AMAZING!| FIRST TIME HEARING Jimi Hendrix - The Star Spangled Banner REACTION

[@cliffwheeler7357]

The Vietnam War was at it's height when Jimi played Woodstock. Within the familiar lines of the Star Spangled Banner Jimi was interspersing the sounds of violent warfare, simulating the sounds of bombs dropping with heavy use of the Stratocaster's whammy bar and clever use of feedback through his amplifier. I still have the DVD of his complete Woodstock set, it's a historic masterpiece. Glad you guys got around to showing the video.

[@roblogan6703]

I never thought of it that way! It makes sense now.

[@cartercarter645]

Yes Preeesh on the insight!!!

[@terrycullen3302]

This is why I can't stand Hendrix type tributes when guitarists play the national anthem. They make it seem like he was just noodling away on his guitar, when he was actually recreating the sounds of war

[@boballen818]

Absolutely right. But, the war reached its zenith 9 months prior with the Tet offensive. Then, Cronkite announced the war was un-winnable. An unbelievable waste.

[@cliffwheeler7357]

@@boballen818 What you say is correct. Nevertheless, 11,788 American soldiers gave their lives during the twelve months of 1969, the second highest of the war. Therefore when I stated the war was still at it’s height when Jimi played Woodstock is still reasonably valid.

[@jefffogertymusic2023]

This performance was INCREDIBLE. My dads band, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL headlined Saturday night. They had another concert booked, so they left early Sunday morning. Dad said the band was really bummed they missed Jimi's set. JEFF FOGERTY.

[@robmaeder330]

Your dad is a legend!

[@SusanBishop555]

I saw your dad at Woodstock when I was 14. They were my favorite band and still are. 😍😃

[@bobbyb2725]

Saw you performing with your dad a few years ago (unless you have a brother). He was awesome!

[@jefffogertymusic2023]

@@bobbyb2725 my dad is Tom, my Uncle is John. So you saw my cousin Shane playing with my Uncle John. Shane's younger brother , Tyler also plays with Uncle John. I am in PFUNK and played lead guitar on tour wirh George Clinton from 1996-2002. I just don't tour anymore. My solo album with be released early 2024.

[@Celtics-x4w]

Wow

[@zedcarr6128]

Jimi was a military vet, and he was protesting the Vietnam War with this performance, in his own way. 🥰

[@Beaver1224]

Exactly this. I've always heard critique rather than commendation in this rendition.

[@bretdalton3268]

I have read interviews where he stated the exact opposite. He was was quite anti-communist and supportive of the war although his support was waning by ‘69 he insisted that playing the national anthem at Woodstock was NOT a protest but him being patriotic. He was actually pretty conservative politically, especially when it came to communism, but liberal when it came to social issues like race issues.

[@Beaver1224]

@@bretdalton3268 Very cool. Thank you for the correction!

[@davidward3122]

I kind of agree. Amazing rendition. Melissa Ward here The pain of that war on our generation was devastating. So much credit to Mr Jimi. Genius.

[@lancerx1759]

Thats absolutely Incorrect Hendrix loved his country and was playing a homage

[@minxiv7]

Thank you to all the vets and serving people in our military and in our RSR Family. Appreciate you all!

[@TheHesseJames]

And in memory of 2 Million dead Vietnamese.

[@lemsdarkapprentice2535]

Given usa has so much respect for military + veterans + fallen heroes, why did so many in the forces vote for a guy who says "everyone who dies in war is a loser"?

[@joiedevivre2005]

This never fails to give me chills - his performance made even more moving by the fact that Hendrix himself was a vet. The way his sounds of war are dropped in at various times during the anthem shows the jarring disruption war has on life (in my opinion).

