are You Experienced? just blew me away.”

Frampton went on to form a band called The Herd; he later hooked up with former Small Faces frontman Steve Marriott in Humble Pie. And finally, became a superstar as a solo artist. His latest release is the live CD/DVD Frampton Comes Alive 35.

– Brian Ives, CBS Local