BLACK AMERICAN REACTS TO | Jimi Hendrix - Star Spangled Banner American Anthem!!!! (EPIC!!)

[@billman9545]

The crazy part is supposed to represent bombs dropping, crying, and the Vietnam war.

[@markfinnigan4994]

Think the police sirens were in there too....

[@toneyisaiah408]

Sly Stone's real name is Sylvester Stewart.

[@toneyisaiah408]

When Sly was a deejay in San Francisco back in the 1960s,played records. One particular artist was Jimi Hendrix.

[@toneyisaiah408]

Radio stations in those days weren't ready to accept "Progressive rock music".

[@estoy1001]

He was also doing what very few musicians do anymore: Craft the music to fit the lyrics. And the rockets red glare [rocket sounds]; the bombs bursting in air [bombs dropping, people screaming & dying]...does that star spangled banner yet wave... [wavering feedback].

[@mcmoose64]

This is literally a work of art . A powerful , heartfelt political statement . It was reflection on a world gone mad and a country tearing it's self apart .

[@johnlynch9430]

Appropriate for today’s climate IMHO

[@Scottshodgepodge]

Sounds familiar

[@Duce13]

And it still is. Completely apart too the point of destroyed

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Nope Hendrix definitely wasn't politically...He refused to help the Black Panthers

[@cliffordschaffer5289]

The same thing always happened with the crowd -- the people just sat there and stared. You couldn't believe what he was doing even while you watching him do it. I saw him live. It was stunning.

[@Idontlikethatshit.]

Everyone who’s seen him play live says the same thing..Y'all witnessed greatness..Congratulations

[@cliffordschaffer5289]

@@joelhoulette3244 Were you ever actually there? There were lots of drugs, but that wasn't the reason people sat there with their mouths hanging open.

[@RICHBLACKCOCK]

@@cliffordschaffer5289 EXACTLY! it wasn`t: JUST THE DRUGS! remember. this 8:30am. Monday morning. Jiimis the FINAL! artist at WOODSTOCK! most of the 400/500 thousand of the crowd were gone! jimis at the BACKEND!of the set & when he hits those 1st notes of SSB! those left in attendance had 2 b goin: `AW! no he aint playin THAT SONG! but it`s jimi, so lets hear & see where this goes! Jimi told `em uh STORY! best he knew how. leaving it up to the listener.

[@brendalaveine7756]

Saw him there at Woodstock. Unbelievable. Best guitarist ever.

[@mooniejohnson]

Jimi re-enacted a whole 18th-century battle using the damn guitar... this performance alone makes him the greatest. None of us will ever hear and experience music like that... god bless you, Jimi.

[@CBGB_1977]

His redition of The Star Spangled Banner also reflects the assult on American soldiers in the Vietnam war. Although the song is our National Anthem, you could hear the war in it. It's a deep conception of it.

[@wayneschlegel1340]

at least you recognized that, too

[@danlefou]

People seem to forget that Jimi was part Cherokee. The agonised outrage in this piece was not limited to the 20th century...

[@77Creation]

The sounds of war in general. And Jimi was anti war.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

This is actually the most iconic performances in music history. The context of the last four songs Hendrix played at Woodstock are beyond epic. This was the master musician showing the world the true expressionist art. Not knowing the depth of what he was doing on this day is kinda sad. There is the man that for the most part was the heaviest part of the sixties by far. In fact, much of the expressionist art was based on this mans experience in the late 60s and 70s. You should start with Voodoo child and end with Villanova Junction to understand how this one guy changed music history. There is nothing like this performance in all of music history. Jimi Hendrix for the most part was THE most iconic innovator in music of the entire 21st century. He was one with his instrument and more or less the CREATOR OF MODERN MUSIC IN ALL ASPECTS. Jimi Hendrix should be studied by all for his contribution to music in its entirety.

[@cosmicman621]

Finally someone in the comments that lays the truth of it a......most people commenting don’t seem to understand anything about this magic..life-altering event....well f’ em..if they can’t dig it they don’t deserve it..the creator does’nt want all these sleeping peoplle..TO DIG IT

[@paulstewart1343]

I always start with Jam Back at the House just before Voodoo Child...watching/listening to him play the end of that song is what freedom looks, sounds and feels like.

