Hendrix jacket goes on show

Jimi Hendrix, who died of a drugs overdose in 1970

A psychedelic jacket belonging to guitar legend Jimi Hendrix has gone on display in London, prior to its auction next week.

The Oriental-style coat was made in 1967 from green silk, and features embroidered dragons, pagodas and flowers.

It is currently on show at Covent Garden's Hard Rock Café, where it is expected to fetch up to £20,000 at auction on Tuesday. The sale takes place the day after the 30th anniversary of Hendrix's death.

Hendrix passed the jacket on to his friend

The jacket is the star lot at the annual Sotheby's sale of rock and roll memorabilia.

The auctioneer's rock 'n' roll specialist, Stephen Maycock, said: "What's good about this jacket is that there are quite a number of photos in existence of Jimi wearing it.

"It is very important to have photographic evidence. The market is naturally suspicious and cynical, so a photo is a clincher."

Overdose

Hendrix died in his sleep following an overdose of barbituates on 18 September 1970.

He gave the jacket to his friend, Judith Vernon - the wife of Fleetwood Mac producer, Mike.

It will be sold along with a letter of confirmation from her and a photograph of the star wearing it.

Maycock said the piece was originally made for a woman and would have cost just $10 (£7).

He explained: "Hendrix wore a lot of women's clothes. In 1967 men's clothes were only just getting colourful as the whole eastern and oriental influence came into fashion."

The colours of the jacket have faded over the years, but it is still in excellent condition.

Other Hendrix items in the sale include a signed Jimi Hendrix Experience programme and a rare flyer for a concert at Lancashire's Imperial Ballroom in 1967.

Also up for grabs are souvenirs belonging to Madonna, Bob Marley and The Sex Pistols.