Forget the misinformation, the disinformation, the conspiracy theory nonsense,
Jimi Hendrix was NOT murdered, he hadn’t lain dead for hours at the Samarkand Hotel,
and he wasn’t full of wine.
“Contrary to some reports, Jimi was still alive when he reached the hospital.”
– Noel Redding (in his book “Are You Experienced”)
Here is some first-hand information from those who were on the scene
at St. Mary Abbot’s Hospital on September 18th 1970:
The medical staff:
“The patient was still alive…”
– John Suau (the ambulanceman who accompanied Jimi to hospital)
from an investigation by Ex Police Superintendent Dennis Care (early 90s)
“I heard them [the two doctors] say later that he had died in the ambulance.”
– Walter Pryce (Accident & Emergencies Admissions Officer, St. Mary Abbotts Hospital 1970)
“We wouldn’t have worked so hard trying to resuscitate him if he was already dead.”
– Dr. Seifert (Medical Registrar, St. Mary Abbot’s Hospital – September 18th 1970) in a filmed interview in February 2000.
“We must have thought that at the time, there was a possibility that we could try and resuscitate him”
– Dr. Seifert in an interview with the BBC in 1995
The journalists:
On that fateful day of September 18th 1970, the police and the staff at St. Mary Abbot’s Hospital informed the press
that Hendrix had passed away in the ambulance on the way to the hospital:
“Pop star Jimi Hendrix died in an ambulance yesterday on the way to the hospital”
– David Tune (The Daily Mail)
“A spokesman for the hospital said the 27 year old guitarist was alive
when admitted but died shortly [after] noon”.
– Peter Goddard (journalist)
“The police sources said [Hendrix] was admitted to St. Mary Abbot’s Hospital
at 11:45 and died about one hour afterward….
…A hospital spokesman said first Hendrix was dead on arrival but doctors
who examined him later said he lived for about one hour after admission.”
– UPI press telex September 18th 1970
10 days later, the official inquest confirmed that Jimi wasn’t dead at the Samarkand:
“The inquest into Hendrix’s death was told that he died on the way to hospital,
after being picked up by an ambulance at this building.”
See the video:
> A British TV reporter standing outside The Samarkand Hotel <
This didn’t deter the conspiracy theorists.
As a fellow researcher once said:
“People believe what they want to believe. The widespread distrust of the authorities (Vietnam war, Watergate, etc. only made it worse)
and a preference towards intrigue and mystery versus the plain boring facts are powerful influences as to what people believe.”
Play Video
What people are saying about Goodbye Jimi:
★★★★★
An excellent book that clears away the fog surrounding Jimi Hendrix’s death
James Hawthorn’s book is the first Jimi Hendrix biography to focus on the legendary guitarist’s death and all the conspiracy theories surrounding it. The book is well-written and superbly synthesizes so much insightful information from so many sources. Its consistently trenchant assessments are strictly logical, and the book exposes a plethora of errors plaguing several previous accounts of Hendrix’s death. Despite grappling frankly with Hendrix’s fatal misjudgments, Hawthorn clearly has great sympathy for the man and loves his music. The book also boasts extensive record and film guides, as well as an impressive day-by-day account of the guitarist’s last four years.
Goodbye Jimi significantly improves the Hendrix biographical canon by deflating all the conspiracy theories about Hendrix’s death that have ballooned for decades. More than any other work, it lays bare the elephant-sized drug dependency that killed the singer. While some other biographies have much more original research and explore his entire life, this new one resolves all the mysteries surrounding Hendrix’s death with thoroughness, clarity, and compassion. I will now enjoy Mr. Jimi’s tunes with even more awe that such a terribly troubled artist could still somehow create such an amazing body of wonderful music.
(Douglas Young – Literay Yard)
★★★★★
Do we still need a book about the hazy passing of Jimi Hendrix?
Hendrix insiders are always interested in a serious account of the course of events during those illustrious final days of this iconic musician. And this is exactly what this book provides us. No gossip or slander, but (new) facts in as clear an overview as possible. For the connoisseurs, this is more Electric Gypsy than Rock Roadie. The biography overview and recent discography are also very informative. My hardcover edition is also beautifully made in terms of color and readability.
(Goodreads)
★★★★★
As its title suggests, Goodbye Jimi – The TRUTH Behind The Tragedy explores ground similar to The Final Days Of Jimi Hendrix, published in 1997 by Tony Brown, and Until We Meet Again: The Last Weeks Of Jimi Hendrix, released in 2011 by Caesar Glebbeek. However, James’s work stands out for its distinctive approach, which avoids any sense of repetition.
Quite aptly, the opening chapters revisit key biographical elements of Jimi’s life in order to shed light on the context of his tragic end. Steering clear of media fantasies and score-settling fueled by the premature deaths of some of the guitarist’s associates, James offers a balanced analysis of the relationships between the main figures involved in the tragedy. The book thus skillfully unpacks the complexity of his dealings with Jeffery.