[@millardarterberry]

I learned a lot reading your reply, and I've loved Jimmy and this performance for a long time. Thank you.

[@fergusdenoon1255]

@Paul Schmick Lysergic acid diethylamide.

[@fonsecorona]

Totally agree....i couldn't have said it any better...Well, I know you meant 20th century, not 21st century, but that's ok...Still, a tip of the hat to you, sir..

[@bridgetlaw1484]

Jimi was the last performance at Woodstock........Most of the crowd had left because of the horrible weather conditions....but Jimi still killed it.

[@jaewok5G]

… it as already monday morning

[@SulfuraSS]

...and there was a pandemic at the time!

[@davidpotwin1691]

So happy that it was recorded it could have never been seen !

[@SuperDancingdevil]

This was Jimi’s protest against the Vietnam War, He was making a guitar do things and make sounds that no other guitarists could do, In this he even makes the sound of bombs dropping and exploding, remember this was way before synthesisers were used and NO computer generated noise at all.

[@wayneschlegel1340]

You´re stating the obvious.

[@SuperDancingdevil]

@@wayneschlegel1340 To you may be I was "Stating the Obvious" But not everybody is as intelligent and knowledgeable about Hendrix as you so my comment was meant for people who do not have your vast encyclopedic knowledge of Hendrix to help them not to Help you as you already know it all.

[@wayneschlegel1340]

@@SuperDancingdevil By reading the comments I found that you are right. I wasn´t aware of the fact that so many people checking out a Hendrix video know so few about him. I couldn´t imagine how one can NOT know these most prominent facts known for 50 years now. My fault.

[@brushuk]

@@wayneschlegel1340 obvious to us that grew up with him.. but not not to todays youth who have grown up with synths, samplers and everything being available at the touch of a button. this is an incredible performance, even 50 years on.. it inspired me back when i was learning to play the guitar, and having watched it again, still does..

[@wayneschlegel1340]

@@brushuk The same buttom offers all information there is, about Hendrix, too. And the youth know much better than us how to gain information if they want to know. about things. And I know young folks playing guitar and know all the tricks and licks which took me ages... cause there was no youtube and guitar nerds who spread the secret chords. So the youngsters do better than us.

[@keelinmetaljam923]

Jimi said his chaos was to simulate the sounds of war. Vietnam sir.

[@wayneschlegel1340]

Isn´t that obvious?

[@brushuk]

@@wayneschlegel1340 not if you weren't from that time.. just to remind you, 15 year old kids playing the guitar now were born in 2004..! they know nothing of this..!

[@wayneschlegel1340]

@@brushuk Let them find out themselves. They will if they want to. If they don´t, they don´t deserve to know.

[@poboypowder7567]

cosmicVox13 I’ll reply with not a direct reply but a question to let you solve this on your own. What war was going on in the 60s that most people were protesting and being drafted into?

[@eeshsinger]

brushuk I know that even if ima 16 year old kid cuz im a hardcore rock fan

[@percey]

Jimi Hendrix - "Machine Gun" live at the Filmore East... you wont regret it

[@manjay49]

That is *the One*. It's *all in there*.

[@justinhawkins6439]

THISTHISTHIS

[@Jr-sw8wj]

Yessir brethren. That’s the one that’ll lead you to the light

[@hemmel2261]

The one from the band of gypsies album yes!!

[@davemadman7093]

Oh yeah machine gun😀🤙 for sure

[@lisarickerson2761]

It's like he wasn't even human. I have no words for how he makes me feel every time I hear him play. Can only imagine what else he would of given the world if he could have stuck around a little longer. 💔🙏💔🙏💔

[@williamjver]

Good to see this generation appreciating a guitar legend like Jimmy Hendrix

[@mikeserra9462]

Hendrix

[@williamjver]

@@mikeserra9462 thanks Mike typo

[@dawoudkringle7423]

I knew a few people who were there; including Juma Sultan, one of the percussionists with Hendrix at that gig. Nobody knew he was going to play this.! The band was like "What's Jimi up to?" The audience was staring at him in utter disbelief. He just decided at the moment to do this, and the rest is history. Imagine having the skills to improvise THIS without rehearsal! The greatest symbolic significance of this is the time of the festival. The US was involved in a very unpopular war, and there were terrible divisions in the country. When Hendrix played this, he stood in front of the world, looked America in the eye, and said "You violated your covenant with God and your people." Nobody else could have done it. I first heard this a few years after Woodstock came out in the theater. Hendrix had just died, and it was the first time I saw a video of him. It was a game-changing moment for me. After 48 years, I STILL get chills when I hear this. Thank you for all the great work you're doing, Justin. Much respect!

