A Legendary Night in Camden: Jimi Hendrix at The Roundhouse
Today marks the birthday of one of the most iconic figures in rock history—Jimi Hendrix. Born on November 27, 1942, Hendrix would go on to redefine the boundaries of music, especially through his innovative electric guitar techniques. While his legacy spans the globe, one of the most pivotal moments in his early career took place right here in Camden, London—a place where raw, rising stars continue to shine today!
On February 22, 1967, Jimi Hendrix and The Jimi Hendrix Experience performed at The Roundhouse in Camden, an event that has since become legendary in the annals of rock history. At the time, Hendrix had yet to release an album, and he was still building his reputation in the UK music scene. But his performance that night—fuelled by passion and raw energy—captured the magic of what was to come. The gig was part of a short but unforgettable run of shows that helped to establish him as one of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen!
The Roundhouse itself, a former railway shed-turned-venue, stands as a symbol of Camden’s rich cultural and musical heritage. It’s been home to countless legendary performances since its opening in the 1960s. What a time to be alive and in Camden, huh? Hendrix’s show was part of this tradition, and despite a small audience, the performance was electric. Supporting bands included The Flies and a portion of The Action, who were performing under the name Mighty Baby. The venue’s intimate setting made for a memorable night, even though the event was not yet the huge draw it would later become.
However, not everything went smoothly. During the performance, Hendrix’s beloved black Fender Stratocaster was stolen from the side of the stage, a moment that led to a frustrated Noel Redding describing the gig as “awful.” But even with this setback, Hendrix’s performance was anything but disappointing. Hey Joe—was a highlight of the show, and despite the theft, Hendrix played with the same energy and creativity that would go on to define his career. It’s even rumoured that footage from that night has surfaced online, capturing the raw energy of the performance. Unfortunately, I could not find these allegedly recordings, so please do send them over if you happen to stumble across them!
Interestingly, Gordon Hawtin, a fan who was there that night, offers a firsthand account that challenges some commonly held details about the event. Gordon, who worked as a junior guitar salesman at Sound City on Shaftesbury Avenue, recalls that Soft Machine was not on the bill, contrary to popular belief. He remembers The Flies and Mighty Baby as the supporting acts, and he even had the opportunity to interact with Hendrix before the show. Gordon vividly recalls how Jimi and his bandmates would frequent Sound City, where he had sold Noel Redding a Fender Jazz Bass just weeks before the Roundhouse gig. Gordon also shares the personal connection he had with Hendrix, serving him for guitar strings and other gear, including a Fuzz Pedal.
Gordon offers a unique perspective on the gig. According to him, the event wasn’t a massive spectacle, and the crowd was relatively small—around 40 people. It is amazing to think that Gordon even had the chance to meet Hendrix and serve him at Sound City, a shop that was vital to many musicians of the time.
Gordon’s memories give us a rare, personal glimpse into Hendrix’s early days, further solidifying the importance of supporting live music in Camden. His experiences prove how even these Camden venues can create legendary moments that ripple through music history!
Camden was the heartbeat of music culture, nurturing young talent like Jimi Hendrix long before he became a household name. Hendrix’s meteoric rise was nothing short of extraordinary. By 1966, he had already earned a reputation as a virtuoso guitarist, despite not being able to read or write music. His style—a mesmerising blend of fuzz, feedback, and controlled distortion—pioneered a new sound that resonated across the globe. His debut album, “Are You Experienced?”, would cement his place in music history with classics like Purple Haze, Fire, and The Wind Cries Mary.
By 1969, Hendrix had begun to experiment more deeply with his music, creating his own recording studio in New York City called Electric Lady Studios, where he would go on to record the monumental album Electric Ladyland. His influence extended beyond rock into genres like blues, jazz, and R&B, impacting artists like Miles Davis. Hendrix’s mastery of the electric guitar was one of a kind and keeps on inspiring!
But even with all of his success, Camden remained a part of his story. Hendrix played at several Camden venues during his early days in London, including Haverstock Hill Country Club in January 1967 and pubs in West Hampstead, before his famed Roundhouse gig. These performances showcased the intimacy and raw energy of his live shows—a stark contrast to the massive stadium tours that would follow shortly after!
Jimi’s connection to Camden—and specifically, to its vibrant live music scene—continues to resonate. CMDN Live, dedicated to supporting live music in Camden and celebrating its rich rock ‘n’ roll legacy, reminds us that the magic of places like the Roundhouse is still alive today. Just like Amy Winehouse and Coldplay once took their first steps on stages in Camden, today’s emerging stars could very well be the next legends to come from this electric cultural hub.
Jimi Hendrix’s House in Soho: A Must-Visit Museum
While Jimi Hendrix is often associated with Camden, his influence on London can also be felt in the heart of Soho, where he lived during the peak of his career. Hendrix’s former residence at 23 Brook Street is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. It’s a fascinating place to visit for anyone wanting to dive deeper into his personal history and creative journey in London. The house, which he shared with composer George Frideric Handel (whose home was next door), provides an intimate glimpse into his time in the city and the music that shaped his legacy.
The museum offers a treasure trove of artefacts, from personal belongings to musical instruments, and even plays host to regular events and exhibits. If you’re a fan of Hendrix, or simply want to learn more about one of the most influential musicians in history, this is a must-visit location.
