UNITED KINGDOM: Acoustic guitar owned by rock musician Jimi Hendrix sold at auction at Bonhams and Brooks auction room

Record ID: 336472

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: Acoustic guitar owned by rock musician Jimi Hendrix sold at auction at Bonhams and Brooks auction room
  • Date: 23rd June 2001
  • Summary: MV JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE BAND PLAYING 'FOXY LADY' AT AUCTION PREVIEW (6 SHOTS)
  • Embargoed: 8th July 2001 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
  • City:
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVAB40NNCSJZ2M3RNYBFDZJ5GSHZ
  • Story Text: An acoustic guitar owned by legendary rock musician Jimi Hendrix has been sold for 55,000 pounds sterling (almost 78,000 U.S. dollars) at auction in London.
    The guitar, a vintage Epiphone with ivory bound spruce top and ivory bound maple back and sides and sunburst finish, was purchased by a telephone bidder at the sale at London's Bonham and Books auctioneers on Thursday (June 21, 2001).
    Hendrix bought the guitar in late 1967 with money earned at the Monterey pop festival - the event which introduced the flamboyant guitar legend to the American public. He then brought it back to London where he played it often while 'on the road' and at the apartments he shared with then girlfriend Kathy Etchingham. Hendrix used the guitar to create his own version of Bob Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower.' The guitar has also been used by other artists in recent years, including David Bowie on his 'Diamond Dogs' album.
    Many other artifacts and household items - like furniture, an ashtray and cushions - were donated to the auction by Etchingham to raise money for Drugscape, a British charity that provides advise for medical professionals and others involved in caring for drug addicts.
    Hendrix himself died from drug-related causes in September 1970 while at the peak of a brief musical career that included top selling singles for his 'Jimi Hendrix Experience' band like 'Hey Joe' and 'Purple Haze.' Albums like 'Electric Ladyland' and 'Are You Experienced' are regarded as classics by rock fans worldwide.
    A 'stars and stripes' shirt worn by the legendary guitarist was among other memorabilia sold at the London auction, raising 16,000 pounds sterling (more than 22,000 United States dollars). The printed muslin shirt was worn by Hendrix on his last tour of the U.S. in May, 1970.
    Tribute bands continue to perform Hendrix's work and bring his songs to a new generation of rock fans.
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