[@wallypoffle7796]

There has never been anyone who understood and encapsulates the essence of America like Jimi Hendrix. Unsurmountable virtuoso genius !

[@Blissbomb2]

Jimi played at 9 am on Monday morning, everyone was heading home already.

[@kgunitkeese17]

And he hadn’t slept. He was up all night waiting to perform. There were a lot of delays due to rain and faulty equipment.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

True...maybe 40,000 were still there, out of 400,000 there the night before!

[@doorsman8451]

Dude's just badass. Innovator. To this day, this is still awesome.

[@spicy321]

"God damn, Jimi!" You don't know how many times I've said that listening to him.

[@BeyondVulgar]

He's not having a funk session in the middle of it. He's describing the horrors of the Vietnam war through his guitar.

[@katsujinkin60]

Brother, I love your facial expressions! Jimi's playing has an effect on your nervous system, and I know because I saw him play live 3 times, and met him once. I have never lost myself in music the way I did when he played. I was 15 years old in June 1967 when I first heard "Hey Joe" on the radio. I immediately ran to the record store to buy "Are You Experienced". That's when I found out he was Black, since the radio just called them a new band from England. Black kids were starved for a Rock Star on the level of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Here was our Prophet at last. I love Prince and Stevie Ray Vaughn, but Hendrix was the Master, and they were his disciples. They even learned to dress like him! Right On!

[@helgar791]

Although this version of the national anthem is one of Jimi's best his "Machine Gun" done live at the Filmore East is just as good.

[@edwardrichard2561]

I love Machine gun.

[@15chipshops]

Yep, one of my all time favourite Guitar solo's!

[@richgta1]

i play that on my channel

[@dewaynewhite2928]

I love that too!!!

[@HarryGuit]

Always ratings! They are one of a kind each and related. They are two chapters of the same story. You might like the end of story better than the beginning. But the end is nothing without the beginning.

[@normantessier3740]

I Was There At Woodstock That Day Ole Jimi Took The World And Turned It All Upside Down. There Never Has,is,Or Ever Will Be, Another Jimi Hendrix. I feel Honored And Privileged,To Have Lived In This Era Of Jimi. Definetely A Gift From Our Maker.

[@77Creation]

You most definitely are. 🫡

[@Killvoid13]

Jimi is amazing.

[@TEV0714]

He also served in the 101st Airborne.

[@wayneschlegel1340]

...the choice was to go to jail or to the army. It was no patriotic act.

[@rancidcrabtree.]

@@wayneschlegel1340Some of those who didn't go for patriotic reasons still didn't come home. Are they lesser than the patriotic ones who did come home?

[@wayneschlegel1340]

@@rancidcrabtree. No way. Just wanted to mention that cause some believe Hendrix played the hymn for patriotic reasons... and that´s why he served the Airborne, too. As they believe.

[@rancidcrabtree.]

@@wayneschlegel1340 Then please pardon my heavy hand. Have heard similar sentiments elsewhere that borders into bigotry and I just can't sit quiet when I do.

[@wayneschlegel1340]

@@rancidcrabtree. It´s alright, no hard feelings.

[@claytonpaul4259]

"inside of a war movie" is exactly right. Jimi played it as the air in america was at the time, static, sirens, bombs and screams: AMERICA! Vietnam was raging, MLK had been killed the year prior, Nixon had just been elected, crazy time for the country... Crazy ass interpretation of the anthem that is still relevant today. Here is Jimi talking about it on a late night show: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF69ioiXh7CEoc0 That whole show is worth looking up, Jimi didn't do a lot of interviews. Here is another clip of him at a press conference and he also talks about the anthem: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpWpcqeZrM2jabc If you really want to see this concept of Jimi's moaning screaming dive bombs, war and sirens, listen to Machine Gun. It is a song in protest of war and is from the perspective of a soldier and a farmer. This is Jimi;s best live performance of all time IMO, would be awesome if you reacted to it: here is a copyright safe version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIOoZJ6ggZiMoMk This official version you can hear Jimi talking to the crowd before the song starts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3vakIunq9iGf9U Rock on, there are no bad Jimi songs, I would really suggest starting with Band of Gypsys album!

