Chapter 22: Just a Band of Gypsys

Tue, Dec 30, 1969

We were still in the Air, Flying from BSL to JFK.

When we finally Landed & Taxied to our Gate, there were Portable Stairs that were pushed up to the Front Passenger Door.

We left Basel at 2pm, West German Time. It had been a 7-Hour Flight. We Landed at 3pm, NY Time. So, at 1st glance, it was a 1-Hour Flight. Surreal.

Greeting us were a plethora of folks. 1st was Juan Trippe, Owner & Founder of Pan Am World Airways. He Started it in 1927.

The 1st person out the Door was L.C. Beckett. She ran down the Stairs, putting a Lip-Lock on her old Lover, Juan Trippe.

Juan met L.C. in 1929, in Havana, Cuba. As with her other Lovers, L.C. & Juan had a quick, torrid, Love Affair. In 1929, L.C. was 45yo, & Juan was 30yo. In 1969, she was 85yo, & Juan, 70yo. Like with her other Lovers, she & Juan had remained the best of friends over the following years.

L.C.s the one who OK’d our Crashing of Juan’s Press Conference. Instead of being upset, Juan thought it a way to make a bigger splash, so he was happy to appease L.C. He would do just about anything for her.

Next off the Plane were the Rolling Stones, proving Juan’s point, as they were a shock. They, along with George Harrison & Eric Clapton were a surprise.

There were a shit-load of Press there, both Written & TV. The Boeing 747 would be left open all day, so all could get their fill of it. The 747 wouldn’t Officially go In-Service until later, in January, 1970.

Many of my NYC friends were there to welcome us, as well as check out the 747 for themselves.

David Rockefeller; his Brother, NY Governor Nelson Rockefeller; NYC Mayor John Lindsey; Harry Helmsley; John Loring; Andrew Goodman & Cesar Balsa; all warmly greeted me.

Also there were B-G with Suki & Yuki, our 2 Asian Chauffeurs. They had remained a Threesome. Sweet.

Roger, Katy & Michael Lang were there. They were the one’s keeping everything humming while Ali & I were traipsing all over Europe.

David Geffen was there in NYC, supporting Jimi Hendrix. David had gotten Jimi out of his old Record Contracts. Jimi was officially a PastTimesRadio Partner now. Much more of his moneys would flow his way from now on too.

Around 4pm, we were Bused from JFK to the St Regis Hotel, at 5th Ave & 55th St. in Manhattan. Cesar said most were being housed in his St Regis, but he had put a few of us across 5th Ave, in the Peninsula Hotel.

We relaxed for a couple hours at the St Regis, Freshening up.

At 6pm, David Rockefeller was Hosting all of us for a Dinner. It was to be held in the St Regis’ Rooftop Ballroom. It actually wasn’t on the Rooftop, but one Floor down, on the Top Floor. Weird to have it there, but the Views were great for the Guests.

David Rockefeller was also Hosting a Signing Party, after our Dinner, at 8pm. It was for all of us who were to be Founding Partners in our Non-Profit Corporation, LPG s/o Centers, Inc.

My Partners in the LPG s/o Centers, & who they were affiliated with:

1. David Rockefeller. He Controlled the old Standard Oil Corporation Oil Companies: Esso-Exxon, Chevron, Mobile, Standard, Marathon, etc.

2. NY Governor Nelson Rockefeller. He will work with us to s/o all NY State Equipment, including all State Police Vehicles. He will also lesson the Myriad of Government Regulations. We all thought it almost an Emergency Situation, the Smog was so bad.

3. NYC Mayor John Lindsey. He will work with us to s/o all NYC Equipment. He would also force all Taxi Fleets to s/o too. They were a huge part of the problem in NYC, as a large % of the Cars were Taxi’s.

4. Paul & Stephen Degenhardt. They Controlled Mercedes Benz

5. Ferry, Butzi & Wolfgang Porsche. They Controlled Porsche

6. Gianni Agnelli. He Controlled Fiat

7. Enzo Ferrari. He Controlled Ferrari

8. Gavin Astor. He was a Major Investor in Royal Dutch Shell

9. B-G. He’s my Tech Genius. He was already operating our 1st LPG s/o Center at his NYC Shop. He had already come up up simple s/o Options for almost any Engine, Run by Gasoline or Diesel.

10. Harry Helmsley. He’s a major Building & Property Owner, so he was onboard to support our Independent s/o Centers. They would be opened in many Cities to s/o any Car or Vehicle. He lived in NYC, so he was as eager to clean up our Air as the rest of us.