Drawing on meticulous research, this rigorously documented work dispels many myths that, unfortunately, still persist today. James paints a compelling portrait of Jimi and shows how, by September 1970, he was not only exhausted by his lifestyle but had also become highly unstable psychologically and, quite frankly, completely adrift.
In conclusion, as you will have gathered, I wholeheartedly recommend Goodbye Jimi – The TRUTH Behind The Tragedy.
(Fellow Hendrix biographer Régis Canselier on the French Forum Jimi Hendrix/Amazon)
7/10
Jimi Hendrix Record Guide curator James Hawthorn’s self- published work sets out to dispel myths with forensic investigation, notably when, where and why Jimi actually passed, bolstered by new witnesses and interviews. He also deep dives into relevant medical records, digestive science and pre-existing conditions…The light at the end of this heavy-going, occasionally revelatory tunnel comes with detailed appendix entries on major incidents, album guide and timeline. Now rest in peace, Jimi.
(Kris Needs – Classic Rock Magazine)
Although it is now accepted that he died in his sleep from the ‘inhalation of vomit,’ caused by an accidental overdose of sleeping tablets and alcohol, theories persist that Hendrix was either the victim of a tyrannical manager who worked him to death, committed suicide, or even fell victim to murder. Hawthorn dismisses each of these theories in this book as nonsense, refuting them with a multitude of facts.
(Good Times magazine)
Given that the primary focus of this well-researched study is to establish “the truth” about the events of 18th September, the author’s appraoch is forensic in his assessment of how events are understood to have happened during Jimi’s final days on the planet. Using eye-witness accounts, press reports, interviews and referencing official documents including the death certificate, post-mortem report and coroner’s verdict, the authors sets himself the task of disproving one by one the myths and conspiracy theories that have gained momentum over the years.
(Shindig)
★★★★★
Facts, logic and respect – and no lurid fictitious “theories”
So good to have a book that values facts and logic, rather than latching onto the sensationalized and often just ridiculous conspiracy theories.
(Jon-A – Amazon)
★★★★★
Engrossing assessment of a tragic event
Just finished reading ‘Goodbye Jimi’. It feels weird to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book – given the very sad and disturbing tale it recounts. But I was hooked from Page 1. The writing is engrossing, and the totally engaging narrative style proceeds inexorably towards the inevitable tragic climax. One question arises very clearly in the author’s persistent and engrossing review of all the evidence – how does anyone ever solve anything ever, given the unreliability of memory, and the inscrutability of motivations? But Hawthorn does a brilliant job of getting beyond the myths to the real story. I would not have expected to be riveted by all the tales around contracts, managerial shenanigans, and medical diagnoses – but I couldn’t put the book down. I also enjoyed the various appendices too with additional Hendrix incidents. Just excellent. One thing to stress – Hawthorn does not let Hendrix off the hook for questionable choices and behaviour, but he clearly adores Jimi and his music, and that permeates the entire book. Nowhere more clearly than in the exhaustive and wonderful Record Guide he shares in the latter part of this book. Indispensable!
(John McBride – Amazon)
★★★★★
An excellent factual account
At last the awful folklore surrounding Jimi’s untimely demise is dispelled.
(Amazon)
★★★★★
Conspiracy theories laid to rest
A very well researched book. Dispels all the myths and untruths about Jimi’s death. I have read many books and articles about September 18th 1970, and without a doubt this the finest book about that day. Highly Recommended.
(Amazon)
★★★★★
Informative book about the legendary Jimi Hendrix
Clearly written book about the business aspects of Jimi’s musical career and the last weeks until his tragic death.
The author meticulously formulates all the mythical theories that have come into circulation over the past 50 years.
(Kees de Lange – Amazon)
★★★★★
Well-researched and non-sensational, a must for Hendrix afficionados
“A very well-researched, non-sensational account not just on Jimi’s death, but also on his career with facts I didn’t know, despite having been a Hendrix buff for many years. The section with reviews of records and films works really well context-wise as a celebration of one of the greatest artists of all time. The author is behind the indispensable Jimi Hendrix Record Guide site (a fact I wasn’t aware of at the time of purchase). Highly recommended to rock music fans and Hendrix afficionados!”
(Melin Marten – Amazon)
★★★★★
A Thorough Investigation into Jimi Hendrix’s Final Days
“After the famous “Le Rêve Inachevé” de Régis Canselier, “Good Bye Jimi – The Truth Behind the Tragedy” proves that being a long-time fan does not prevent the emotional distance needed to analyze and reconstruct the musician’s work and life. The subject addressed here required genuine research, and one truly gets the impression of following an investigation spanning several years, gradually untangling the threads of this tragedy. The facts and testimonies are cross-checked, and sometimes checked again, to sort through them and retrace as accurately as possible the artist’s final months and last hours.