[@edithdriver2094]

I believe your opinion is 100% correct 👍

[@johnplaysgames3120]

"Vet" is a strong word... but yeah. Jimi joined in a plea bargain with prosecutors to avoid a possible 10 year jail sentence after being arrested twice in a week for "riding in a stolen vehicle." While in the military, he was apparently a terrible soldier - missing bed checks, napping on duty, being a poor shot, performing poorly on physical tests, and even got written up for masturbating in the latrine. According to a report written by James C. Spears, Hendrix’s platoon sergeant, Jimi had "no interest whatsoever in the Army... It is my opinion that Private Hendrix will never come up to the standards required of a soldier. I feel that the military service will benefit if he is discharged as soon as possible." 10 months into his 36 month enlistment, Jimi was hating military life. He wrote a letter to his father saying, "There’s nothing but physical training and harassment here for two weeks, then when you go to jump school… You get hell. They work you to death, fussing and fighting." Jimi decided he wanted out of the Army but knew he couldn't just go AWOL or leave because, under his plea deal, he'd be sent to jail. Knowing the Army regulations against homosexuals in the service at the time, Jimi went to the Army psychologist and claimed to have developed "homosexual tendencies." On another visit, he claimed to be in love with one of his bunkmates. They gave Jimi a discharge for "unsuitability" and thus he escaped the Army early without having to go AWOL or face jail when he got back. Basically, he worked the system to get out of going to jail by joining the military, then worked the system to get out of the military by pretending to be gay. He later told friends that he was discharged for physical disability after breaking his ankle on his 26th jump (he was in the 101st Airborne) but the Army has no record of such an injury. Also, he never saw action or anything. Just the insides of bases, lots of training, and playing weekend music gigs at various military bases with Billy Cox and several other fellow soldiers. So, *technically* a vet... but it wasn't exactly the honorable stint of a man serving for his country that people make it out to be. Personally, not being a military man, none of that bothers me. In fact, if anything, it just adds to the 60s-ness of it all, if you know what I mean. But in comment sections where so many people are reverently sharing the knowledge that Jimi was a "veteran," "served his country," and that this service adds depth to his patriotic feelings in this rendition of the national anthem... well... let's not get crazy. I agree with your take on the song though. Wooh. So powerful!

[@richardmardis2492]

You know- I never knew the details! And you’re so level headed about it all- you must be telling us facts👍 Very nice!

[@gaiasgirdle4757]

19-year-old Jimi Hendrix jumped out of airplanes during his time in the 101st airborne, US Army, 1961.

[@wickedmirage]

Years ago my downstairs neighbors had a party that lasted till 4/5am. Asked them to turn it down around 3am and they said "f-off". At 7am sharp, I rolled back the carpet in my bedroom (which was over their bedroom), put all 4 my stereo speakers face down on the floor and cranked this to 11. Played it over and over again. Never had noise problems with them again. Thank you Jimi.

[@Linda-y9h]

😂😂😂😂😂❤

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Today's downstairs neighbors, most likely are armed and dangerous.😅🤣😂

[@wickedmirage]

Good, because I am too.@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time

[@maryannturton9830]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@BethReed62]

Well done!

[@reneenelson1620]

During Jimi's interview with Dick Cavett, he was asked about his "unconventional" performance. I love his response, "I thought it was beautiful. "

[@stephaniejones4749]

That is one of the most iconic renditions of the Star Spangled Banner. And only Jimi Hendrix could do it. He killed it when he was at Woodstock!!

[@allensams1773]

AGREE!!! Jimi did hizzown SSB n it wuz ICONIC!!! Not everyone can do this but he did. . ! In ALL R FACES!!!

[@stephaniejones4749]

@@allensams1773 I agree 💯👍🏾

[@sunnystormy4973]

amazing !

[@koden24]

@@allensams1773if we can feel this on KZbin,imagine being there listening through those Marshall amps🎸

[@stephaniejones4749]

@@koden24 That would have been amazing!

[@Mainecoonlady.]

True story…. I played this video for my 80 year old mom, years ago. I didn’t tell her what it was, but my dad was in the Air Force in WWII. She sat there silently, we listened to this intently. When he was finished I looked at her and she was weeping. I asked her why? She said that was so beautiful. For my mom to “ get it”, that was special. I miss her. 😢❤😢

[@bluetopguitar1104]

I played this version at couple of benefits my band did for veterans. Talk about pressure! They all stood at attention. I was glad I could do it.The effects are amazing. Just Jimi and a couple of guitar pedals. Back then, it was controversial as the Vietnam War was still raging.

[@PaulJerome-b4f]

That's beautiful -- It's a tribute of someone who was both a patriot and also detested war in general - Something I think this generation doesn't get.

