October 1966

Abstract

Jimi Hendrix rapidly establishes his presence in Britain’s burgeoning musical scene by “head-cutting” a stunned Eric Clapton during an onstage jam session with Cream. Drummer Mitch Mitchell agrees to join the Experience, and the trio begin rehearsals; this section includes details about the musician’s guitars, basses, strings, picks, effects devices, and Marshall amplification. Prior to embarking on the Experience’s first tour, Hendrix signs the first of several exploitive contracts with Michael Jeffery. During their tour of France, the musicians share hashish, Captagon, and other drugs and earn mixed – and sometimes racist -- reviews in French newspapers. After their triumphant appearance at the Paris Olympia, they return to London and record their first single, “Hey Joe.” In search of a song to put on the 45’s flip-side, Jimi begins songwriting in earnest.