ASU's hidden history
Jimi Hendrix scores with gym concert 50 years ago at Physical Education West
Editor's note: This is the first in an occasional series shining a spotlight on pieces of ASU's past.
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.
Video by Ken Fagan/ASU Now
“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.”
Top photo: Jimi Hendrix warmed up his Fender Stratocaster in the ASU locker room with actor Pat McMahon on Feb. 5, 1968. Photo courtesy of TJ Franklink Photography
More Arts, humanities and education
ASU Gammage program brings the arts to incarcerated women
Laughter might not be the first thing you expect to hear when arriving at Maricopa County Estrella Jail, the all-women prison facility in south Phoenix. But it was there on a recent afternoon, down…
Maryvale girls gain confidence through volleyball program
Life as a teen or tween can be tough, particularly for girls. That's why an Arizona State University partnership with a community center in West Phoenix is building confidence in girls through…
ASU double major plans to use Japanese studies in her business career
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates. Racine Merritt is a business-minded, ambitious go-getter through and through, beginning with earning two…