The Jimi Hendrix Experience plays a private showcase at the Scotch Of St James Club

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In September 1966, Chas Chandler, who had recently become manager of Jimi Hendrix, brought Jimi to London and began recruiting members for a band designed to highlight his talents. Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell were soon recruited to play bass and drums, and the band was named the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

On October 25, 1966, they played a private showcase at the Scotch Of St James club. Paul McCartney happened to be there and this is likely the first time he saw Jimi Hendrix playing.

I wanted the Harold Davison Agency to book Jimi, so I invited agent Dick Katz down to the Scotch to hear Jimi in a jam session. Jimi broke a string on his first number but still managed an incredible set. I turned to Dick and said, ‘He broke a string, you know.’ Dick was glued to the stage — he is a musician himself — ‘That had not escaped my attention,’ he said. ‘I can’t wait to hear him with six.’ […]

Paul McCartney was also sitting at our table and leant over to say he hoped Dick had Jimi signed up as he would be a giant.

Chass Chandler – From “Eyewitness: Jimi Hendrix” by Johnny Black, 2004

Paul McCartney saw the Jimi Hendrix Experience on several other occasions, like on November 25, 1966, on January 11, January 29 and June 4, 1967.

Last updated on March 11, 2023