[@tanmaxwell4599]

There hasn't been such a monster guitarist since HENDRIX . Don't believe they'll ever be another of such greatness.

[@mykota2417]

This genius is a true reflection of US culture. Jarring brilliance.

[@zappa1952]

Jimi's rendition captured all the pain, suffering, bombs and human tragedy of war or in this case the birth of a nation.

[@mattm402]

1969... 2019....2021.... Nobody's never seen anything like because there IS NOTHING LIKE THIS.

[@tdsims1963]

Truly the Black Beethoven. I have heard this a million times and it always blows me away. And it breaks my damned heart that younger black musicians are just now discovering what should almost be Black History Canon.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Prejudice exists in many layers, when it comes to various ethnic groups...to some blacks, Jimi was just a sell-out, a jive turkey, catering to White musical tastes...Not true, and Jimi was very hurt by the rejections he experienced from fellow black musicians...He had hoped--mistakenly--that people would be open-minded by his new way of playing...Few people of any race accepted his amazing talent for what it was--pure creativity!

[@karlof90]

Hendrix is they reason why I learn yo play guitar since I was 12 years old in 1970, and I am still learning from him today.

[@pyschoman9450]

jimi WAS AND STILL TO THIS DAY IS THE BEST!!!!!! in my opinion.

[@uchihaitachi27]

you forget *AND WILL ALWAYS BE*

[@toneyisaiah408]

And Jimi was in the middle of all that.

[@toneyisaiah408]

The late Frankie Crocker worked as a deejay he played soul music.

[@toneyisaiah408]

Sam Cooke,Aretha Franklin and many others. Jimi Hendrix wasn't allowed at all.

[@toneyisaiah408]

It's a good documentary James M. Hendrix.

[@grahamstanley9238]

It was a protest song against the Vietnam war. Portrayed the sound of machine guns and bombs falling! Groovy! Flying my inner freak flag!

[@jutta3378]

I always think of Picasso's painting "Guernica" when I hear Jimi play this. Unsurpassable!

[@patrickbowen1367]

Justin, being a former marine and soon to be 43: my late father turned me onto this performance. He was a marine who also served in the Vietnam war in 69-70, who also went to the Monterey pop festival in 69 while at language school and just happened to see Jimi Hendrix and his experience live along with a slew of other ridiculous acts. He was also tripping, 😂. Of all the performances, he only really remember being completely blown away by Jimi. Music is a true art. And at that time for that artist to perform that song in that moment was truly transcendent. It’s too bad that most of the audience really didn’t know who Jimi was. He was big in England, but relatively still anonymous in the US at that point. He also closed the festival’s musical performances. The reason why he closed the show (and pretty much every one he played) was nobody wanted to follow him. I read someone write already on the comments that he’s overrated. Not at that show specifically, but at that time, when Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Pete Townsend and their respective bands let you close the shows because you’re too intimidated to follow your act... you gotta be pretty fucking good.

[@happyteej6600]

i Wanna Say ThankYou for Your Service to Our Country Patrick Bowen, i appreciate you and your comments...and yes, you are correct, NOBODY wanted to follow him. the stones didnt even wanna be at WoodStock to be on the same bill and two years earlier when he opened for JeffersonAirplane? They didnt even play their show

[@toddvandell85]

@Patrick Bowen I thank you for your service, sir. Fellow 5 year veteran myself. Navy man, surface warfare, east coast. 1983-1988. Anyway. Can't quite fathom why anyone who has truly listened to Jimi Hendrix would say Jimi is over-rated. Jimi was the benchmark for so many other guitar players. He set the bar. The reason so many picked up a guitar was because of what Jimi did and could do with one. Willing to bet the only fools who say Jimi is overrated? Jaded Millennial brats who think they know everything. If they actually took the time and dug into Jimi's catalog, or watched him play live on any of the multitudes of videos featuring him, they would see how wrong they are. I mean, they're entitled to their opinions. They're just wrong. Anyway. My two cents. (Jaded know-it-all Millennials just piss me off, if you didn't pick up on that. ☺)

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Your story is off a little bit...your daddy, if he did attend Monterey Pop, did so in the year 1967, not 69. Remember, Woodstock was in 1969.

