“Jimi was the gentlest guy but he was surrounded by freeloaders”: Terry Reid recalls hanging out with Jimi Hendrix
Vocalist and guitarist Terry Reid has reflected on his friendship with Jimi Hendrix, recalling how the iconic guitarist was often “surrounded by freeloaders”.
Hendrix passed away in 1970, but during the height of his fame in the late ‘60s, he would spend time with Reid in order to relax, as Reid would invite him to his apartment so they could play guitar together.
READ MORE: “I don’t hear one note where I influenced him!”: Steve Cropper dismisses claims that he was one of Jimi Hendrix’s biggest influences
In a new interview with The Guardian, Reid – who worked with a number of high profile artists as a session musician – recalls setting off on his own solo career in 1967, a move inspired by Hendrix. He released his debut album, Bang, Bang You’re Terry Reid, that following year.
“We’d hang out together, play guitar – he could play anything, without looking at his hands,” he begins. “Jimi was just the gentlest guy but he was surrounded by freeloaders so he’d come over to my apartment in Haverstock Hill to get some peace and quiet. I’d say ‘kick them out’ but he felt he couldn’t.”
This isn’t the only affiliate of Hendrix who has made such a claim. Following the release of the documentary Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, a recording engineer named Andy Edlen who worked there at the time of Hendrix’s death claimed people took his gear from the studios just days after his passing.
Speaking to Uncut, Edlen alleged that he and John Jansen (a studio assistant) both saw staff empty a closet that was filled with Hendrix’s guitars. “I saw a white Strat walk out the door, it was like people wanted icons,” he remembered.
Terry Reid is currently on tour in the UK. Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision is out now.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net