11. David Geffen. He would work with LA to s/o their Vehicles. He would also convince all in Hollywood to s/o to LPG. More important, if we could get Hollywood onboard, they could then Convince the Public that LPG was the best option for all of us.

Not a bad start, eh? NYC would be our 1st Test on a Major Scale. Now, we needed to get a Partner or 2 with the Detroit crowd: GM, Ford, Chrysler & Jeep.

David Rockefeller had a meeting set up with Henry Ford, 2nd. He was currently the CEO of Ford Motor Company. He was the son of Edsel Ford, who in turn was the son of Henry Ford. So Henry Ford was Henry Ford, 2nd’s Grandfather. Okee dokie.

After the Signing, we Danced the Night away.

Around Midnight, Ali & I were sitting out on our Rooftop Terrace, around the Outdoor LPG Fire-pit. With us were: Eric Clapton, George Harrison & Pattie Boyd.

Ali is Fearless, as when she asked them about their “Lover’s Triangle,” I spit out my Drink.

Pattie giggled & said,

“Oh, we’re Living in Sin. I’m in 7th Heaven though, as I’m sharing them both.”

Eric & George were looking away, embarrassed. Ali, Pattie & I laughed our asses off though. It seemed the perfect solution to me, but I wonder how long it would last.

Wed, Dec 31, 1969 (New Year’s Eve)

We had Breakfast with Jimi Hendrix, Billy Cox, Buddy Miles & Bill Graham. We all then Rode our Bikes around Central Park together. All my new friends were given their own Folding Bike.

Jimi performed 2 Shows that Night, as well as 2 on New Year’s Day. The Shows were at 6pm & 11:30pm each night. Ticket prices were $5.50.

James Marshall Hendrix, “Jimi,” was Born, Nov 27, 1942. Remember, he had his 27th Birthday the month before, at the Stones Gigs at MSG. He grew up in Seattle, WA. He started Playing the Guitar when he was 15yo, in 1957. He was Left-Handed, so he often played Right-Handed Guitars, Up-Side-Down.

In 1961, when Jimi was 19yo, he joined up with the US Army. He met Billy Cox in the Army. Billy was a Bass Guitar player, so they jammed together.

Jimi was Discharged by the Army in 1962. He & Billy Cox moved to Tennessee, ending up in Nashville.

Jimi then travelled with the Chitlin’ Circuit, which was a Collection of Theatres that catered to Black Audiences. All the Acts were Black. The Black Artists stayed in Black Hotels. They ate in Black Restaurants. Probably still separate Drinking Fountains too.

And America is the Land of the Free. Right.

I remember Etta James telling a Tale of Traveling the Circuit. She was forced to travel cramped in a Car with 3 or 4 other Musicians. She was in the back seat of a Car, when she mouthed off to Bo Diddley, resulting in being Bitch Slapped by Bo. Tough times back then.

Jimi also traveled with The Isley Brothers, as well as Little Richard.

He next was part of Curtis Knight & the Squires. Unfortunately, Jimi Signed a Deal in 1965, with Curtis Knights’ Manager, Ed Chaplin & PPX Enterprises. That Deal was held over his head for the next few years, one of the reasons for the Band of Gypsys Concerts.

Keith Richards had seen Jimi perform at the Cheetah Club, in NYC. Jimi was Gigging as Jimmy James & the Blue Flames. Keith tried to get his Manager, Andrew Loog Oldham to Sign Jimi. Oldham didn’t see the potential of Jimi, so Keith next told Chas Chandler.

Chas Chandler, was 31yo in 1969. He had just left The Animals, as their Bassist. He was trying to branch out as a Manager & Producer of Bands.

Jimi was Gigging in a funky little Club in Greenwich Village, the Cafe Wha?, when Chas saw him play for the 1st time. Chas was so affected by Jimi’s new Style of Guitar Playing, that he instantly begged Jimi to Sign with him, as Jimi’s Manager.

Jimi agreed & flew with Chas Chandler to London, Sat, Sep 24, 1966. One of the main reasons he decided to go with Chas, was to get a chance to meet & maybe Play with his idol, Eric Clapton. That would be in London, which was a Hot-Bed of Talent at the time.

Within a week, Chas had gotten the OK from Eric Clapton to have Jimi join Cream Onstage at one of their Gigs.

That happened, Sat, Oct 1, 1966, at Central London’s Polytechnic Club. Eric was blown away, actually getting jealous of Jimi’s Guitar Prowess.

Jeff Beck was there too. After watching Jimi play, Jeff felt so inferior, he didn’t pick up a Guitar again for awhile.

Jumping ahead, to Thur, