When Jimi Hendrix rocked Ilkley

Jimi Hendrix was on the verge of becoming a rock legend when he played Ilkley

Three years ago we asked if the rumours were true that guitar legend Jimi Hendrix once played a gig in Ilkley - and we're still getting responses.

The answer is, of course, that Jimi really did play a gig in the West Yorkshire spa town just before he became one of rock's biggest stars.

Kate in Baildon is the latest Hendrix fan to contact us saying she was there.

She explains: "My children didn't believe me when I said I saw Jimi Hendrix at the Troutbeck!

"The police stopped the show after Jimi had played several numbers - brilliantly - because they said the room was too crowded.

Jimi Hendrix is still thought to be one of rock's best and most creative guitarists

"There certainly wasn't a riot. We were a well-behaved lot!

"It's now a posh nursing home and their granny is staying there for a while to recover from a hip replacement operation."

Kate goes on to say that our feature brought back a lot of "great memories of brilliant music venues" in Bradford during her teenage years.

She says: "The Cow and Calf Disco on a Friday night and local clubs such as the Little Fat Black Pussy Cat were favourite.

"That was in an old sewer under Sunbridge Road, I think. I remember seeing Kiki Dee there before she was famous.

"I was a long-time fan of Julie Driscoll, too. We painted long fake eyelashes under our eyes because of her!"

Since we first asked if the Hendrix-in-Ilkley rumours were true way back in 2006, we've received a lot of musical memories from people across Bradford - including some, like Kate, who saw the guitar hero in action.

In fact, Danny even e-mailed us to tell us that he was the man who - along with business partner Stuart - actually booked Hendrix to play at the Troutbeck.

Danny told us: "After seeing Jimi on Top of the Pops I booked him for three nights at £50 per night. The Sunday was at the Troutbeck Hotel in Ilkley.

There must have been 300 to 400 fans in a small dance hall and all I could see was the very top of Hendrix's head. Peter Crowther, Hendrix fan

"By the time Jimi was due to play there, he'd become the hottest act in the country.

"The atmosphere was electric as Jimi took to the stage. But it was over all too soon when the police stopped the show.

"After the gig and back at the flat we were hanging out with Jimi and the band - now there's a story to dine on.

"My recollection of Jimi was that he was quiet, polite, friendly and funny and he enjoyed a nice cup of tea. Wish I'd had a video camera!"

Peter e-mailed us to tell us he was also there at that historic gig in Ilkley to see the great man.

He remembered: "There must have been 300 to 400 fans in a small dance hall and all I could see was the very top of Hendrix's head.

"By this time they may well have played something but I had not heard anything recognisable so, congratulating myself on at least being there and ready for a great night, they hit an opening chord.

"Then, 'Sorry, folks, the police are closing this event down. Everyone out!'"

"I will forever remember being at a Hendrix gig, hearing him play. But what it was, I'll never know. Happy times!"

Nadia in Bradford e-mailed us to tell us that she was also there - even though she'd never heard of Jimi Hendrix. She had hitchhiked to Ilkley from Keighley with her friends Christine and Jackie.

She had a theory that perhaps, just perhaps, Christine may have been the inspiration behind one of Hendrix's most famous songs.

She said: "The three of us were all Mods and Christine was brilliant at sewing and used to make unusual outfits for herself and me.

"This particular night Christine was wearing one of her creations - a purple cat suit which had bell-bottom trousers, low on the midriff, and there were holes cut out in the top and trimmed with silver lurex.

Jimi Hendrix died in London in September 1970

"We remember being in the dressing room with Jimi Hendrix when he looked Christine up and down and exclaimed, 'Hey, purple haze!'"

"To this day Christine is convinced that the song Purple Haze was inspired about her cat suit."

And finally Madeleine from Wyke got in touch with us to say Jimi definitely played at Ilkley.

She said: "Unfortunately the police stopped the show as it was thought to be a fire hazard.

"We actually went with the band and the promoters. In fact, I had one of Jimi's Polo mints!"

So there you go. A memorable gig for a handful of people one night in Ilkley. What Jimi would have gone on to play had the police not pulled the plug, no-one will ever know.

However, it's fair to say that it must be one of those legendary gigs where everybody present will always be able to boast to their friends and family that they saw one of rock's legends in action in Ilkley. Truly a night never to forget.

Did you see Hendrix's historic Ilkley gig? Send us your memories using the form below.

Name

Your E-mail address

Town & Country

Comments

The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide.

Terms & Conditions