[@bacchusnalia]

Jimmi Hendrix, just simply brilliant!!

[@charliemiller1123]

Justin, Jimi Hendrix's the star spangled banner blew the people there at woodstock. Several other songs that Jimi Hendrix wrote many songs that blew and still blow minds. Black or white guitarist, Prince, Slash, Lenny Kravitz , Stevie Ray Vaughn whoever will all say Jimi is the reason why they chose to play the guitar. Songs like "Voodoo Chile", "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return), "Highway Chile", "Stone Free"and "Purple Haze" I suggest you should react to. I grew up in the 1980s where heavy metal and the birth of rap were going. As a black man I know and heard a lot of heavy metal songs that you and others react to. Thank you for this channel.

[@jeffbuckley4453]

im white, and imo jimi is the man, fuck metal!

[@huskerchickmissy]

Hey Joe is my Favorite Jimi was so amazing I'm glad he followed his heart and made the music he wanted to.

[@Jr-sw8wj]

Mike Forti HAHAHAHAHAHA fuck

[@ishpadful]

Remember, Vietnam was still going on, full bore! So, Jimi interjects bombs dropping, exploding, killing...throughout his Star Spangled Banner set. Ingenious!! What a way to send a message of protest. It was beautiful!!

[@johnlynch9430]

This was shot on the Sunday morning after about 280,000 people left earlier at Woodstock. Jimi couldn’t make it for their time slot, but showed up when he could. Those that stayed saw history made. I vote for this to be our national anthem.

[@williamkoestner1400]

I see lots of people requesting Machine Gun from Filmore East and agree. Probably the greatest guitar work ever recorded. Has to be Filmore East version though.

[@Mr5thWave]

As a former army paratrooper, Jimi thought this was a beautiful tribute.

[@jakmak1199]

Yes Sir, 101st Airborne, Jimi liked getting high even back then 😉

[@robjones2408]

In 1969, nobody was playing like Jimi. In 2021, nobody can play like Jimi. Even after fifty years, he still remains unmatched. File next to "Machine Gun" at the Filmore East New Year's 1969, for sheer unparalleled genius.

[@waldemarkalnicki2761]

That's truth. Jimi my favourite- I'm big fan.

[@aspencer1811]

The crowd loved it, one of the most beautiful renditions of the star spangled banner ever done.

[@lawrenceeason8007]

When you put your hand on your heart and then caught yourself I about fell out

[@peterblood50]

I think he felt that this piece wasn't about patriotism.

[@Codex7777]

In case you're wondering, It's meant to sound stretched and angry and distorted. It was a powerful protest at the state of America at the time and about the Vietnam War in particular.

[@Codex7777]

Looking at all the rampant unthinking patriotism around nowadays and all the proponents of, 'my country, right or wrong' it almost looks like America has gone backwards when it comes to political self-awareness. A trend that isn't confined to America alone, either... :(

[@davecortese9774]

You have just seen GREATNESSES he will always be the best guitarist who has ever walked this planet!!

[@marilyndurham738]

Jimi was a genius.

[@MrPetrion]

yep, it was amazing. what really amazes me is how few young black folks know this man. in his time he was cutting edge, and they are still trying to match him. no one has. one of a kind. and yes everyone there was stoned out of their minds. it was my first year at osu.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Hendrix really tried to get his black bros and sisters on board with his music...but he was just too radical, way past the "James Brown" style of music--that he had mastered a couple of years earlier, while touring with various Black R and B groups...Jimi actually did not want people to categorize music, based on race...He once said, "There's just two kinds of music, good, and bad".

[@johndegouveia9616]

greatest guitarist that ever walk this earth .

[@sst3d]

That wasn’t funk, young man,..that was the rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air, as he interpreted it... I grew up with this....

[@samlewis7878]

Hearing this again after many times and fifty years I sit in amazement and ask myself... Is there anything like this anywhere? This is a real milestone in ingenuity and creativity. Not much ever in all of music history comes close.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

European reviewers seemed to get Jimi's greatness...a few of them compared him to Lizst, Beethoven, etc.

