ASU's hidden history

Tucked between the Memorial Union and the Computing Commons is a hidden piece of the Tempe campus’ history.

Fifty years ago, Physical Education Building West was known as the Sun Devil Gym and was the main basketball and gymnastics facility. But for one evening in February, it hosted the Jimi Hendrix Experience in front of a crowd of 3,000 fans.

“Hendrix rocked this house with his wailing guitar and his feedback and distortion,” said University Archivist Rob Spindler. “… Hendrix was known as an acrobatic guitar player, playing behind his head, between his legs — even burning his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival the year before.”

Hendrix warmed up in the locker room beforehand and sported a Native American choker, Afghan-style coat, bell-bottoms and his signature hat. He played a white-and-rosewood Fender Stratocaster.

“To see Hendrix in this small gym, in such close quarters must have been incredible! Unfortunately, the play list has long been lost,” said Spindler, who is known to rock out on guitar himself.

As one State Press reporter put it, “It was a good experience.”