Nick’s Hendrix tape sells for almost twice the expected price
A recording of a backstage interview with iconic rock musician Jimi Hendrix, conducted by former EastEnders star John Altman, has recently been auctioned off for the surprising price of £3,380. The interview, which took place at a concert in Central Hall, Chatham, Kent in December 1967, also featured Pink Floyd keyboard player Richard Wright. Initially expected to sell for a sum between £1,000 and £2,000, the tape surpassed all expectations at the auction held at Ewbank’s in Send, Surrey.
John Altman, known for his role as Nick Cotton on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, attended the concert at the age of 15 by skipping school with his two closest friends. The collection of rock memorabilia put up for auction included autographs and rare 7-inch singles, showcasing Altman’s passion for music and his dedication to capturing those precious moments with rock legends like Hendrix and Wright.
The recorded interview on the sold tape provides a unique glimpse into the lives of these iconic musicians. In the recording, Jimi Hendrix recounted his recent experiences of having to abruptly leave a US tour with the Monkees, shedding light on the challenges faced by artists even during the peak of their careers. On the other hand, Richard Wright shared insights into the contrasting reactions of audiences in the UK and America towards Pink Floyd’s music, revealing the varied reception they received in different parts of the world.
The conversations captured on the tape were the result of impromptu interviews conducted by John Altman and his friends during breaks between the afternoon and evening shows. The young music enthusiasts even lent a helping hand to the musicians by assisting in unloading their equipment, allowing them to establish a personal connection with these rock legends beyond the glitz and glamour of their performances.
This record of the intimate moments shared by these rock icons serves as a valuable piece of music history, providing fans and collectors with a rare opportunity to own a piece of memorabilia that encapsulates the essence of a bygone era. The unexpected success of the auction showcases the enduring appeal and timeless relevance of the music created by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, highlighting their impact on generations of music lovers around the world.
As music enthusiasts and collectors continue to cherish and preserve these priceless artifacts, the legacy of icons like Jimi Hendrix and Richard Wright lives on, inspiring future generations to delve into the rich tapestry of rock music history. The auction of this historic tape serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and connect people across generations through the universal language of melody and rhythm.