These are rare photos of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Who were taken during the 30-day music festival that ran from June 16th to the 18th in 1967. Along with other legendary figures, this festival was a first major experience for Hendrix, Joplin, and Ravi Shankar.
Hendrix’ unique style, his dive-bombing use of the vibrato bar on his guitar and high volumes created a sound that Americans had never heard before. Along with his sensual onstage movements and wild clothing, he had an incredible impact on the audience. Going one step further, he knew the Who were going to perform the finale, so he managed to get a can of lighter fluid, placed it behind his amplifiers before performing. He ended his show with a version of “Wild Thing” which he knelt over his guitar, poured lighter fluid over it and then set it on fire! As the audience went wild, he smashed the guitar on the stage and then threw the remains out to the audience.
Janis Joplin commanding almost 10,000 fans on stage
Jimi Hendrix in the midst of one of his greatest ever performances
This performance put Hendrix on the map in the US
Photographer Jill Gibson said Hendrix’s show was “unique”
The Who’s Roger Daltrey, Pete Townsend and Keith Moon destroying their instruments after their set
Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones, dressed in an elaborate flower power suit, taking in the acts
The festival took place over the course of three days in June 1967
Jill snapped this picture of the store at the festival
Hippies pictured soaking up the Monterey sunshine
The event, which sparked the start of the Summer Of Love, attracted some younger visitors
Police gathered outside the entrance to the festival
A police officer is seen talking to a hippy at the festival
The ticket office was a modest, shed-like building
Images by Jill Gibson, photojournalist. via Mirror