[@vellaropedart9190]

A reporter for the New York Times who was at Woodstock talked about how Jimi's rendition of the national anthem gave him chills because in that moment Jimi had captured the entire essence and turmoil of the 60's, especially the Vietnam War. He stated he could hear the falling bombs,the strafing of machine guns through Jimi's guitar. He stated how much it had impacted him hearing it and that everyone present was completely taken aback by it.

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

His was the last act, not many people left to be taken aback.

[@vellaropedart9190]

@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time I think the estimate was 10,000 during this moment. Stephen Stills once stated "If the people who claimed to be there during Jimi's performance actually were there,the Earth would tilt on it's axis"

[@oldtimer794]

My buddy Steve saw this live. it cured his stutter and he never forgot it.

[@cpro2088]

@@oldtimer794 wow❣️ Your friend has a serious testimony that he should write about and publish. Blessings 🙌

[@py_a_thon]

BB King famously said: "I sing with my guitar" Jimi Hendrix famously never said: "I can speak with my guitar."

[@emmitstewart1921]

Some people have an image of Jimi floating around in a haze of drugs, But the guy in this clip knew what was going on in the world, where he was and what he was doing. Everyone who heard this was totally blown away, and the feeling is still just as strong as it ever was.

[@wesb2823]

Jimi was an Army veteran. He was emulating war sounds during the song. He wasn't doing it to disrespect the anthem. Just making in theatrical if that makes sense. Vietnam was going on at the time and he was just playing the music to represent that.

[@WhiteTiger333]

When I saw the title, I thought - please, please be the Woodstock performance. The Vietnam War - emotions were running so high. Jimi nailed it! I graduated high school in 1969 and was already heart-broken at how many male classmates were being drafted into the wretched 'Nam war right out of high school. Jimi's Woodstock performance was our absolute anthem. This was not our war, but we were dragged into it. He used music and his awesome talent to personify our resentment, horror and somewhat helplessness at being young adults at that time. I see by your expressions and comments that you totally get it.

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

People back then lacked imagination, getting drafted, burning draft cards, some running to Canada, when all they had to do was produce a bone spur letter from a doctor to their draft board.

[@tradiciontv9981]

As it is

[@surlechapeau]

Jay/Amber, you'll LOVE his "Foxy Lady" and "All Along The Watchtower"!!!! Iconic songs. True legend.

[@kevinsacks3185]

Jimi enlisted in 1961 and was in the 101st Airborne as a paratrooper and was honorably discharged after his 26th jump, when he broke his ankle. Also, his bass player for this set and future shows was a fellow member of the 101st, Billy Cox. All during the protests of the Vietnam war era Jimi never said a bad thing about the servicemen, just the war they were sent to fight.

[@nedludd7622]

Country Joe, who also sang there, was a veteran who had joined the Navy at 17. His anti-war song "I Fell Like I'm Fixin' to Die" caused some outside uproar.

[@BobRoyce]

Greatest guitar 🎸 player of all time.

[@marcm8406]

To all veterans, past, present, and future....Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Veterans who fought paper cuts sitting behind a desk are to be excluded.

[@louisb5563]

AMBER GETS IT! By jove, she IS, for us, OUR OFFICIAL and UNCONTESTED ROCK CHICK! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💥🔥🔥🔥🔥⭐ 🤘🏻😎 This song means so much more to me today than it did as a teen in the 80's. Much appreciation and Thanks to ALL of you Vets and families for your sacrifice for our freedom(s) that we sometimes take for granted. Much love to you Our Fellow AMERICANS 🇺🇲🎖

[@lora1062]

Thank you for honoring this famous American Veteran. Yes he was a former soldier.

[@RevDrKillJoy]

Semper Fidelis! This was always my favorite rendition of the National Anthem, thank you.

[@One-n-only..BrooklynRed]

He asked to go on last at Woodstock. Some how he knew. Most of the crowd was leaving or already gone. This is the quintessential hippie version of our National Anthem. This is pure artistry. The first of its kind and still pure patriotic. Happy Veterans Day. Thank you all (and Jimi..who served in the army) for your service. Most Sincerely ~Red

[@cosmiccowboy7764]

Let’s be clear . Love his music but Jimi was a terrible serviceman and was allowed a honorable discharge for sprained ankle after 1 year of service to leave. And his version of star spangled banner was an anti war song, which is not a tribute to veterans.That said The world had never heard these sound’s coming out of a guitar before and it was brilliant

[@bert0522]

The most didn't want to come on after him. Jim

[@umainebearman]

uhhhh no

[@jefffogertymusic2023]

You guys are incorrect. Jimi was the festival MAIN HEADLINER. We in the contract the he was the last last to play, that no one played after him.