[@alfredditomasso5355]

He was the best !!!

[@waldemarkalnicki2761]

Jimi best guitarist ever for ever. Amen. Rock'n'roll. Alleluja.

[@timbehen6739]

The best ever

[@markjohnson4217]

That was a powerful statement on the Vietnam War. Those sounds were airplanes crashing and bombs, etc....genius....unstoppable..

[@dccorallo]

Greatest antiwar song and there’s not a word said.

[@devingarrett5800]

Bruh! "guitar licking" I remember I subscribed to you as soon as I stopped laughing when you said he ate out that guitar the last Jimmy video you did. LOL

[@jebaker6942]

This is the man All of the greatest guitar players look up to and influenced by.

[@ggentry5189]

You might like Jimi playing “Wild Thing” at the Monterey Pop Festival where he plays the guitar in a rather sexual manner and then lights it on fire

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Naw...his playing that evening was more "show" than "go". Hendrix came to regret having to go through the motions onstage that he exhibited that evening...and he only burned a guitar three times in total...all before the end of 1967.

[@STVG71]

Fantastic performance. Him working Taps into it is genius.

[@seraphus1]

So great to see young peeps appreciate Hendrix.

[@ClarkKent_13]

I spent 18 months in Iraq during the beginning of the war from 2003-2005. I played this in my headphones every morning before going out on convoy security duty.

[@peterblood50]

Hiya Justin, good video man. I'm subbing and thank you for reviewing this brilliant piece of musical virtuosity. The truth is...this version of the song wasn't about being patriotic, it was about protest. We knew EXACTLY what he was doing. He was re-creating the Viet Nam war with bombs falling, people screaming, machine guns clattering, the whole nine yards. Me and my generation fought in the illegal war and this was the ultimate expression of our rage and frustration at a government that sent us to die for companies such as Michellin Tire and Rubber who owned the rubber plantations in the south. It was a corporate war, run from behind a desk in Washington, with little regard for the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans. Most were poor or medium income people, both black and white, unable to avoid the draft while the rich kids like tRump got off with fake bone spurs and a "paid for" doctors permit. We were also well aware of Jimi's unbelievable talent. My band had been trying to cover "Purple Haze" and "Let me stand next to your fire" for a year or so before this with only some success. Fun fact, Jimi opened for the Monkees on their first tour, which is why you see that audience looking like they were struck between the eyes with a 2 by 4. They had been.

[@wayneschlegel1340]

It´s so weird you have to explain, as I can´t think of anything else but this being an acoustic destruction of the american anthem. And I am not from the US. How much un-education and mislead instinct does it take to misinterpret the obvious?

[@peterblood50]

@@wayneschlegel1340 This was the musical destruction of the false image America had of itself. We were the good guys, we wore the white hats. But war had become complicated, not like the clear cut distinctions of WW2. It was shifting, it was confusing, the enemy lived among the very people you thought you were defending. WE were bombing civilians. WE were destroying villages We dropped more bombs on Vietnam than were dropped by all of the countries involved in WW2. Jimi made the point crystal clear and we all got it. It was a great moment in American history for those who understand these things.

[@huskerchickmissy]

This acually makes me cry everytime I see it 😢 Jimi did things no know one else had the balls to do.

[@colinsdrawings8523]

It is really powerful to me when he hits "and the rockets' red glare" and then it just tears into complete mayhem.

[@andrewschultz7930]

This was EPIC!

[@GodsUnrulyFriends]

When I was 11 years old (1972) I snuck into a theater to see Woodstock. I waited through the three hours of the movie because I wanted to see Jimi Hendrix - at the time I was a big Hendrix fan, but I'd never seen a film of him. He came on at the end. Suddenly, this irresistible power came through the speakers, and this unique and striking image filled the screen. I was pinned to the chair, unable to move. Every fiber of my being was overwhelmed. On an instinctual level, I understood the symbolic significance of what I was hearing. I was never the same. It was a turning point for me. There was no going back. To this day, I can't listen to it without getting chills. Years later, a good guitarist can learn how to recreate this. BUT! Hendrix did it completely improvised, with no model to work from. And because it was during the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, it carries a symbolic weight that only Hendrix has the right to carry. I can imitate what he did here: but, it doesn't belong to me, and I won't perform it in public anymore. I knew a few people who were there, including Juma Sultan; one of the percussionists who played that gig with him. Nobody in the band knew he was going to play this. It wasn't rehearsed: he just did it! The guys in the band were like "What's Jimi doing? What should we do?" And the audience was just staring at him in utter disbelief. Nothing like it ever existed before in the entire history of music. And Hendrix just thought it up on the spot and pulled it off - making musical history. Thank you, Justin, for posting this, for your comments, and for helping to keep the memory of this legendary musician alive. Much respect!

[@dgfcycling1]

Jimi Hendrix changed my whole life as a guitar musician. I cant say how much because its intense.

[@davisworth5114]

There were over half a million soldiers fighting in Vietnam, this is the spirit of the times as expressed by the genius from Seattle, Jimi Hendrix. Order the DVD for Woodstock 1969. Jimi was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne and received a medical discharge after breaking his ankle on his 26th jump. America was coming apart at the seams over the Vietnam War. Jimi Hendrix was very popular in Vietnam.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

This "ankle injury" thing was not what got Jimi out of the service...please read "Room Full of Mirrors", by Charles Cross. and you will better understand how, and why, he got a general discharge from the Army.

[@rhwinner]

Hendrix was in the 101 Airborne and was very patriotic. He supported the soldiers returning from Viet Nam, but not sure about what he thought about the war itself. Interesting dude.

[@hesch-tag]

He hated war ( have you not heard Machine gun? And what he said after that song? ) He was in the army because he had the choice between prison or going into the army. He was a terrible soldier.

[@rhwinner]

@@hesch-tag no doubt anti war, but in contrast to many of his contemporaries supported the returning soldiers.

[@hesch-tag]

@@rhwinner I guess you are right about that.

[@wayneschlegel1340]

@@rhwinner How did he support returning soldiers? Where do you got this from?

[@mikemll]

Excellent description of what you heard! You’re right on point dude. Everybody can’t HEAR Jimi

[@michaelbeahon7421]

Never saw the video before today - thanks for sharing, thanks for serving (Semper Fi)

[@jamminjoe44]

Jimi Hendrix went everywhere with his guitar, he even slept with his guitar. He was the full embodiment of musical mastery over his instrument!! I`m 54, and till this day he is my guitar hero hands down above everyone else. Another Hendrix song I would like you to react to would be Machine Gun live at the fillmore east, as other posters have mentioned. Newly subbed!!

[@77Creation]

In the Army barracks he was known to be found passed out from playing the guitar all night. #Legend

[@mikeachenbach5519]

Maybe they should play this at the next NFL game, lol.

[@Einnor084]

Perfect game!!!

[@lanat5775]

I wish. I would start eatching football again

[@sgtdave9617]

That was Woodstock man... Half A Million People. It became it's own city for 3 days and 3 nights.,.

[@JeddorianJalapeno]

I am a Canadian..Mother was born in USA..played lead for years..Nothing touches my heart and soul like Jimi nailing down those notes and tones..This version makes me cry for America..every aspect of America is wrapped up in this song ..a song about war using the sounds and anguish of a nation..It soars..Ut us grandiose and ripped apart by bullets and incoming..cries and sweet tones if melody..Blues in a Star Spangled Blanket..tears flow ecery time for the American dream always at war with someone or itself

[@curbozerboomer1773]

It moves emotionally too!...yet, so many people seem to miss the import of his genius!

[@hotratz69]

My eyes leaked a little too. I was 13 years old when this happened. All others have been judged against him.

[@seasonofthewatchers1010]

You have no choice, but to stand up, with hand over heart, when Hendrix plays this. God Bless America🦅🇺🇸

[@jimmykosman]

You know that it was a statement against the American government right?

[@kingbee48185]

Bombs, rockets, guns, explosions, and the screams and cries of war and death, with that little version of taps tossed in. He was very much against the Vietnam War and war in general and this was his way of reminding us that our anthem really glorifies warfare and is not all that glorious after all. The only thing that comes close is Frank Marino, a Hendrix protege, and his mind blowing solo 'electronic reflections of war' . Give that a shot.

[@philstone2627]

lars Jimmy was a vet,don't know his view on the war but as a son of vietnam,and a vet myself I think all vets are against war. Just my opion.have a nice day my friend.

