The year was 1970 and the world of music was about to experience a seismic shock. Jimi Hendrix, the majestic, enigmatic guitar god, was about to play his final notes. We all know the iconic Jimi Hendrix – images of electric performances, flaming guitars, and psychedelic soundscapes fill our minds at the mention of his name.
But, have you ever asked yourself – what were his last days like? The period leading up to that fateful 18th day in September remains a mystery to some, shrouded by speculation and rumor. In this regard, let’s cast our minds back to this poignant time and trace the steps of the legendary musician up to his unexpected exit from the world stage.
The last days of Jimi Hendrix’s life were filled with chaos and uncertainty. From September 12 to the day of his death on September 18, 1970, a series of events unfolded, shedding light on the turbulent nature of Jimi Hendrix’s existence during this time.
On September 12 and 13, Jimi Hendrix spent time with one of his girlfriends, Kirsten Nefer, a Danish model. During this period, Hendrix intentionally kept a low profile, perhaps seeking moments of introspection away from the public eye. In addition to Kirsten, his manager, Mike Jeffery, and his lawyer were also trying to locate him due to ongoing legal issues involving Diana Carpenter and the Ed Chalpin PPX lawsuit.
Despite his attempts to remain elusive, many of his girlfriends were able to find him easily, including Kathy Etchingham, one of Jimi Hendrix’s most enduring relationships.
During his final week of life, Jimi Hendrix sought solace in the arms of Linda Keith, who played a crucial role in launching his career while he was still in the United States. It was Linda who informed Chas Chandler about the extraordinary guitarist she had witnessed playing, convincing him to go see Jimi Hendrix.
Jimi Hendrix Last Girfriend: Monika Danneman
However, during this period, Jimi Hendrix’s primary companion and perhaps his main girlfriend was Monika Danneman, whom he had met the previous year in 1969. This new relationship served as an escape following a disagreement with Kirsten Nefer. According to Monika, during this last month, Jimi Hendrix moved into a room she had rented in at the Samarkand Hotel in London’s Notting Hill.
On September 15, Jimi Hendrix performed his final concert ever at Ronnie Scott’s nightclub, where Eric Burdon and War were also playing. The next day, he spent part of the day with Monika Danneman and later successfully jammed with Eric Burdon and War at the same club. The last songs Hendrix ever played were “Tobacco Road” and “Mother Earth.”
The Last 24 Hours of Jimi Hendrix’s Life
On September 17, Jimi Hendrix woke up late in Monika Danneman’s London hotel. Danneman would play a central role in the events that unfolded. The final known images of Jimi Hendrix were captured in Danneman’s garden, where he posed with his iconic Stratocaster, known as “the black beauty.” They spent the day together, engaging in mundane activities such as shopping on the streets of London.
In the afternoon, Hendrix and Danneman met with Devon Wilson, also known as “Dolly Dagger.” Wilson, a captivating figure with connections to music stars, added an intriguing dimension to the narrative. She extended an invitation to Jimi Hendrix, setting the stage for unforeseen events. Wilson had relationships with other rock stars such as Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, and Miles Davis, solidifying her reputation as a “super groupie” and underscoring the magnetic attraction between her and Jimi Hendrix.
Back at Danneman’s hotel, Jimi Hendrix took a bath and started writing what would become his final song, “The Story of Life.” The lyrics were a poignant reflection of his state of mind. Later that evening, tensions between Jimi Hendrix and Monika Danneman persisted, leading her to drop him off at a party they had been invited to but leaving him there due to their argument. Hendrix reportedly consumed a mixture of Chinese food and various drugs, including an amphetamine tablet, spending the night in a haze.
From 2 am until his tragic death, only Monika Danneman was present. She claims to be the sole witness to the events that unfolded. According to her account, they returned to the hotel, and she made Jimi Hendrix a tuna sandwich before going to bed.
At 6 am, Danneman stated that Hendrix was still awake, requesting sleeping pills. Initially, she insisted he waits, but as dawn broke, she took sleeping pills herself. Jimi Hendrix, with Danneman now asleep, also took sleeping pills. The lethal combination of alcohol, Vesparax, and other substances led to a tragic outcome. In an altered state, Jimi Hendrix suffered from vomiting, which caused him to aspirate a mixture of wine and indigestible food into his lungs.
As the morning sun rose on September 18, 1970, Jimi Hendrix, aged 27, tragically passed away.
Investigations and Speculations Surrounding Jimi Hendrix’s Death
As someone with a seemingly innate love for rock n’ roll’s rich history, it’s virtually impossible not to be enthralled by the intriguing mystery circling Jimi Hendrix’s untimely death. Whether the work of foul play, a tragic accident, or a mundane health condition, the swirling theories surrounding Jimi Hendrix’s death have bewildered fans, conspiracy theorists, and professional investigators for decades.
Monika Dannemann’s accounts of that night vary more than the colors on a chameleon. She had multiple versions – all with completely contradictory details. Moreover, her conduct following Jimi’s death also raised suspicion, distancing herself from everyone close to Jimi. Some even accuse her of sabotaging detective work on the case.
An autopsy revealed a surprising lack of Vesparax in Jimi’s bloodstream. What’s more? The coroner found a substantial amount of undigested wine in his lungs—a schmaltzy melodrama’s plot twist. Isn’t it a bit fishy that someone, supposedly intoxicated, managed to inhale a large quantity of solid wine?
The Murder Theory: Justified Paranoia or Outlandish Conspiracy?
Going down the wormhole of speculation, we may stumble upon a darker narrative—Jimi was killed. And James “Tappy” Wright, a roadie who slapped accusations as smoothly as Jimi plucked guitar strings. In his tell-all book, “Rock Roadie,” Wright claims Mike Jeffery, Jimi’s manager, admitted to killing him by “shoving pills down his throat” to cash out on a lucrative life insurance. Now, whether you find the idea of a murderer having an oh-so-casual conversation about a horrendous crime believable, is entirely up to you.
In retrospect of this engrossing journey into the enigma of Jimi’s death, let’s be poignant about losing an artist who could play the strings as if it were an extension of his soul. I guess we can all agree on one thing: the events leading up to that fateful day in September ought to give even the most stoic skeptic pause. Engage with the theories, and toss them around your mind, but never lose sight of the man behind the mystery.
“Tobacco Road” is Jimi Hendrix’s last song ever played:
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What were the last songs Jimi Hendrix played during his final concert on September 15, 1970?
A1: Hendrix’s last concert featured performances of “Tobacco Road” and “Mother Earth.”
Q2: Who was Jimi Hendrix’s primary companion during his last days, particularly on September 17, 1970?
A2: Monika Danneman was Jimi Hendrix’s main companion during his final days, including the day of his death on September 18, 1970.
Q3: What were the circumstances surrounding Jimi Hendrix’s death on September 18, 1970?
A3: Hendrix passed away at the age of 27 due to a combination of alcohol, Vesparax, and other substances. He aspirated a mixture of wine and indigestible food into his lungs, leading to a tragic outcome.
Q4: How did Monika Danneman’s accounts of the events on the night of Jimi Hendrix’s death vary?
A4: Monika Danneman provided multiple versions of the events on the night of Jimi Hendrix’s death, with contradictory details, raising suspicions and adding complexity to the investigation.
Q5: Is there a murder theory surrounding Jimi Hendrix’s death, and who is associated with it?
A5: Yes, there is a murder theory suggesting that Hendrix was purposefully killed. James “Tappy” Wright, a roadie, claimed in his book “Rock Roadie” that Jimi’s manager, Mike Jeffery, admitted to killing him for insurance money.
