Jimi Hendrix's final official concert performance was marred by violence and chaos at the Isle of Fehmarn festival, according to his former roadie and confidant, Eric Barrett. In his memoir, "Experienced: On the Road with Jimi Hendrix and Beyond," Barrett recounts how the Hells Angels motorcycle club took control of the festival grounds, leading to a dangerous situation for attendees and the band.
Barrett described the scene as "a scary place to be" with "no control." Hundreds of Hells Angels reportedly descended on the island, with fans who were camping out being "beaten and robbed" as security was chased away. Hendrix, witnessing the mayhem, retreated to his room, reportedly "alone, sober."
The following day, Hendrix took the stage to boos from the audience. He addressed the crowd with a defiant "I don't give a f--- if you boo, as long as you boo in key, you mothers," before concluding his set with "Thank you, goodbye. Peace!"
As Barrett attempted to usher Hendrix and the band off the island towards waiting cars, they were surrounded by bikers. Barrett intervened when he saw a Hells Angel about to strike tour manager Gerry Stickells with a baton, taking the blow on his arm. Hendrix, noticing the incident, expressed concern for Barrett, asking, "Are you OK, Eric? Are you OK?" Barrett states these were the last words Hendrix ever spoke to him.
Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27 in London. Paramedics found him unresponsive at his girlfriend Monika Dannemann's apartment. Barrett learned of the death from Stickells, describing his reaction as walking "around London in a fog."
According to Barrett, Dannemann stated that Hendrix had taken nine of her powerful German tranquilizer pills, and she could not wake him. She contacted Eric Burdon of The Animals, who urged her to call an ambulance. Barrett recounted that paramedics, upon arrival, laid Hendrix on his back, and he subsequently vomited and asphyxiated. The post-mortem examination concluded that Hendrix died of asphyxia while intoxicated with barbiturates.
Barrett firmly rejects conspiracy theories surrounding Hendrix's death, including allegations that the musician's manager, Mike Jeffery, was responsible. Barrett, who was present during the events, believes Jeffery's alleged confession, reported by a former roadie, was fabricated to sell books. Jeffery died in a plane crash in 1973, and Dannemann died by apparent suicide in 1996.
Barrett admitted to initially lying to reporters about Hendrix's drug use to protect his memory, but later realized the truth was important. He stated that while Hendrix smoked pot, took LSD, and used pills, he never witnessed him use heroin, a drug Barrett noted had killed many musicians. Barrett believes Hendrix's death was a tragic accident, not foul play.
Reflecting on Hendrix's persona, Barrett described him as a "wild man" on stage, known for his flamboyant performances. However, off-stage, Hendrix was a "quiet, mild-mannered, polite young man" who was shy and often uncomfortable with accolades. Barrett shared a personal anecdote about Hendrix giving him $500 for his birthday in 1969, a significant sum at the time, which Barrett used to buy a leather coat that Hendrix admired.
Barrett also recalled a conversation with Hendrix on a plane after a show, where the musician expressed insecurity about his legacy, asking, "Eric, what do you think, will they remember me?" Barrett reassured him of his immense success, remembering Hendrix as "a gift to the Earth from the Lord."