As rumours, morbid fantasies, and vague conspiracy theories are swept aside, hopefully once and for all, this thorough clearing-out, on the contrary, sheds light on final months marked by complete psychological wandering, with a Jimi who was utterly drained, both mentally and physically. The testimonies are striking ; in some way, this ending seemed inevitable. Like so many others, in a profound paradox, Hendrix was constantly surrounded, yet ultimately alone, far too alone to escape the vicious circle he was trapped in.
In the end, even for someone who has read most of the reference works, it is captivating, moving, and at times, of course, difficult. For me, it is an excellent complement to the best biographies.
To quote the famous Jimi Hendrix Record Guide: Essential. 5 stars.”
(Amazon)
★★★★★
Worth it
“Just started reading, but this looks good: clear, to the point without sensation.
It also includes info that was unknown to me as a lifelong fan. Recommended for every fan.”
(Amazon)
★★★★★
Very thorough and impressive.
“Very thorough and impressive book. Highly recommended, even though the subject is a sad story.”
(Amazon)
★★★★★
Jimi forever!
“Very readable book about Jimi’s life and death!”
(Amazon)
★★★
“It’s okay. Would be better if it wasn’t written by someone with an obvious agenda against Buddy Miles, and it seems to be written with an agenda in re: to Jimi’s death…but it’s better than David Whelen’s book on the death of Lennon, so it’s got that going for it. At least.”
(Amazon)
My reply:
Fair enough Sir, but don’t forget that it was Jimi himself who had issues with Buddy, and those around him also recognised that Buddy’s playing was inferior to that of Mitch.
“Got my copy the other week, it’s a thoroughly good read, and dispels a lot of the myths surrounding jimis untimely death, like all rumours and stories they have all gathered pace over the last 55 plus years, it’s extremely and painfully well researched, I’ve over 70 great books on jimi and this is the most indepth surrounding his death, its more than worth a read, even if you’re not a hendrix fan it’s a great insight into the perils of rock and roll from that era.”
(Chris Kelly – Facebook)
“Its one of the best Hendrix books and I’ve read a hell of a lot of them…a real page turner…some nice insights into Mike Jeffery too…..a must have for Hendrix fans.”
(Mick Green – Facebook)
“The most exhaustive look into the final days of Jimi’s short life, he has discovered a great deal of information, which has never come to light before, quite brilliant, in fact.”
(Ric Kempet – Facebook)
“One of the most balanced and well researched books I’ve read about Jimi.“
(Tim Greenhall – Facebook)
…and from Steve Hoffman Forums:
“The book is unusually well edited, comprehensive and a good read. The book makes a great job at dismantling persistent myths.”
“Fantastic (dispelling) read & well written.”
“Great to read a book that isn’t full of gossip, hearsay, lies, innuendo and conspiracy theories surrounding Jimi’s death.”
“Finally a book that dispels all the crap that’s been written about Jimi for the last 55 years. ABSOLUTELY SUPERB.”
As expected, the conspiracy nuts have dropped in a few hostile comments, in a rather pathetic effort to counter the irrefutable facts that are presented in the book (the forensics, the police, accounts of hospital officials, the ambulancemen, etc. …).
As for the ludicrous claim that Mitch Mitchell received news of Jimi’s death at 7 a.m., in the source interview for this, Mitch clearly stated that he hung around at the Speakeasy until “about four [a.m.]” and then drove home, which took “…about an hour and a half”. Following which, he said:…I didn’t go to bed and sat up for what seemed like a few hours, but may well have been longer. I’m not sure of the time, but I got a call from Eric Barrett, telling me that Jimi had died.”
Gerry Stickells confirmed this when he told The New York Post (the day after Jimi’s death): “…somebody woke me up. They didn’t say he was dead, so I rushed to the hospital. That’s where I found out”. Following that, Stickells alerted Eric Barrett, who then phoned Mitch Mitchell. Proof that Mitch was alerted in the early afternoon of September 18th, 1970.
This is a good example of the infantile attempts by the conspiracy theorists to distort the facts. They will also tell you that Stickells and Barrett – as well as the doctors, the coroner and the forensic pathologist – had been brought into the Scotland Yard/MI6 murder conspiracy, to protect the stream of money that Mike Jeffery was feeding the CIA for their COINTELPRO activities! This gives one an idea of the extent of their delirium.
_________
GOODBYE JIMI
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TRAGEDY
by James C. Hawthorn
Bonus: The Jimi Hendrix Record Guide, The Jimi Hendrix Video Guide
and a complete, 4-year Jimi Hendrix Timeline.
Available in paperback and hardback editions on Amazon (worldwide).
6″ x 9″ / 336 pages