This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2024
A piece of lined paper on which Jimi Hendrix has handwritten the lyrics to the song ‘51st Anniversary’. The page has been torn in half and both pieces have been signed on the reverse by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. '51st Anniversary' was released on the 17th March 1967 as the B side to the group’s second UK single 'Purple Haze' from the album 'Are You Experienced'. The song didn't feature on the original 1967 UK and international releases of the album but did feature on the 1997 CD reissue.
When both halves are placed together the page measures 15cm x 23cm (5.9 inches x 9 inches). The top half measures 15cm x 16cm (5.9 inches x 6.3 inches) at its widest points. The bottom half measures 15cm x 13.7cm (5.9 inches x 5.4 inches) at its widest points. There is creasing and age related spotting to the top section with a 1cm tear to the left edge. There is a tape stain to the top edge on the signed side of the bottom section. There are sections of discoloration. The condition of both sections is very good minus.
Provenance: on the 20th February 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience played a concert at Bath Pavilion, England. Before the concert two teenage friends from Bath, Jean and Lucy, made their way to the backstage door seeking the autographs of the group. They came across Jimi Hendrix but, unfortunately, he had no paper on which to sign his autograph. Jimi tore a page out of an exercise book that he had on hand, ripped it in half and then he and the other two members of the group, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, signed their names on each of the two pieces of paper. As Jean and Lucy were walking home after the gig, treasuring their autographs, they turned over their respective pieces of paper to find that the other side contained the handwritten lyrics to a song that Jimi had recently composed, 51st Anniversary. The two friends drifted apart in their later teenage years and with them the two pieces of the lyric. In February 2021, by strange coincidence the two friends were reunited and with them the two pieces of the handwritten lyric.
Authentication: Roger Epperson (REAL) Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.