Back in Time Today
Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitar virtuoso, was known for his groundbreaking music and unique style. However, even Hendrix had his musical preferences and distastes.
Here, we delve into five iconic bands that reportedly didn’t sit well with him, despite their popularity. From “plastic” sounds to suspected style theft, Hendrix’s opinions offer a fascinating peek into the mind of a musical genius.
1. The Monkees
In 1967, Jimi Hendrix opened for The Monkees, a pairing that seemed awkward from the start. The Monkees, known for their pop-centric sound and TV popularity, had fans that didn’t quite jive with Hendrix’s electrifying guitar work.
Hendrix referred to them as a “plastic” band, a term denoting a lack of authenticity in their music. His bluesy and raw performances were hardly appreciated by the bubblegum pop-loving audiences.
Frustrated by the mismatch and lack of reception, Hendrix dropped out of the tour after just a few shows, seeking audiences that resonated with his musical vision.
2. Led Zeppelin
Although no documented animosity exists, Jimi Hendrix reportedly had little admiration for Led Zeppelin. He considered Jimmy Page, the band’s guitarist, to be overrated, questioning the originality of their sound.
Hendrix suspected that Led Zeppelin borrowed heavily from other artists, including himself, without adding distinct flair. Hendrix’s critiques suggested he valued innovation and honesty in music—qualities he perhaps found lacking in Zeppelin’s repertoire.
Despite their shared genre, Hendrix’s progressive style clashed with Zeppelin’s heavy rock approach, leaving little room for mutual admiration between the two.
3. Cream (and Eric Clapton)
Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton shared mutual respect, yet their relationship was complex. Early in Hendrix’s London career, he joined Cream on stage, leaving the band and audience awe-struck.
His performance was so dazzling that it reportedly led to tension with Clapton. Some stories claim Hendrix intentionally outshined Cream, leading to Clapton briefly leaving in frustration.
Despite their competitive encounters, Hendrix and Clapton maintained a professional rapport. Their interactions highlighted the competitive spirit of the 1960s rock scene, where personal brilliance often led to both admiration and rivalry.
4. The Rolling Stones
Jimi Hendrix had a cordial relationship with the Rolling Stones, yet he wasn’t impressed by their musical output. Specifically, he voiced criticisms of Brian Jones, calling the Stones’ music “mediocre.”
Hendrix found their sound lacking the depth and innovation he valued. While he got along well with members like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards personally, the music didn’t resonate with him.
Hendrix’s friendship with Brian Jones was genuine, though it didn’t extend to musical admiration. He sought deeper creative expressions, something he felt was missing in the Stones’ body of work.
5. The Doors
Jimi Hendrix reportedly wasn’t a fan of The Doors, especially Jim Morrison’s unpredictable style. Hendrix found Morrison’s antics, particularly when drunk, to be more disruptive than entertaining.
This sentiment was amplified when Morrison crashed one of Hendrix’s jam sessions. Musically, Hendrix believed their theatricality clashed with his more straightforward approach to rock.
Hendrix appreciated authenticity and skill, qualities he felt were overshadowed by Morrison’s showmanship. Despite sharing the stage in the bustling 60s rock scene, their stylistic differences were too great for musical admiration to develop.