[@cosmiccowboy7764]

Loved your dad’s music. Are you the proverbial “Fortunate Son “? Sorry my sarcasm needs work!

[@ryanawilson8549]

A true masterpiece

[@peripeteya]

So much pride, pain and feeling in this one. A masterpiece

[@Jacob_D4433]

To all our heroes, WE SALUTE YOU! 🇺🇲💪👏❤️💜🌟

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Except the ones who got captured.

[@Jacob_D4433]

@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time Whether free or captured, we SALUTE their bravery and courage. Most importantly, we support their families as well. 💯🇺🇲❤️💜🌟

[@Knatter_Knut]

There are no heroes in war, only victims and the dead.

[@Jacob_D4433]

@@Knatter_Knut Our family and friends are certainly heroes. We support them and their families. 💯🇺🇲💪❤️💜🌟

[@jrwalker591]

I was a teen when Jimi hit the scene, I cried when he died. I'm an old man now and he is still a beacon I look up to. He was the persona of a generation full of hope and an unequaled talent. As a former vet myself, Salute to all the vets!!! As Jimi has said "If I don't meet you no more in this world, then I, I'll meet ya on the next one and don't be late, don't be late". Peace to you all!!!

[@kylespence9060]

That version of the star spangled banner is awesome done by one of the best guitarists ever

[@loufrank1574]

The best

[@clg3697]

Thank you to all our vets but thank you is never enough. Another iconic version of "The Star Spangled Banner" is Marvin Gaye's 1983 NBA All Star Game rendition. Mr. Gaye made love to the flag that night. I have listened to it before my football team plays for over 30 years.

[@michaelmcnamee7865]

I'm not Amercan but that always gives me goosebumps hearing it. What a talent. When music was real.

[@janmalandra1899]

The really amazing part for me is that as Hendrix did all of his improvisation on this song, he never lost track of where he was in the progression of the song.

[@rickbailey-ty8bq]

He actually began playing it like that a year earlier at a show in Maryland. He wasn't improvising as much as you'd think.

[@SaintPhoenixx]

Hendrix was nothing short of a magician. When you think he was doing this in the 1960s, like the evolution of technique and equipment and so on, still very few people can come close to doing this.

[@mattiefee]

Jimi was a whole different beast. I feel many don't comprehend his genius for what it truly was. You have to check out more of his stuff!

[@cherylhurst7093]

no one can do distortion and reverb like Jimi and have it sound awesome. Very emotional rendition with all the effects Jimi could put down. Loved him and still do.

[@RobSquadReactions]

The reverb was out of this world

[@rickbailey-ty8bq]

That reverb was added after the fact. Marshall super lead amplifiers do not have reverb, and there was no such thing as a reverb pedal back then.

[@sharonlaflair8605]

Jimi Hendrix killed it playing the Star Spangled Banner. Amazing

[@perryphillips2919]

I’m glad y’all reacting to this…. This is legendary 💯❤️

[@davidcause9942]

Happy Veteran's Day. Thank You All who have served and are serving. God Bless America.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Legendary performance

[@rulebs]

Thank you for sharing this version by Jimi Hendrix, Another memorable version ( and a song for female Friday ) was at Super Bowl XXV ( 1991 ). The great Whitney Houston sang the Star Spangled Banner and it was just amazing. It was 10 days into the Persian Gulf War, which made it even more impactful. A must listen. Thank you to all who serve and have served.

[@cwcroswell]

For me, the most engaging amazing charismatic player of the guitar that has ever been. Also, a lot of those high notes represent screaming and crying. It still gives me chills all these years later and it always will. The man was absolutely phenomenal. My favorite guitar performer of all time. 🙏🏻🎸💔

[@ChristChickAutistic]

My favorite version, even over Whitney's. ❤❤❤❤ This was around 7 a.m., and the crowd had this masterpiece wake them up. Lucky! All gave some, some gave all. If you are a veteran on here, I deeply thank you for your service. Peace of Christ y'all. V.

