Customer Reviews

Jimi Plays Monterey [VHS]

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I've had the Performance of Jimi Hendrix, Jimi Plays Monterey for years. I think ANYONE who is a wanting to play guitar, or wants to experience Jimi Hendrix's music live, should watch this video. Jimi was playing, No... He was Playin'! He played with his teeth, behind his back, between the legs... He just got up there and kicked ass.. Pete Townsand of the Who was standing offstage, watching his act, that followed the who's.... and Janis Jopplin turned around and said, "he's stealing your act!) (of smashing guitars, ect...) and pete goes..."No, He's DOING MY ACT!"

Anyhow, The video is great... the very end is pure high volume, energy, and just plain ol' balls to the wall rock and roll... I'd recommend anyone to watch it!

Peace out!

It includes two numbers at the beginning from a concert in December 1967, and one number from Monterey is only heard as Denny Dent paints the introductory painting. But the rest of the performance is all here in full color - and this was the first time the American audience was really turned on to the Jimi Hendrix Experience. It's a great show - yes, he burns the guitar at the end, but if that's all you're interested in you can see that in the Pennebaker film. This video is best because it is a complete record of him first blowing the audiences minds - and THEN when it can go NO FURTHER, demolishing his equipment. What more can you ask for? A classic.

The legendary performance Jimi Hendrix (or rather The Jimi Hendrix Experience) held at The Monterey Pop Festival is a treat for those interested in witnessing the magic Jimi could make on the stage. He was fiery, scary, magical and almost possessed - guaranteed to scare, hypnotize and blow everyone's minds (including the other legendary performers who showed up at the festival.) You've heard all those statements about Jimi: Playing with his teeth, playing behind his back, playing between his legs, playing behind his neck and other tricks. He did it all -- and you can see it all for yourself on this video.

Now, information on the video. Before the actual 'concert' kicks off, you see a crazed-looking guy/artist paint a picture of Hendrix while the live version of "Can You See Me" is playing in the background - which is the only track not seen being performed. Afterwards, you get a narration from John Phillips (a/k/a 'Papa John' Phillips) of The Mamas And The Papas, who gives some interesting background information on Jimi Hendrix and how the idea of The Monterey Pop Festival came about. Also featured is an alternate version of "Wild Thing" and a version of The Beatles' "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band." You'll learn how Hendrix and Pete Townshend (The Who) almost got into a fight over who was going to perform their act first. So, a coin was flipped, Townshend won. Hendrix then vowed to pull out all the stops - and promised to put on some of the most outrageous & mind-blowing theatrics. The rest was history.

The first song Jimi performs on here is "Killing Floor," which is his fiery and energetic take on what I think was a classic blues song. Next, he kicks out one of his most beloved tunes, "Foxy Lady." He then pulls out a Bob Dylan cover called "Like A Rolling Stone," which is one of the slower and absorbing moments on here. Jimi makes a hilarious reference to bass player Noel Redding as Bob Dylan's Grandmother. Jimi also does a decent job on his vocals - something which he does not receive much credit for. "Rock Me Baby" is a B.B. King classic given the fiery, heavy and energetic treatment. Jimi gives one of his funkiest performances on this track. Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell also give excellent performances on bass and drums respectively. "Hey Joe" also shows Jimi putting on a good vocal performance. On here, he solos with his teeth, as well as playing another solo behind his back. Very interesting stuff.

The next two performances that follow (to me) are the highlights that steal the show. "The Wind Cries Mary" shows Jimi at his strongest vocally. The calm, empty quiet of the audience, Jimi's hushed chords (E is such a beautiful note) and smooth delivery gives this track an intimate feel. You could swear Jimi and the audience had an 'intimate' connection during that performance. The music is just as ethereal, dreamy and beautiful as the blonde-haired woman spotted in the audience (who was seen shaking her head in ecstacy.) Next comes the showstopper -- "Wild Thing." Before Jimi kicks into the first verse, he speaks to the audience and gives gratitude for being discovered. He then performs what he calls a combination of the English and American National Anthems. I'm not really sure if this was supposed to be discernible to many, but it was a pandemonium of fiery, ominous and cacophonous distortion & feedback. However, after that first verse kicks in, all hell breaks loose. He then proceeds to taunt some of the audience members with the rolling of his tongue, while playing a pick-free solo. He then solos while he rolls from one side of the stage to the other, then plays behind his back. For the last 3 minutes, he pulls out some of the most outrageous, disturbing and provocative antics. He simulates coital action with the amplifiers, which in return, bears some of the most rapacious distortion. After some other antics, he pulls out the lighter fluid and pours it onto the guitar (while simulating urination). He then kisses the guitar before he sets it on fire (then ultimately, smashes it to pieces.) However, before all this happens, Jimi gave the audience a bow (which I found clever and hilarious.) Altogether, these final moments were utterly intense, spiritual and cathartic - very beautiful to watch.

