Jimi Hendrix Once Revealed Why He Never Liked This Legendary Band’s Sound
via Captain Midnight / YouTube
Hendrix’s Lasting Legacy
Jimi Hendrix remains one of the most influential figures in rock history, even though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 27. His groundbreaking guitar work and unforgettable stage presence inspired countless artists, from Gary Clark Jr. to Lenny Kravitz. Known for his distinctive style, Hendrix created timeless songs such as All Along the Watchtower and The Wind Cries Mary. But it was his daring experimentation with the electric guitar that made him a true innovator.
Hendrix openly praised many musicians during his career, but he also wasn’t afraid to express criticism when he felt it was deserved. One of the more surprising targets of his disapproval was the legendary British group Pink Floyd. At the time, Hendrix dismissed their early sound as unconvincing, even calling it “terrible.”
View this post on Instagram
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born Johnny Hendrix—later renamed James Marshall Hendrix—on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, he grew up in a struggling household. At 15, he picked up the guitar and quickly discovered his gift. After a short stint in the U.S. Army, Hendrix toured as a sideman for major acts like Little Richard and The Isley Brothers, building his reputation along the way.
Eventually, Hendrix stepped into the spotlight with his own groups: The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. With these bands and later as a solo artist, he pushed musical boundaries, creating performances that audiences would never forget. His career was brief, ending with his passing in 1970 due to complications from drugs, but his reputation as one of the greatest guitarists in history was already secure.
Hendrix’s Harsh Words on Pink Floyd
Hendrix’s confidence as a musician gave him the authority to speak candidly about other artists. In one interview, he criticized the idea of psychedelic rock being reduced to gimmicks. “Here’s one thing I hate, man. When these cats say, ‘Look at the band. They’re playing psychedelic music!’ All they’re doing is flashing lights on them and playing Johnny B. Goode with the wrong chords. It’s terrible.”
He was referencing Pink Floyd, who at the time were more focused on visual effects than tight musicianship in Hendrix’s view. Though Pink Floyd would later become icons with tracks such as Money, Any Colour You Like, and Have a Cigar, their earliest performances struck Hendrix as style over substance. He added, “I’ve heard they have beautiful lights, but they don’t sound like anything.”
A Shift in Perspective
Over time, Hendrix softened his view of the band. As Pink Floyd developed their unique sound, incorporating experimental elements and electronic textures, Hendrix began to recognize their artistry. Speaking in a later interview with The Narrative Art, he said: “They’re doing like a different type of music. They’re doing more kind of a space thing. Technically, they are getting electronics and all this. They do like a space kind of thing, like an inner space. Sometimes you have to lay back by yourself and appreciate them.”
This change in tone showed Hendrix’s openness to evolving music. Though he had once dismissed their work, he later acknowledged that Pink Floyd was exploring new territory that demanded a different kind of listening.
Giving Credit to Other Greats
Even though Hendrix often found himself labeled the “greatest guitarist of all time,” he was quick to redirect the spotlight. During an appearance on The Mike Douglas Show, the host asked him what it was like to be considered the best rock guitarist in the world. Hendrix responded, “I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Rory Gallagher.”
Gallagher, an Irish guitarist who rose to prominence with the band Taste before going solo in 1970, became renowned for his blues-rock sound and technical mastery. By 1972, Melody Maker magazine named him the best contemporary guitarist, and Hendrix’s praise helped elevate his reputation even further.
Respect for Guitar Peers
Hendrix’s admiration for fellow musicians extended beyond Gallagher. He also expressed high regard for Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, calling him one of his favorites. These remarks showed that while Hendrix was unafraid to critique, he was also generous in highlighting others’ talent.
Today, decades after his passing, Hendrix is still celebrated for his honesty, innovation, and unique ear for music. Rolling Stone reaffirmed his influence in 2023 by naming him the best guitarist of all time, a recognition that continues to reflect his unmatched legacy.
