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Following Living Colour's performance was the return engagement and pairing of last year's tribute favorite's Los Lobos (David Hidalgo and Cesar Rojas) along with original Band Of Gypsys members Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. This year, the group played tribute through the popular Axis: Bold As Love track, "Spanish Castle Magic." And although this year's performance did not include Billy Cox on vocals as in last year's rendition of "Freedom," the strong pairing of Buddy Miles' explosive percussion and Cox's thundering bass beats along with the melodic blending of two lead guitars - Rojas and Hidalgo - proved to be a very stunning tribute.

In addition to the historic pairing of the Band Of Gypsys and Los Lobos, a return engagement by fan favorite Eric Gales alongside the Band Of Gypsys who were joined this year by ex-Earth Wind & Fire guitarist Sheldon Reynolds, took to the stage to pay a fitting tribute to Jimi through the upbeat take of Hendrix's "Foxey Lady." The one-two punch of Gales' incendiary showmanship and the urban rhythmic-funk stylings of Reynolds (who also played one of the limited edition Fender Custom Shop "Monterey Stratocaster" guitars) proved to be one of the more memorable performances of the night.

Ex-Guns `N' Roses lead guitarist Slash returned to the stage again this year, playing tribute with the classic single "Stone Free" alongside Living Colour's Corey Glover, plus Band Of Gypsys' members Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. Having previously performed in the 1998 tribute at Seattle's DV8 Nightclub during the national finals for the Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition, this year's tribute saw the return pairing of Slash, Cox, and Miles. Widely recognized as one of the most daring axe-slingers to ever walk a stage, Slash's fiery mid-number solo proved highly successful.

Not to be outdone by the dazzling prowess of Slash, guitarist Dave Navarro took to the stage to play with fellow guitarist Andy Aledort, bassist Tommy Shannon and original-Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell. Navarro was all smiles on stage, gleaming from ear to ear with the chance to play with Mitchell. Navarro and company did more than simply play, they would have torn the roof off the venue had the show been held indoors, as they ripped through a blazing version of Hendrix's anthem, "Fire." Navarro kicked off the song with a interlude to "Machine Gun," but before long he had launched full-on into an incendiary tribute to Jimi, Mid-way through, Navarro and Mitchell bounced back and forth playing musical solos, one after the other, which brought the crowd to another level.

Following Navarro and crew to the stage was guitarist Stephen Stills (ex-Buffalo Springfield/Crosby Stills Nash & Young) who performed "Hey Joe," alongside Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox. The Stephen Stills who stood on stage Saturday was the Stills of yesteryear - rife with passion and an electrifying spirit. Combining his skills as guitarist and vocalist, his Jimi tribute was full of grit, power, and expression that helped to cap a truly successful night of musical tributes.

Tonight's music represented a circle of music, while the artists who gathered on stage showed their love, support, and admiration of Jimi Hendrix's music, the fans too came to show their support for both the artists on stage and the underlying music and message of Jimi's music. "Tonight showed everyone the power and appeal of Jimi's music," says John McDermott. Bob Hendrix adds, "it's great to see all of these amazing artists gather together and participate in a show for the fans. It shows everyone the universal appeal of Jimi's music, the love that the musicians have for him and the love that the fans have for his music." And with more than 30,000 people in attendance, Hendrix suggests "it's a great experience that helps to perpetuate Jimi's music to a whole new generation."

Following the show, Janie Hendrix summarized the event as an uncompromised success saying, "It was an amazing night of live music. What took place here tonight reflects Jimi's philosophy about life and music. It's exciting to think that Jimi's beliefs can go full circle, from his `Electric Church' concept of the late 1960s, to a tribute concert today that encompasses musicians from a variety of backgrounds, we believe this held true to Jimi's philosophy. I know Jimi would be proud to know that his fans came out to have a good time, but they were all so beautiful in that they love music and enjoy what is being offered to them."

Experience Hendrix and the family of Jimi Hendrix would also like to gratefully express their sincere appreciation to Rob Hagey and the city of San Diego who helped make these incredible weekend a reality. "We would just like to thanks the fans, the musicians, and the promoter for helping to make this year's tribute the best ever," says Bob Hendrix. "All of the musicians gave themselves unselfishly," adds Janie Hendrix. "I'm just not sure if we will ever top this year's show. It was a true experience!"

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