[@GregCombs100]

When I was a teenager in the 70's, I used to play this loud at home and my father (a WWII Navy Veteran) hated it, thought it was disrespectful. This was Jimi's Vietnam protest song, but since he died about a year after this performance, there's not a lot of comments from him on this other than he meant it as a protest. I think the message of mixing the sounds of war with the melody of the national anthem was the American government, at that time, had lost it's way and was no longer living up to it's promise of liberty. He wasn't protesting the soldiers, he was one, it was our government and leadership. Given the history in the 50+ years since then, are we any closer now, or is our leadership still veering off course?

[@cosmiccowboy7764]

SALUTE to all my brothers and sisters in Arms. Heroes to not be forgotten! 🇺🇸

[@DavidThomas-1969]

Jimi is so good.

[@xcronex]

by far the best version, it's so amazing! ...

[@KenOtwell]

Ahhh - I wondered when you'd get to this masterpiece! And you're welcome. :) I was only an Army trumpet player, but I was ready to fight if needed. (Playing taps at funerals is NOT fun, btw.)

[@marygoodson4920]

Jimmy served in the Military if I'm not mistaken. Everyone was just waking up when he played this. ❤

[@stevekaczmarczyk9701]

He played with the guitar 🎸🎸🎸 upside down and the strings are back Ward,,, what a genius 💖💞💞💖 keep the music alive

[@stevekaczmarczyk9701]

Anytime guys,,

[@jasongress8764]

The DEFINITIVE version of the song. There’s more emotion in his version than 99% of every other one.

[@RonF-q3l]

You two are my favorite first listen responders!! I am 71 years young, and you listen to A LOT of music that I like! I could hang with you guys, and not feel anything but at Home....!! I actually saw Jimi Hendrix, at the old Sooner Fieldhouse on May 8, 1970. He played the National Anthem that night. He also performed Machine Gun which was also about the Vietnam "Conflict"......... It was a night that included backup band Bloodrock, who were a very good Band!! Their Drummer broke a Bass drum head on the first song, as he was kicking the crap out of those Drums!! Never before or, since have I seen a Drummer break a Bass Drum head... Concerts switched to Loyd Noble Arena after that.. Still in Norman Oklahoma though.. Saw many great concerts there. I'm rambling... 😮 P.S. Post Script. Jimi played 2 shows that night, and I attended both!!

[@py_a_thon]

Damn, that is epic. I had the privilege of seeing George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic about 2 decades ago...and that show still hits hard when I remember the experience. It was not a concert...it was an actual physical and visceral experience (and also kinda completely insane lol. In the best of possible ways tho)

[@williamcarr7347]

I saw the movie Woodstock in a German movie theater with German sub titles in 1971 while I was in the US Army.. I was blown away. Jimmy Hendrix was amazing.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

What an absolutely cool thing to pick to react to on this veterans day. That's fantastic😊

[@rhwinner]

One of the seminal performances of the 20th century, for sure.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

This classic rendition of the Star spangled banner 🇺🇸 never gets old!🙏♥️He was a Legend! The best!

[@lora1062]

I remember hearing this at the age of 7, my older brother was a huge fan.

[@eclipticstopsign5206]

There are other views of this video where you can see him playing the guitar. Just have to search and find it. You guys are awesome.

[@Denkar11]

The Christmas after the Woodstock album came out, my mother got it for me for Christmas. She wanted to hear it before Christmas Day, so while I was at school one day, she put in on the record player and lay down on the couch to listen to it. She fell asleep, and woke up in the middle of this song, thinking there was a war going on.

[@TheJoshuaPimentel]

I’ve listened to this version of this song probably a couple hundred times but today I heard the message in the music.

[@davescurry69]

It's probably the most iconic musical performance of all time. Jimi Hendrix was a true musical genius. And he doubled down on the Vietnam anti-war theme the following year with his incredible performance of "Machine Gun" at New York's Fillmore East. It's on his BAND OF GYPSYS album guys. Check it out.

[@scottelement]

Nice surprise on a Female Friday. & thank you to your family members for their service

[@markpaprocki8315]

One of the most iconic moments in rock.

