Date Night: Jimi Hendrix Exhibit at the EMP

Jimi Hendrix blazed onto the music scene back in the 60s – with his wild fashion flair, flaming guitar stunts, and general bad-boy behavior (not to mention his smokin’ music). During a 9 month-stint in London, he rose as a sensation – partly due to his outrageous outfits and on-stage antics. EMP’s Hear My Train A Comin’: Hendrix Hits London takes a closer look at this time frame with fantastic displays – costumes, personal instruments (smashed guitars), original photos, and rare concert footage. Also up for viewing is Mitch Mithcell’s (Jimi’s drummer) silver sparkle Ludwig drum set. Artifact highlights include:

Handwritten lyrics for “Love or Confusion,” penned by Hendrix in November 1966 and released the following year on his debut album, Are You Experienced. Shards from the guitar that Hendrix smashed at the conclusion of his famous performance at London’s Saville Theater on June 4, 1967. Hendrix painted the guitar himself and even composed the poem on the back of the instrument. Custom tailored jackets by Dandie Fashions, an enterprise that the Beatles later transformed into Apple Tailoring. Western style hat and purple scarf worn by Hendrix on the cover of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Smash Hits album. Silver sparkle WFL drum kit used by Mitch Mitchell in the late 1960s.

We are lucky to have such a deep collection of Jimi historical items – worth a stop to see and get to more deeply know this Seattle-born rocker.

EMP is located at 325 5th Ave N, at Seattle Center

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