Over five decades after the untimely death of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, his close friend and collaborator Eric Burdon still feels the weight of that loss. Their bond was more than musical—it was spiritual, a rare connection between two artists who understood each other on and off the stage.
The two musicians crossed paths during a transformative time in music. Hendrix, known for his electric genius, and Burdon, the voice behind The Animals and later War, shared a mutual respect that ran deep. Their friendship reached a poignant moment on September 16, 1970, when Hendrix made an unannounced appearance during Eric Burdon & War’s performance at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. That impromptu jam session would become Hendrix’s final public performance before his death two days later.
“It was like time stood still when he walked in,” Burdon recalled. “He didn’t come to take the spotlight—he came to share in the music, and that was Jimi at his core. Generous, soulful, and always chasing something beyond the notes.”
Though the moment was brief, its impact has stayed with Burdon ever since. In various interviews over the years, he’s spoken openly about the joy and sorrow intertwined in that night. The joy of sharing one last magical moment with a friend—and the sorrow of knowing it would never happen again.
“I miss him still,” Burdon admits. “The world lost a rare voice that day. And I lost a brother.”
Even decades later, the memory of their connection remains vivid—a testament to the enduring power of music, friendship, and the moments that become eternal. Eric Burdon continues to honor Hendrix not just in words, but in the music they both loved.
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