[@mamatay7]

Omg, I had a friend in high school who a) was conceived at Woodstock, and b) when it was his turn at the "what I did this summer" whe we returned to school in the fall, his answer was always "me and my family toured with the Dead." So this friend and I were going to the fireworks on the 4th of July. We had gotten to the field where we were going to join his mom and his brother late, and it was already dark. The fireworks would be starting any minute and we were thinking we most likely would be able to find his family in the crowd in the dark. Then we heard Jimi's Star Spangle Banner blasting in the distance. He said "oh, that's my mom!" And we followed the sound like a homing beacon-- and that's the story of how I met his mother!🎸 🎆

[@anthonyblakely399]

Jimmy Hendrix is my all-time favorite guitar player!!! He made his guitar sounds like bombs exploding and he can make his guitar sound like an airplane or a train or a jet!!!! He is AMAZING!!!!! Thank you guys for thinking about us Vets!!!

[@a.dariuskamali8248]

"And the rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there."

[@vstpluginsonicxtc]

Great reaction! You have to remember that this was a time where the “draft” was real and people were being forced to fight in and die as a result of jungle warfare. The reasons for war were unclear and the grim images were broadcasted every night on the evening news. Jim’s performance captured in a few tonal moments the various emotions the country was feeling at that snapshot moment in time. Playing the guitar upside down and backwards only added to the impact. Thank you to all that have served our country!

[@pastorofmuppets13]

He also wove Taps into that - the bugle call played for fallen vets. That part in particular gets me every time.

[@ptournas]

As well as the incoming warning sirens.

[@vicprovost2561]

Yes! The all time master innovator doing his take on the national anthem. With Vietnam going on, he brought the sounds of war to the epicenter of the 60s counter culture. Beyond ikonic, it so freaked everyone out when we first saw the movie in the theater, his set is the exclamation point to the whole festival of great performances. For one of his best live Hey Joe performances, try the audio at his Ikonic performance at Winterland, San Francisco, October 12 1968, his intro to Hey Joe is one of his very best intro solos ever, and the song and band are fire. 🔥 Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎶

[@colerche]

Exactly...this was not patriotic in the normal sense of the word (to say the least) ...btw, as I mentioned above, I was there.

[@douglaswalker6823]

Every time I hear this and watch Jimi play this it just exhausts me it is mind blowing, inspiring and incredible. Love Jimi❤

[@blackprix]

Thank you to so many who gave their lives! Thank you to all those who came home! Two of those where are my uncles. One in the Pacific theater and the other in the European theater.❤❤❤

[@ponuryzniwiarz]

pure emotions, some say that he played sloppily, this sloppiness also expresses the emotions he wants to share with us, sometimes much more than politely and precisely playing these few notes. Hugs from Poland 🤘

[@gkiferonhs]

The selections you have made for Jimi do not show him at his best musicianship-wise. Live Jimi really liked heroin and it showed. His studio work really lets him shine as an artist. All Along The Watchtower, The Wind Cries Mary, Crosstown Traffic, Red House are all amazing.

[@2Cndn4u]

I love that he subtly brings in TAPS (military funeral song usually played by a lone trumpet) after all the war sounds before going back to the Star Spangled Banner.

[@Linda-y9h]

People back then didn't quite know wtf they just heard! Artistic freedom! Jimi was a vet, he could do whatever he wanted. 🇺🇲❤

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Vet or no vet, people back then had a lot more freedom than today.

[@KevyNova]

@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Timesome people did, but most people did not have more freedom then.

[@johnplaysgames3120]

@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time White, middle class people had a lot more freedom back then. Everybody else, not so much.

[@donjackson5522]

I was on college radio back in the eighties. The student union where the studio was closed at 11pm, so we had to go off the air for the night. This was our sign off every night. Thanks for the memory.

[@rwschumm]

Best and only attempt that I've ever heard of using a guitar to portray 'Rockets.... & Bombs....War' and even throes that sometimes happen in our Country, and yet we ARE still the USA. God Bless the USA, God Bless our Servicemembers & Veterans & Their Families! GREAT to have You Guys Play This!! Great Reaction, Guys! :)

[@mil2k11]

Easy GOAT. Jimi's a legend. Great time to see this as it's what America was once - a country everybody was proud to live in. For some reason, there are those that don't feel that way anymore. I love my country, respect all of the men & women who've served their time defending it, and will in the future. 'Merika rocks and we were just shown that by one of the greatest talents ever.