I can highly recommend going for a visit and already have been there myself a few times 🙂
Visit the Jimi Hendrix Museum in Soho: Jimi Hendrix Museum at 23 Brook Street
Jimi Hendrix’s Impact and Legacy:
Jimi Hendrix’s story is one of musical evolution and innovation. His career, though tragically short, revolutionized rock and roll. His fusion of genres, pioneering guitar techniques, and boundary-pushing performances left an indelible mark on the music world. As we celebrate his legacy today, we are reminded that places like Camden, where he once graced small stages, continue to foster the next wave of musical talent. Hendrix’s journey—from Greenwich Village to Camden to worldwide fame—demonstrates the power of live music and its ability to shape and define culture.
So, next time you find yourself at a gig in Camden, remember: the next Jimi Hendrix could be on that stage, just waiting to create magic. The Roundhouse and Camden’s other legendary venues continue to hold that spark, nurturing new talent while celebrating the vibrant history that artists like Hendrix helped create.
Let’s continue to support live music in Camden—who knows which legendary artists we might discover next!
Sources and links to explore:
- Roundhouse 50th Anniversary Photo Gallery of Jimi Hendrix’s 1967 Performance
- Sound City: The London Music Shop Where the Fuzz Face Was Born
- Jimi Hendrix Autographed Guitar String Packet Sold for £5,700
- Facebook Comment with post here
- Signed Polaroid Image
Gordon Hawtin’s Personal Memory of the Night:
‘Gordon Hawtin You’ve got you facts wrong. Soft Machine were not on that night! I know because I was there and thats why they are not mentioned on the Flyer. The Soft Machine were previously playing on the 7 of Feb 1967.
Me and Jimi Hendrix
(Please don’t make any critical comment’s, based on articles you may have read, written by people who weren’t there!)
On Jan 11 1967, on my 16th birthday, I got a Job as a Jnr Guitar salesman at Sound City, 124 Shaftesbury Ave London W1. I was for ever taking equipment, Amps and Bass’s and effect pedals, around to Jimi’s management office, which was just around the corner from Sound City, at 39 Gerrard St, London W1D 5QD.
I cant remember if it was on the first or second floor of the building. Attached photos from a Sound City’s Loan and Approval book, page ref No1473, dated 20/1/67, for Jimi Hendrix, for a Marshal Super Fuzz Pedal, price 14gns in old money, signed by Sound City’s manager Brian Gilboy. Its highly likely that I took that pedal around to Jimi’s management office?.
Sometimes Jimi Hendrix would come in on his own and I would serve him for Guitar strings, sets or individual Fender strings, Sound City had the Fender Franchise. Jimi used Fender Special Light Gauge Rock N Roll Strings.
On Feb 7 1967, Jimi, Noel and Mitch came in to Sound City and I sold Noel his Fender Jazz Bass for a 100gns in old money (105 pounds) Noel took the Bass away without a case in it original shipping box. That the said Fender Jazz Bass, is now in a private Museum in Seattle?
Before they left the store, Jimi Invited me to come and see him at the Camden Round House on the 22 Feb 1967. I lived just up the road in Haverstock Hill NW3. On the bill were The Flies and part of the band the Action, calling them selves Mighty Baby. Although Jimi was high in the hit parade with Hey Jo, There were only approx 40 people in the audience.
In the 2017, The Round House anniversary of Jimi playing their, I found a photos of me looking a Jimi (Attached marked with a white arrow) Attached is the round house web site In pictures: Jimi Hendrix in 1967 – Roundhouse – Celebrating 50 Years
https://50.roundhouse.org.uk/…/photo-gallery-jimi…
In the Tony Bacon article Sound City: The London Music Shop Where the Fuzz Face was born. I’m mentioned.
https://reverb.com/…/sound-city-the-london-music-shop…
In March 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience perform at The Starlight Room in the Gliderdrome Bingo Hall. Anthea Connell, was dating Eddie Cooke, the bass guitarist for the band Sons and Lovers. Who were the supporting act for the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
From nowhere Jimi jumped off the stage and ambled over towards Anthea Connell, who was I was completely star-struck.”
Jimi started talking to Anthea Connell but she couldn’t remember what he said. Jimi turned to his band members on the stage and asked one of the guys to give him something to write on.” “Someone came over with a couple of individual guitar strings packets. Jimi proceeded to write a wonderful message on the back of the string packet and It said: ‘To Anthea, love and kisses to you forever. I wish I could really talk to you. Stay sweet and signed it Jimi Hendrix’ It’s quite likely I sold Jimi Hendrix those strings?
On October 23, 2017, The treasured autograph sold for £5,700 at Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire. The original estimate was £2,000-£3,000.
Link to Hanson below
jimi Hendrix shock! Woman finds gift from rock legend in drawer at home – Hansons Auctioneers
https://hansonsauctioneers.co.uk/jimi-hendrix-shock…/
In June 1967, I left Sound City and I went to work for Kassner Music Publishers and Its sister company called President Records, both based at 25 Denmark St London WC2.
Next door at 26 Denmark St was a Cafe/Restaurant known as Julie’s Café/Restaurant. In 1967-1968. Jim Hendrix and his band used Julies Cafe/Restaurant regularly and not as its wrongly claimed in Wikipedia, the La Gioconda Restaurant & Coffee Bar, 9 Denmark. I know this because I used Julie’s every working day in 1967-1968. Jimi Hendrix and his band used to rehearse or record demo’s over the road from Julies at Regents Sound recording studio, 4 Denmark St. In the 1994, Julies Cafe/Restaurant much later became the 12 Bar Club and is now called The Lower Third
From 1967-68 Jimi and Noel and Mitch, used to spend their day time in a pub called De Hems, a Dutch Cafe Bar, at 11 Macclesfield St London W1D 5BW, which was just up the road from the guitar shop Sound City, and just around the corner from their management office in Gerrard St.’ - More about Gordon, Images used above and his story here
