Jimi Hendrix, ‘Jimi Plays Monterey’ (1986) | Live From The Vault

Rolling Stone Magazine Top 100 Live Albums

These nine songs from the iconic, guitar-charring 1967 show have appeared in many editions, first as the incomplete Historic Performances Recorded at the Monterey International Pop Festival, a wonderfully strange split album which contained about half of the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s set and all of Otis Redding’s. The complete 1986 edition marked the first full performance, wherein Hendrix updates the blues (“Killing Floor”), shouts out his hero Bob Dylan (“Like a Rolling Stone”), turns one garage rock standard into electric mourning (“Hey Joe”) and soaks another one in feedback before soaking it in lighter fluid and creating the most important free noise coda ever caught on tape (“Wild Thing”). Joe Gross

Jimi Hendrix: A Legendary Performance at Monterey Pop Festival 1967

Jimi Hendrix, the iconic guitarist and singer, left an indelible mark on the world of music with his electrifying performances and innovative guitar playing. One of his most memorable performances took place at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, where he astounded the audience with his raw talent and showmanship.

The Monterey Pop Festival was a three-day music event held in California, showcasing some of the biggest names in rock and roll. Hendrix was relatively unknown in the United States at the time, but his performance at Monterey changed everything. As the final act of the festival, he took the stage and unleashed a set that would go down in history.

Hendrix’s performance at Monterey was nothing short of groundbreaking. He played his guitar with an intensity and virtuosity that had never been seen before. He set his guitar on fire, smashed it to pieces, and played it with his teeth. His showmanship and technical skill captivated the audience, leaving them in awe of his talent.

The highlight of Hendrix’s set was his rendition of “Wild Thing,” a cover of The Troggs’ hit song. As he reached the climax of the song, he set his guitar ablaze, creating a spectacle that would forever be associated with his name. This act of guitar pyrotechnics became one of the defining moments of his career and solidified his status as a rock and roll legend.

Jimi Hendrix’s performance at Monterey Pop Festival was a turning point in his career. It catapulted him to stardom and established him as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His innovative playing style and electrifying stage presence continue to inspire musicians to this day. Jimi Hendrix may have left this world too soon, but his music and his unforgettable performance at Monterey will forever live on.