A Jimi Hendrix exhibit is featured at the grand opening of the new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.
The highlight of the Hendrix gallery is a 1964 "Texas Model" Fender Guitar Stratocaster guitar. This olympic white Stratocaster features a tortoise shell pick guard and a maple neck with rosewood fretboard complete with pearl inlays. Originally owned by Gary Boyle (guitarist with Brian Auger's Trinity), Jimi used this guitar on a regular basis upon his arrival to London in late 1966.
Also on display is the green overcoat with pink flowers that was originally crafted by Dandie Fashions in London. Jimi wore this piece on a number of occasions in late 1967 through mid-1968, perhaps most notably during the September 16, 1967 event at London’s Europa Hotel where Jimi received the "World Top Musician" award by Melody Maker magazine.
The modest collection is accented by a number of original photos from the likes of Barrie Wentzell, Joe Sia, Bruce Fleming, Baron Wolman and Karl Ferris; vintage concert posters; signed lithographs; many personal artifacts including Jimi’s own artwork; autographed items and much more.
The Jimi Hendrix exhibit, along with the hundreds of other pieces of rock & roll memorabilia from the Hard Rock's extensive permanent collection are freely viewable to visitors at the new Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. If you’re a fan, it’s worth experiencing in person.
The connection between Jimi Hendrix and Vancouver extends more than 100 years. Beginning with the arrival of his paternal grandparents to the city in 1912; the birth of his father James “Al” Hendrix in 1919; to the many times that Jimi himself visited the city from the 1940s-1960s to visit family and friends.
As a young musician, Jimi returned to Vancouver in the early 1960s as a member of Thomas & The Tomcats and even performed briefly with local act Bobby Taylor & The Vancouver before striking out on his own. Perhaps his most memorable stop in Vancouver was his headlining engagement with The Jimi Hendrix Experience in September 1968 when the trio performed at the Pacific Coliseum.
See also:
Jimi Hendrix clothing line launched by John Varvatos
Jimi Hendrix coming to Band Fuse: Rock Legends
Jimi Hendrix: 2014 Experience Hendrix tour announced
VIDEO: Jimi Hendrix – Hear My Train A Comin’ documentary preview