I can’t imagine what it must have been like being a young music fan in 1967 or 1968 and hearing The Jimi Hendrix Experience for the first time. Let alone seeing them live at pretty much any point during its brief three-year run.
Notice that I said… them? Yes, make no mistake, this seminal trio was a band. Consisting of lead guitarist/vocalist Jimi Hendrix, along with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, the Experience unleashed one of the most explosive and significant debut albums in the history of popular music. Period.
It’s a safe bet to say that several songs from 1967’s incomparable Are You Experienced will make the cut onstage during the Experience Hendrix tribute tour this Fri. Oct. 4 at the beautiful Mesa Arts Center. Honestly, the event organizers couldn’t have chosen a better venue for a tour of this caliber.
Not to fear my friends, I’m sure we’ll hear a few songs from Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland as well.
And a few other surprises, perhaps?
Historically, the Experience Hendrix tour has featured a “who’s who” of some of the world’s greatest guitarists. From Buddy Guy to Joe Satriani to Jonny Lang to Dweezil Zappa, all of them (and plenty more) have been part of this annual extravaganza at one time or another.
For the Mesa show, the exceptional guitar talent this year will be none other than Kenny Wayne Shepherd, current blues sensation Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Eric Johnson, and Zakk Wylde among others.
Also appearing will be veteran bassist Kevin McCormick, who’s probably best known (to Gen Xers anyway) for his stint with Melissa Etheridge in the late 80s and early 90s.
Can’t leave out drummer Chris Layton— the backbone of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble — will also perform.
Simply put, if you love the electric guitar, this is a must-see show. Don’t miss it!
IF YOU GO:
The ‘Experience Hendrix’ tour is scheduled to take place THIS Fri. Oct. 4 at Mesa Arts Center.
The main lobby opens at 6:30 p.m. Doors open 7:00 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $61.50- $121.50 (plus tax) and can be purchased at Mesa Arts Center.com and in-person at the Mesa Arts Center box office.