[@mrrewog]

Jimi was a Veteran as well.

[@timothybush9633]

Hi I have a Father who was in WWII as a Marine Sergeant but when he came home in 1963 I lost him when I was 4 so I always Honor him on Saturday November 11th🙏

[@sagittarian1955]

My favorite version of The Star Spangled Banner is by Madison Rising. The lead singer of the band at this time was Dave Bray. He later split from the band, but he is awesome! Dave is a veteran and a patriot. I think if you hear this version, it will be the one you think of first. Please give it a listen. I've asked multiple times.

[@thescrewfly]

At this point Jimi had totally reinvented what the electric guitar could do. No rock guitarist afterwards could escape his influence for at least the next ten to twenty years.

[@davidburton9136]

Jimi was in the 101st Airborne, and actually completed his paratroop training. He deserves a thanks along with all other veterans.

[@rickbailey-ty8bq]

He actually washed out during training.

[@Fairygrl_TW]

Love, honor and respect to all Vets. This is such an amazing Iconic moment in history. Gives me chillzzzzzz. Salute...Thanx so much, Many Blessings

[@bigbow62]

Its a shame that this was Monday morning and most of the 400,000+ Woodstock crowd was on their way home but the few that were lazy hungover slept late or wanted every last bit of that magical weekend were still there when Jimi hit the stage and.. The Rest is History ✌️🙂🎸 🇺🇸 ❤ Yes you are right he was actually creating the "bombs" bursting in air and the sounds of battle ! ....and I'm sure someone has already brought this up but did you notice Jimi was holding and of course playing his guitar upside down ? ....or left handed !

[@cliffwheeler7357]

@bigbow62. When Jimi arrived in the UK in 1966, Fender Stratocaster’s were very hard to come by due to import restrictions. Left handed versions were as rare as hens teeth. Therefore Jimi’s manager, the former bass player of the Animals, Chas Chandler, took a right hand Strat and restrung it with the low e string at the top, and replacing the string nut at the top end of the neck. Jimi loved this arrangement, because the whammy bar was now at the top of the guitar body which have him greater access to hold it while “dive bombing” the strings as Jimi is doing in this remarkable video.

[@MarsMorris]

Good God - i am chilled to the bone listening to this brilliant rendition - and I’m an army veteran. Jimi just tears it up.

[@thomasconlee4939]

Jimi was formerly a paratrooper...strongest hands of any other guitar player. "bombs bursting in air" glad you guys caught that! My parents hated this...but there have been worse versions (Rosanne Barr, for one) but they were glad I wasn't drafted during Viet Nam.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

Whenever I see a list of great guitarists. I think that Hendrix should not only be on top, but separated by a whole other page! Cuz he was so far above everyone. ♥ Jimi Hendrix!

[@chrino21]

I was just a little kid and the world was teetering when he did this. 90% of America was furious - FURIOUS - about it. People wanted him arrested, thrown out of the country, or worse. But this wasn’t the first shocking alt-version of the anthem. José Feliciano sang a gorgeous Chicano-influenced version in Detroit at a 1968 World Series game that stunned the crowd and the country. Definitely worth a watch/listen!

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

"90% of America was furious", get real, I was 12 years old in 1970 when Woodstock the Album came out, The Fish Cheer was a lot more controversial because of its explicit nature. Only 90% that can even be claimed furious at the time would be Nixon Republicans, and they were furious all the time about anything and everything related to the counterculture. There was no major push back against Hendrix, on the other hand, John Lennon was a different story, the right wing wanted him arrested, thrown out of the country, or worse, as a matter of fact, we found out much later the FBI had composed a secret secret dossier on John Lennon with the evil intent of eventually barring him from America.

[@hudsonhollow]

I would not say that 90% of Americans hated this performance. Most of us hated that stupid war! Jimi was expressing what a lot of us were feeling. However, some of my best friends fought in that war. They were serving their country. I am grateful for their service, even if politics were misguided. One of my best friends volunteered with the Marines and took three rounds over there. I'll call him tomorrow and thank him for his service as I do every year. Luckily (?) a blonde threw me through a windshield three days before graduating high school and I didn't have to go.

