The 1967 Monterey Pop Festival in the US is often cited as having been the first rock festival. But weeks earlier, thousands of fans crowded round a shed in Lincolnshire to watch some of music's biggest names perform. "What you've got to remember is this was a shed," says record shop owner Alan Barnsdale, recalling the Tulip Bulb Auction Hall in Spalding, Lincolnshire. "It was an auction house for selling off [flower] bulbs and commodities like that. No windows. There was nothing there." And yet, on Monday 29 May 1967, history was made when the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and The Move performed there to eager fans. By luck or foresight, Barbeque 67 set the tone for what was to come. "[It] was the first British rock festival, really, although nobody knew it was at the time," says Bev Bevan, the drummer from Electric Light Orchestra and The Move. "It was groundbreaking." Hendrix was among the attractions, but the day did not go too well for the legendary guitarist. "He was not happy with the sound at all," remembers Bev. "He just couldn't get his guitar to sound like he wanted it to." Local historian Doug Kendall was in the crowd that day. "I think it was possibly the only time in history that Hendrix was heckled," he says. Also on the line-up was Sounds Force Five. Drummer Colin Ward remembers the young guitarist kicking his amplifiers before taking his frustration one step further. "He set fire to his guitar with lighter fuel, which was quite funny at the time, and then he threw that off stage," Colin recalls. "Sadly, that guitar ended up on the council tip. Had we had the foresight of keeping it, it would be worth thousands now." It was a gimmick Hendrix repeated to great acclaim the following month at the Monterey Pop Festival, which is widely regarded as launching his career in the US. Hendrix and his frustration was just one of many odd moments at this curious festival. Pink Floyd played to only a few hundred people, because there were too few turnstiles to allow the thousands of fans inside in time to see their set. Later, there were so many people in the auction room that punters were pushed under the stage and watched through cracks in the floorboards. And on the night of the gig, Hendrix was reported to have attracted the attention of plenty of adoring female fans outside his hotel window. But its quirkiness was a product of the fact that nobody had done it before. "It was one of the best festivals I ever did and the people running that festival... had it down, man. It was fantastic," singer Geno Washington says. Washington and his Ram Jam Band headlined the gig and it is one he still remembers fondly. "I can't see why they didn't do it again because it was huge, man," Geno adds. It is believed the festival attracted a crowd of between 4,000 and 6,000, and there were many more outside unable to gain entry. However, despite its popularity on the day, it didn't make that many headlines due to the release of an iconic Beatles album the Friday before the event. "Sgt Pepper was released and it took over the rock press," Doug recalls. "So, a little event in Spalding didn't raise the same interest. "I think that it's something that needs publicity because not many people actually knew, even at the time, that it took place." The auction room was eventually demolished and the area is now occupied by Halfords and Argos. On the streets of Spalding today, most people have never heard of Barbeque 67. One person asks if it is a "kind of sauce", another wonders if it is an "American barbecue" and one asks if it is a "kind of restaurant". Despite aBlue Plaque marking the hotel where Hendrix stayed, many people in the town have no idea of the musical heritage on their doorstep or whose guitar might be languishing at the bottom of a nearby landfill site. Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.
Jimi Hendrix's guitar ended up at the tip after 'first rock festival'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Barbeque 67: The Overlooked First British Rock Festival Featuring Jimi Hendrix"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The 1967 Monterey Pop Festival is often celebrated as the inaugural rock festival in the United States, but a lesser-known event called Barbeque 67 held just weeks earlier in Spalding, Lincolnshire, has been identified as the first British rock festival. This unique festival took place in the Tulip Bulb Auction Hall, an unassuming shed typically used for selling flower bulbs. Despite its modest setting, Barbeque 67 attracted major musical acts, including legendary performers like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, and The Move. The event was a groundbreaking moment in music history, setting a precedent for future rock festivals, as noted by Bev Bevan from The Move. However, the festival was not without its challenges; Hendrix, in particular, struggled with the sound quality during his performance, leading to an unusual incident where he set fire to his guitar in frustration and subsequently discarded it, a move that would later become a hallmark of his theatrical performances.
