In the turbulent and transformative year of 1967, the stars aligned to form one of the most electrifying tours in rock history: the monumental 16-stop UK expedition that showcased the burgeoning talents of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. Commencing on the 14th of November, this tour spanned thirty-one performances across 16 illustrious cities. More than just an assortment of gigs, this expedition chronicled a pivotal moment of a psychedelic revolution.
Acts such as The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd, The Move, Nice, and Amen Corner graced the stage twice each night. While Pink Floyd oscillated between a 15 to 20-minute set, the The Experience, as the tour’s crowning jewel, was allotted 40 minutes of stage time. The Move, who prepped the audience for the exhilarating main act, played a tight thirty-minute set.
Contrasting the grandeur of their performances was the austerity of their travel conditions. Journeying across the UK in the late ’60s was a stark departure from today’s rock tours’ luxury. Crammed into the tight quarters of petite vans or cars without modern luxuries such as air conditioning, and resting in basic city hotels, these musicians proved that their love for the craft trumped any discomfort.
As the tour progressed, Hendrix, already etching his name in rock legend, was riding high on the success of hits like ‘Hey Joe’, ‘Purple Haze’, and ‘The Wind Cries Mary’. His debut album, having been unveiled earlier in May, remained a fixture in the top 20 for an astonishing 33 weeks. Pink Floyd wasn’t far behind with chart successes ‘Arnold Layne’ and ‘See Emily Play’, and other acts like The Move and Amen Corner added their chart-topping flair to the mix.
Throughout this whirlwind tour, Jimi Hendrix served electrifying renditions of his hits and iconic covers, including the Beatles’ ‘Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’. While critics mostly lauded Hendrix, Pink Floyd’s avant-garde sound often left them perplexed.
For those who witnessed these performances, memories remain vibrant. The book “Jimi Hendrix – The Day I Was There” curates vivid fan accounts, painting a clear picture of the heady days when Hendrix, the fleeting but blazing comet of rock, shared the stage with the likes of Pink Floyd.
This Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd Tour in 1967, stands a legendary musical journey. In the subsequent years of the ’60s, Jimi Hendrix’s unparalleled skill and performances solidified his reputation as the true god of the electric guitar.
On the other hand, the ’70s witnessed Pink Floyd reaching their zenith. With masterpieces like “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here”, they achieved astronomical record sales, reinforcing their status as one of the most influential bands in rock history. As time moved on, the legacies of both Hendrix and Pink Floyd have only grown, a testament to that magical time when their paths briefly connected.
Credit: Heritage Auctions
When did Pink Floyd tour with Jimi Hendrix?
Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix toured together during a notable UK expedition that began on November 14, 1967. This collaboration saw two giants of the rock world sharing the stage, offering fans a unique musical experience that remains memorable in rock history.
Did Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd ever play together?
While both acts were part of the same 1967 UK tour, they performed separate sets. There’s no documented evidence of a joint performance. Each band brought its own distinctive sound, mesmerizing fans in their individual time slots.
What did Jimi Hendrix think of Pink Floyd?
In a first declaration Jimi said: “He was then asked if he had seen Pink Floyd. He replied, saying: “I’ve heard they have beautiful lights but they don’t sound like nothing.” But then, i changed his mind and stated: “They’re doing like a different type of music. They’re doing more kind of a space thing. I mean, inner space it seems like. You know, technically they are getting electronics and all this. They do like a space kind of thing, like a inner space. Sometimes you have to layback by yourself and appreciate them, you know“
Did David Gilmour like Jimi Hendrix?
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd’s iconic guitarist, expressed admiration for Hendrix. Given that both guitarists were active during the same era, it’s unsurprising that Gilmour recognized Hendrix’s unparalleled talent, often citing him as a significant influence in his own guitar work.
While appearing on the BBC Radio 2 show ‘Tracks Of My Years’ back in 2006, David Gilmour told a story about Jimi Hendrix “I went to a club in south Kensington in 1966, and this kid got on stage with Brian Auger and the Trinity and (started to play) the guitar with the other way around (upside down) and started playing. Myself and the whole place was with their jaws hanging open.“
Did Jimi Hendrix meet David Gilmour?
By 1967, Hendrix’s reputation had crossed the English Channel, drawing him to Paris. Here, fate would reunite him with David Gilmour. Though Gilmour had not yet joined Pink Floyd, he had become somewhat of a local guide in the city of lights. Gilmour took it upon himself to show Hendrix around Paris, walking the cobbled streets, sharing stories, and immersing themselves in the vibrant Parisian culture.
Their time together in Paris was not characterized by monumental events or grand gestures. Instead, it was marked by genuine moments of camaraderie, mutual respect, and the shared experience of two individuals at the crossroads of their careers.
