Jimi Hendrix's roadie and confidant, Eric Barrett, has shared new details about the rock legend's final official concert and his last words to him in his memoir, "Experienced: On the Road with Jimi Hendrix and Beyond." The concert, held at the Isle of Fehmarn in 1970, was marred by violence involving the Hells Angels.
Barrett described the festival as a dangerous environment where hundreds of Hells Angels members had taken control. He wrote in his memoir that fans camping out were robbed and beaten, and that festival security was forced to flee. Hendrix, witnessing the chaos, retreated to his room, remaining sober, according to Barrett.
The following day, Hendrix performed for a hostile audience that booed him. His response, as recalled by Barrett, was, "I don’t give a f— if you boo, as long as you boo in key, you mothers." After his performance, Hendrix bid the audience farewell, saying, "Thank you, goodbye. Peace!"
As Barrett ushered Hendrix and the band towards waiting cars to leave the island, they were surrounded by bikers. Barrett intervened when he saw a Hells Angel about to strike tour manager Gerry Stickells with a baton. Barrett took the blow on his arm, which he described as causing intense pain. Hendrix, witnessing this, turned to Barrett and repeatedly asked, "Are you OK, Eric? Are you OK?" Barrett stated that these were the last words Hendrix ever spoke to him.
Jimi Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27 in London. The official cause of death was asphyxia while intoxicated with barbiturates. Barrett's memoir details the events leading to his death, refuting long-standing conspiracy theories. He specifically dismisses allegations that Hendrix was murdered by his manager, Mike Jeffery, calling such claims unfounded and motivated by a desire to sell books.
Barrett, who worked with Hendrix from 1968 to 1970 and later with artists like Madonna and David Bowie, also reflected on Hendrix's personality. He described the guitarist as a "wild man" on stage, known for his innovative performances, but as a "quiet, mild-mannered, polite young man" offstage. Barrett shared a personal memory of Hendrix gifting him $500 for his birthday, a significant sum at the time, allowing Barrett to buy a leather coat he admired.
He also recalled a poignant moment on a plane where Hendrix, despite his fame, expressed insecurity, asking Barrett, "Eric, what do you think, will they remember me?" Barrett reassured him of his lasting impact. Barrett's memoir aims to set the record straight on Hendrix's final days and his enduring legacy.