An Evening With Jimmy Hendrix
London 24-02-1969
by Christopher Long
George Henderson box (debenture).
We were lucky enough to have witnessed the Jimmy Hendrix Experience concert at the Albert Hall in February 1969 – perhaps the greatest rock concert of the era.
Later we were luckier still to have spent a couple of hours with him alone at Sands Café in New Bond Street, London.
But we were unbelievably lucky to have been invited to join him and some of the greatest names in rock, including Eric Clapton, at the Speakeasy in Soho later that night...
Deep Purple History: 48 Margaret Street once housed the famous 'Speakeasy' club, where Mk 2 played their first gig.
The Details: Deep Purple played twice at The Speakeasy in 1969, Mk 1 on March 20th just before their second US tour, Mk 2 on July 10th in front of what Ian Gillan has since described as a small audience of '35 or so'.
The venue opened in 1966, and became well known as a late night drinking club popular with customers associated with the music industry, ranging from roadies through to The Beatles. The Who included it in the "Radio London / Speakeasy / Rotosound Strings" commercial insert for their Sell Out album in 1967. The Speakeasy also hosted performances by some of the finest acts of the time, including Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, and King Crimson (who debuted at the club).