This review was pretty long, but a performance like this was worth it. If you're a Jimi Hendrix fan, you really owe it to yourself to pick up this video (while it's still available). Get it before it's gone.

This film is the kind of film that best documents Jimi during the 60s era, along with him at Woodstock. Rare footage of Jimi at the Picadilly Circus in England gives this film, to me, great value. The introductionof the show, started by Bill Grahmn, introducing Brian Jones, introducing the Jimi Hendrix Experience-is unpresented. The entire set was filmed at good angles, instead of just closeups and jerky movements. Even Jimi's stage comments were filmed, completely. Even when "Wild Thing" was played, different angles, in comparison to "Monterey Pop" were viewed. You just have to buy and see this film, to see and hear those details and highlights. Like I said, highly unpresedented. A definite collector's item as well.

From beginning to end any Hendrix fan will love this video! Visualy nervous but 'chomping at the bit',Hendrix and company tear into song after song with equal energy until the very end (even on the slow songs). Rare footage of the band at the beginning is a sure bonus!

I'm a big fan of Hendrix, but generally I haven't been pleased with the quality of most concert/film footage being released. It's usually over-edited and sometimes you hardly even see Jimi. This Video is the exception. Although it was filmed in 1967, the footage is in relatively good shape. Also, I was pleasantly surpised to hear this in surround sound. I didn't expect that. All things considered, the sound quality is pretty good. It's great to see Jimi pulling out all the stops--and seeing the crowd absolutely stunned and in awe. The expressions on their faces are priceless. Of course they are seeing Jimi for the first time, so it's only natural they would be blown away. Unfortunately his set was relatively short, but it was a solid and enjoyable set nonetheless. I highly recommend this video to fans of Jimi, fans of rock, and fans of phenominal guitar playing. A definate buy.

There was not a moment of this video that I didn't like. From the moment I heard Killing Floor to the finish with Wild Thing I was in a complete transe. I especially loved the way he played Like A Rolling Stone. I only wish they put Jimi Plays Monterey on CD. Anyway, this is a definite buy. This and Woodstock are his two best live concerts. If you are smart you will buy this amazing vedio. If you would like to see my review on the movie Woodstock VHS don't hesitate.

This was the most important concert of Jimi Hendrix's career. He was virtually unknown in the U.S. at the time. He was recieved with skepticism, appearing in Monterey with such big stars as THE WHO and JANIS JOPPLIN. By the end of the night, the face of rock and role would be changed forever. Jimi plays a relatively short blistering set, in a time when concert filming was extremely primitive. However, this video is well worth the money, despite the quality of the film. <Oh, yeah. He burns his hand painted, right handed (Strung left handed) Fender Stratocaster at the end>

For those of you who just love to see Jimi pick at his guitar with his teeth, then this is the video for you! This video is a testament that Jimi hendrix was the best showman ever! Hendrix was way ahead of other guitarists in his era. No one went on stage and played their guitars with their teeth like he did. No one set their guitar on fire! Jimi was the one who thought of that. When hendrix said "I'm gonna pull out all the stops", HE MEANT IT! an awesome performance by one of the best Rock N Roll guitarists ever! No questions Asked!!!

Oh, my -- this is my first real impression of Hendix. Before this, all I'd heard was one CD (The Final Experience) and a clip of his version of The Beatles' song, Sgt. Pepper. He gives a dramatic performance here -- smashing his guitar, playing it with his teeth, jumping up and down. Yep -- here's one more concert that you gotta own.