The festival drew an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 4,000 to 6,000 attendees, although many more were unable to gain entry due to logistical issues such as insufficient turnstiles. Local historian Doug Kendall recalls that despite the festival's significance, it received little media attention, overshadowed by the release of The Beatles' iconic album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' just before the event. This lack of recognition may explain why many locals in Spalding today are unaware of Barbeque 67's historical importance, with some mistaking the name for a type of sauce or restaurant. The original auction hall has since been demolished, replaced by modern retail outlets, but a Blue Plaque now marks the hotel where Hendrix stayed. The story of Barbeque 67 highlights the need for greater awareness of this pivotal moment in rock music history, as well as the cultural legacy that has largely been forgotten in the town.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a lesser-known moment in music history, focusing on the 1967 Tulip Bulb Auction Hall concert in Lincolnshire, which featured iconic musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. It contrasts this event with the more widely recognized Monterey Pop Festival, suggesting that the Lincolnshire concert was groundbreaking yet overlooked at the time. The narrative revolves around Hendrix's frustration with the sound quality, leading to a memorable incident where he set fire to his guitar, which ultimately ended up discarded.
Purpose of the Article
The aim seems to be to bring attention to a significant yet underappreciated historical event in rock music. By shedding light on the Tulip Bulb Auction Hall concert, the article seeks to elevate its status in the annals of music history, potentially sparking interest in lesser-known events that shaped musical culture.
Public Perception
This article might create a sense of nostalgia among music enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate the roots of rock music. By highlighting the frustrations of Hendrix, it humanizes legendary figures, making them more relatable to fans. The narrative also provokes thoughts about the importance of preserving cultural artifacts, such as Hendrix's guitar, which could have had immense historical value today.
Potential Omissions
While the article captures a unique moment, it does not delve into broader implications of the concert on the music scene or the artists' careers, particularly Hendrix's trajectory post-Monterey. This omission could lead readers to overlook the concert's significance beyond a mere anecdote.
Manipulative Aspects
The article does not overtly manipulate the reader but does employ a storytelling technique that evokes curiosity and nostalgia. The excitement surrounding Hendrix's performance and subsequent antics serves to engage readers emotionally, which may lead them to view the concert as historically pivotal.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other music history articles, this piece stands out by focusing on an event often overshadowed by larger festivals. However, it lacks some context regarding the evolving music scene of the late 1960s, which could enhance its significance.
Impact on Society and Economy
While the article is primarily cultural, it could indirectly influence the music tourism industry by encouraging interest in historical concert sites. Increased awareness might lead to events or celebrations around these sites, potentially boosting local economies.
Target Audience
The article likely resonates with music historians, rock enthusiasts, and fans of the featured artists. It appeals to those interested in the origins of rock festivals and the stories behind iconic performances.
Market Implications
In terms of stock market implications, companies involved in music memorabilia or concert tourism could see increased interest as fans seek to connect with historical events. Additionally, any business associated with the artists mentioned might experience a boost in visibility and relevance.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article does not directly address current geopolitical issues, it reflects the cultural shifts of the 1960s, which played a role in shaping modern music and protest movements. The nostalgic look back could resonate with current social movements seeking to redefine culture.
AI Involvement
It's possible that AI was used in drafting the article, particularly in structuring the narrative or generating engaging language. The conversational tone and historical detail could suggest algorithmic enhancements aimed at making the content appealing to a broader audience. However, the essence of personal anecdotes and historical reflections points to human oversight in the writing process.
The reliability of this article is moderate. It conveys historical events and personal accounts but lacks depth in exploring the broader context and implications of the concert. The focus on Hendrix's antics, while engaging, could overshadow deeper insights into the festival's significance.