It is well acknowledged that the history of rock music is full of incredible anecdotes that frequently surprise us all. It’s interesting to note how many well-known musicians have crossed paths over their careers. Some of these captivating stories may be exaggerated to some extent or even wholly imaginary, but they are nonetheless fascinating to debate. One of these fascinating anecdotes is Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, two of the most prominent figures in the rock industry. Early in their careers, these two icons crossed paths and even shared a stage, a fact that might surprise you.
How Did Clapton Cross Paths With Jimi Hendrix?
Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton’s remarkable talents undoubtedly significantly impacted rock guitar playing. By 1966, Eric Clapton had begun to make his presence known through his work with the Yardbirds and John Mayal & the Bluesbreakers.
Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce were amazed by each other’s playing abilities from the first meeting. As a result, it was easy for them to get together and establish the well-known supergroup Cream. Although Baker and Bruce had occasional disagreements, they chose to put their differences aside for the benefit of Cream. This proved to be a wise move, given the band’s immense success.
Jimi Hendrix left New York for London, persuaded by manager Chas Chandler, pivotal for Hendrix’s future. Chandler saw Jimi Hendrix for the first time while playing at a nightclub and recognized his potential immediately. When they arrived in London, Chandler began hunting for excellent musicians to join the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Around this time, Chas Chandler introduced Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton. Hendrix was already a fan of Clapton’s playing and was excited to meet him. Cream would perform at London Polytechnic on Regent Street, where they met. Let us witness what transpired after their first encounter and performance together.
Eric Clapton Was Shocked When Jimi Hendrix Started Playing
The book ‘Hendrix: Setting The Record Straight,’ which offers some previously undisclosed insights about Jimi Hendrix’s life, provides context for this incredible story. According to the book, Chas Chandler had already informed the Cream members of Hendrix’s exceptional talent, and they agreed to play with him. However, the other two band members urged Eric Clapton to remain on stage in case anything went wrong while Hendrix was performing.
It was an excellent opportunity for Jimi Hendrix, and he would not waste it. Hendrix ascended the stage with Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Killing Floor,’ and delivered an outstanding performance from start to finish. Chas Chandler recalls that Eric Clapton was stunned when he heard Hendrix’s guitar playing because it was so good.
Here’s how Chas Chandler recalls this amazing moment:
“Clapton stood there, his hands slipped from the instrument. He lurched from the stage. I thought, ‘Oh my God, it’s happening now.’ I went backstage, and he was trying to strike a match on a cigarette. I asked, ‘Are you okay?’ He responded, ‘Is he that fucking good?’ He had just heard ten bars at most. Within a week, he had frizzed his hair and would stop by our flat whenever he had a free moment to be with Hendrix.”
Eric Clapton later recounted Jimi Hendrix’s performance in an interview. He stated that even though Jimi only performed a couple of his playing tricks, it was enough to wow Clapton. Eric Clapton also remarked that seeing Hendrix live on stage changed his life forever.
Eric Clapton commented on Hendrix’s performance:
“He played almost every style imaginable, but not in a flamboyant way. I mean, he did some of his stunts, like playing with his teeth and behind his back, but not in an upsetting way, and that was all. He walked away, and my life was never the same again.
It’s safe to say that Jimi Hendrix impacted Eric Clapton’s perspective on guitar playing shortly after they met. Hendrix’s extraordinary talent completely mesmerized him. Although Jimi’s death tragically cut short their deep connection, the time they shared was profound.