[@kingbee48185]

@@philstone2627 you must not have read much about James Marshall Hendrix. He was in the military as a paratrooper, but wrenched his ankle on a dive and was honorably discharged. He never saw combat, thankfully. He was very much opposed to the Vietnam War and war in general. Listen to all his songs, read his lyrics, read his quotes, and books written by those close to him. He was very much part of the hippie peace and love, drop acid, not bombs movement.

[@philstone2627]

No I haven't,but thanks for the info.I do appreciate it.

[@locatefastballchange]

Justin, great take. I see your emotions. I had tears too. Grew up in and around base, Dad was a lifer. WWll, Korea complete with ptsd.

[@claireburling8547]

Jimi was just amazing and so beautiful too. I'm so proud to have been part of that generation and witness the incredible strides in music by him and artists like him. He brought pride, innovation and imagination that he let loose with so many great songs and compositions. I think he was born with a dream catcher in his brain, so he could write some wonderful lyrics. Another genius who didn't read music, it wasn't necessary. And those looong fingers were meant to play guitar! ☮️to all.

[@MariaRocha-jk5qd]

He was describing the bomb bursting in air with his guitar describing every word in the song

[@huds5005]

Jimmy amazing guitarist and a proud Vet

[@wayneschlegel1340]

This wasn´t played by a proud veteran. Doesn´t sound like a tribute to the army.

[@brianjones3191]

My absolute favourite Hendrix performance! I will never get tired listening to it!

[@wildmandon1]

Woodstock was a 3 day concert and Jimi Hendrix performed last. Many of the people had already left and some of the scenes, you can see a guy going around sweeping up after most of the people had already left. But he gave an awesome performance.

[@clemdewitt4522]

Coming up fast on 50 years since Jimi stunned with his cover of The Star Spangled Banner. In my opinion and that of many, James Marshall Hendrix is the best guitarist to ever walk this Earth. RIP Jimi...your music will forever resonate with me.

[@billdemotte7152]

My father uncle and adoptive dad were Gen X and served in Gulf war and they said this was why they served. For this freedom of expression

[@jonathanbristow3208]

There can never... Be another!

[@shannonroche1182]

This is the most beautiful rendition of star spangled banner. Jimi. Makes tje guitar sound like the bombs and the noise of war. It's a masterpiece. An absolute masterpiece 👏🙌

[@alamc200]

And did you notice, he also played "Taps" after that part?

[@andymullarx6365]

And the rockets red glare .....then the bombs bursting in air. The creativity of providing the sounds of war to those two lines was brilliant.

[@rolloblevins3323]

Jimmy, Airborne once again!

[@mlhesler68]

He played a righthand Strat upside down. He reversed the strings giving it a different sound. He is the GOAT.

[@rdhudon7469]

This was a very dangerous time to be a healthy poor young American man . This statement never gets old .

[@chrisbarlow2131]

And to think, even to this day, some people think Jimi played Star Strangled Banner because he was being patriotic. Oh boy.................!!

[@wayneschlegel1340]

Glad some else mentions this.

[@TheFunktipus1]

Just over a year later, he was gone but never forgotten

[@jaydubya3698]

Still...to this day...one of the greatest anti-war statements of all time. And without words.

[@stuartmarks9852]

I remember the protests throughout the western world against the war in Vietnam. This was his protest against the USA in Vietnam

[@gordongrant444]

The rockets the red glare- the bombs bursting in air. FOR REAL.

[@chrismahon3010]

Jimi was supposed to be the headline act on Sunday night however the promoters agreed with local Woodstock council representatives that they would switch off the sound after 11pm so people who had to go to work could sleep. Jimi wasn't able to get on stage as the previous act played way over their alloted time. So what you see of him is on the Monday morning when most of the festival audience are packing up to go home. Very few people saw the "Star Spangled banner" performance live. Most had to buy the Woodstock live triple album later in the year in order to appreciate his genius .

[@Frankincensedjb123]

People say that the way he played the SSB was disrespectful, but he's a vet--honorable discharge from the Army due to injury. On the Dick Cavette show he was asked if he thought it was disrespectful. He looked surprised and said, "No, it was beautiful." Got to love Jimi.