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

@@hudsonhollow "Caution- I brake for animals."🤣😂

[@roboi2241]

90% of America didn't even know about it at the time, it wasn't like today when a big fuss is made about anything on social media. They might have heard about Woodstock on the news in 1969 just because it was the biggest single gathering of civilians in American history and it was long-haired hippies but that's about it. When the Woodstock movie came out in 1970 the only people who would have seen it were mostly young and into the music so nobody wanted him arrested, deported or worse because 90% certainly of conservative America would have been oblivious to any of the music of the counter-culture.

[@DanC1987]

Ive always said people play the guitar but Jimi and guitar were one... like an extension of his body and the sound is straight from the depths of his soul... many times emulated but never matched.. hes a god!

[@Onz70]

Jimi was a talent. No pedals, just plugged straight into a Marshall amp. His tone and sound came from his fingers.

[@rickbailey-ty8bq]

No, there is a vox wah, a fuzz face and a uni vibe all being used throughout this performance. I have no clue where you got the no pedals idea, but he was definitely using pedals. A marshall super lead amp cannot produce those sounds by itself its a fact.

[@kennethjinkins8967]

I was in Nam when Woodstock happened

[@py_a_thon]

Yeah? Any experience that you feel is necessary to share? Not even anything hairy...just something about something? If not, no worries. I would thank you for your service, yet that sounds like bullshit. So instead I will say: Thank you for your continued existence, and good luck to you.

[@trapperjakk]

Iconic Morming performance at Woodstock

[@AnthonyK51]

I am watching you all's reaction and Amber's reaction made me tear up as well. I served not in Nam my brother (Marine) did twice and came home with the results of war effects on his mind and body (Passed in 2004). All chemicals used and the what happened here back home. I salute all vets that served from my heart. I thank those who thank me for my service.

[@NeverGiddy]

The real gem is not his live version of The Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock. It is pale by comparison to his studio version, which is heavily layered and sounds amazing. Best version I've ever heard of the SSB by far. Simply amazing what he did with it.

[@billbusby3180]

My dad was in the service for 20 years. I was born and live on a military base until I was 15 when my dad retired in 1968. For Christmas 1969 my dad bought me the Woodstock 3 album set.. I was afraid he would not like this song, but he said every generation expresses patriotism their own way.

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Did you play the Fish Cheer for him?

[@MaggieValera]

Jimi was a vet, part of the infamous 101st Airborne, serving from 1959 to 1962 when he was discharged due to injury. It's important to also recognize that the Vietnam conflict began in November 1955, so he was there, left as an injured paratrooper, and then protested our country's involvement. He wasn't protesting as someone who was trying to escape the draft, he protested as a Vietnam vet.

[@davidmckenzie420]

And of course this led into the highlight (for me) of this concert--ending with that awesome "Instrumental Solo" (aka Villanova Junction).

[@JohnPage-nt7oe]

I served in 'Nam as a Navy corpsman attached to 2nd. Div. 2nd. Recon USMC. the way Hendrix played it brought both shivers and memories back. I almost wet myself with the sounds of artillery. Jimi served in the Army, so I know this came from the heart. It certainly touched mine and a couple of others I know. Semper Fi !!

[@koden24]

Man! That sustained note went all right to my Heart!🎸

[@OneWrytyr]

This was the last day of the festival and most of the 400k had left. Less than 10k people were there.

[@christymcdaniel3906]

"Will you turn that disrespectful junk off?!" "Respect the classics, man it's Hendrix!"

[@TheTalismanStudio]

It’s nice to see 20yr olds discovering legends like my guitar hero Jimi! What is incredible about this version, He’s doing this live 1969 with an off the rack Fender Stratocaster plugged into a few effect pedals and amplifier , no midi units, sound clips, overdubs, special effects. Just jimi using his skill, imagination and his great improvisation. As Stevie Ray Vaughan (another great six string slinger) once said,”Jimi didn’t make music, he was music”! Long live the Guitar Shaman James (Jimi) Marshall Hendrix.

[@dianetaheri1462]

Yes yes yes!! When I was young I did not appreciate his genius. This is one of the best versions of this beautiful song.