Jimi Hendrix’s arrival in England in 1966 marked a significant transformation in the music scene, showcasing a level of talent that astounded contemporaries like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Despite his peers’ admiration, Hendrix sought inspiration beyond his immediate success. In a 1970 interview with Roy Hollingworth for Melody Maker magazine, Hendrix shared his vision for the future of rock music, predicting a “mind-blowing” evolution and highlighting acts like Pink Floyd as pioneers of this change.
Hendrix described the future of music as something that would not only astonish listeners but also offer substance and depth to fill the gaps left by their amazement. He envisioned a complete form of music, characterized by its experimental and psychedelic qualities, akin to what Pink Floyd was exploring at the time. Hendrix referred to Pink Floyd as “mad scientists,” recognizing their innovative approach to music.
By the time of Hendrix’s comments, Pink Floyd had already made a significant impact on the progressive music scene, especially following Syd Barrett’s departure and David Gilmour’s addition to the band. With albums like “More” and “Ummagumma,” and the soon-to-be-released “Atom Heart Mother,” Pink Floyd was breaking new ground, achieving commercial success in both the UK and the US.
Hendrix’s acknowledgment of Pink Floyd’s innovation highlights the distinct yet complementary paths both he and the band were taking in reshaping the musical landscape. While Hendrix’s music was rooted in the blues and renowned for its technical prowess and speed, Pink Floyd’s work was more experimental, focusing on atmospheric and conceptual elements. Both artists, however, shared a common goal of pushing the boundaries of what music could be.
