Historic Jimi Hendrix Performance Footage Resurfaces from 1967 Chelmsford Concert
On February 25, 1967, music history was quietly made in Chelmsford, England, when The Jimi Hendrix Experience took the stage for a performance that would later become iconic. This concert, which featured the band’s early hit “Stone Free” and a stunning cover of Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone”, produced the earliest known film footage of The Experience performing live — a rare and invaluable glimpse of the band’s early days.
At the time, Jimi Hendrix had only recently emerged on the British music scene. His single “Hey Joe” had been released in December 1966 and was already gaining attention, but the explosive live performances of The Jimi Hendrix Experience were quickly solidifying their reputation. The Chelmsford show captured Hendrix alongside bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, a trio whose chemistry would define the band’s sound and style.
What makes this footage so remarkable is how it captures the band in their formative period, still on the brink of international stardom. Hendrix’s performance of “Stone Free” — his first original composition released as the B-side to “Hey Joe” — showcases his unique blend of blues, rock, and psychedelia. The live rendition brings a raw energy to the track, with Hendrix’s guitar work already displaying the innovative flair that would make him a legend.
Their cover of Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” is equally captivating. Hendrix’s respect and admiration for Dylan’s songwriting was well known, and his interpretation of the song brought a soulful, electric twist to the folk classic. This version, performed live in Chelmsford, hints at the creative approach Hendrix would later take in his famous reimagining of Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”.
The Chelmsford footage is not just significant for its historical value but also for what it reveals about the band’s stage presence and Hendrix’s charisma. Even in these early days, his command of the guitar and magnetic performance style were on full display. The interplay between Hendrix, Redding, and Mitchell captures the energy and experimental spirit that defined their sound.
In the months following this concert, The Jimi Hendrix Experience would release their debut album Are You Experienced?, featuring iconic tracks like “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady”. By the end of 1967, they had become international stars, known for their groundbreaking music and unforgettable live shows. The Chelmsford performance stands as a rare document of their rise, offering fans and historians a window into the early evolution of one of rock’s greatest bands.
For decades, this footage remained one of the few visual records of The Experience’s live performances before their explosion onto the global stage. Today, it’s celebrated not just for its rarity but for capturing Hendrix’s early brilliance and the raw energy that would soon make him a legend. As this historic concert continues to resurface and be shared among music lovers, it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact and innovation of The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
