The Jimi Hendrix Experience (tribute) supported by Bedouin
Friday 28th September 2001, Bedford Esquires.

When I decided to go to this night I wondered whether a tribute band could ever do justice to such a genius as Jimi Hendrix, and hoping not to come away disappointed. Thankfully, the night turned out to be a great showcase of rock and old-school metal, delivered with great professionalism and style.

I did not only go to this gig to see the headliners, but also openers Bedouin. Featuring members of Hawkwind in their ranks they played at Esquires before as Ace Of Spades, an excellent Motorhead tribute band. Well, their own stuff is also fucking great, although it does sound so much like Motorhead it hurts. Basically, imagine a psychedelic version of early 80's Motorhead with some mesmerising solos added and a vocalist that sounds exactly like Lemmy. Even though they are extremely derivative, Bedouin do it so well that it doesn't matter, bettering many original bands.

As usual with tribute bands, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played a greatest hits set, as well as some shouted requests from the audience. There isn't much to say about a tribute band really - of course they weren't as good as the originals, but tribute bands never are. They performed the classic songs almost too well sometimes, losing the rough and raw edge of the old records, but they did try hard with the image and the frontman even attempted some Hendrix style guitar abuse. All of that does not matter though - you can't see the real Hendrix anymore and they were a very good imitation of one of the classic progenitors of heavy metal, and should be praised for their total dedication and the hours of rehearsal that was obviously needed to carry off such a good gig.

Peter Burov