Inspired by Jimi Hendrix's unparalleled creative and musical influence, Experience Hendrix has continued on that tradition with a series of all-star tribute concerts held in honor of the late great musician. Three initial West Coast dates of the Experience Hendrix Tour were completed this past February commencing with a sell-out performance at the Paramount Theatre in Hendrix's hometown of Seattle, Washington.

Headlined by acoustic and electric performances by legendary Blues guitarist Buddy Guy, the Experience Hendrix Tour featured inspired renditions of Hendrix's classic anthems by the likes of Carlos Santana, Paul Rodgers, Joe Satriani, former Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell, Indigenous, Kid Rock lead-guitarist Kenny Olson, former Howlin' Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon (Double Trouble) the famed rhythm section for guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ann Wilson, Pearl Jam lead-guitarist Mike McCready plus special appearances by original Jimi Hendrix bandmates Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell.

"We felt strongly that a live presentation of the music that Jimi Hendrix created and which inspired him would be an exciting and unique way of conveying his relevance to today's audiences," explains Janie Hendrix President and CEO for Experience Hendrix.

The new Experience Hendrix Tour continues on the tradition formed by Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. - the company formed by Hendrix's family to manage the name, likeness, image and music of Jimi Hendrix - with past tribute concerts held at Seattle Experience Music Project (November 2002), two hugely successful tribute concerts at San Diego's Street Scene Festival (September 2001 and September 2002), an all-star tribute concert at Cleveland's famed Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum; plus similar shows held in Seattle during the city's annual Bumbershoot arts and music fair (September 1995) and tribute concert events held in conjunction with the family sponsored Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition.

The opportunity to celebrate the legendary guitarist's music and continuing influence is welcomed by former Jimi Hendrix Experience bandmates Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox. Bassist Billy Cox, who first befriended Hendrix when the two served in the US Army's 101st Airborne Division and later joined him in both the Band Of Gypsys and the Experience, is extremely pleased with the tour concept and the work the Hendrix family has completed since taking control in 1995.

"Nobody cared about any of us musicians until Experience Hendrix came into being," states Cox. "We were never consulted about anything to do with the Jimi's music until the Hendrix family took over. I think Jimi would be proud of the way Janie Hendrix and the company have kept the music available to people around the world. "Mitch Mitchell strongly concurs with Cox: "Janie Hendrix has done her best to rectify the miserable, unjust situation which had gone on year after year. Janie cares about the music, she cares about the legacy and the fans. Until Experience Hendrix came on the scene there was no one in my opinion who cared about the quality of the music, about Jimi's name, and certainly about me. As for me, no one but Janie ever bothered and for that I am deeply grateful."

In what is hoped to be an on-going series of tribute concerts showcased under the Experience Hendrix Tour banner, the tour's first series of events were held February 22 (Seattle, Wash.,) February 24 (Portland, Ore.,) and February 26 (San Francisco, Cal.). In all three instances the Experience Hendrix artists played to sold-out audiences and received hugely favorable press reviews - "A night to remember" (Mercury News); "Tribute to guitar God Hendrix heavenly" (Contra Costa Times); "Spirit of Jimi Hendrix lives on through his music" (Seattle Times).

Artists joining the Experience Hendrix Tour will perform such classic Hendrix songs as "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "Hey Joe," "Red House," and "Little Wing" along with blues standards performed and recorded by the late guitarist. Hendrix admired the gritty electric blues popularized by the likes of Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters and transformed their songs such as "Killing Floor" and "Catfish Blues" in his own inimitable style. Buddy Guy and Hubert Sumlin, who served as lead guitarists for Wolf and Waters, thus, return to pay homage to the guitarist who both broadened the scope and commercialized the blues like no artist had ever done. In addition to these special performances, the concerts will feature biographical information, interactive kiosks, and video footage of the legendary guitarist.

Today, Jimi Hendrix's status as a cultural icon stands undiminished. His popularity and concomitant record sales continue throughout the world. His continuing imprint on popular culture-more than three decades after his untimely death in 1970 is remarkable. Hendrix's appeal has been tapped repeatedly by Hollywood. The recent hit Stuck On You prominently featured the classic Hendrix favorite "Fire" for just one example. Meanwhile Outkast has revived his fashion style, while Nigel Kennedy, the classical genre's best selling artist, has interpreted Hendrix's songs in that realm. Hendrix songs are regularly performed in concert by numerous touring artists including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Mayer. In May, Experience Hendrix will release Power Of Soul: A Tribute To Jimi Hendrix, an album featuring new and previously unreleased recordings by Eric Clapton, Sting, Prince, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble and other heavyweights.

The Experience Hendrix Tour provides another opportunity to fans of all ages to come together in a fun and exciting environment to explore and experience the musical legacy of the world's greatest guitarist.

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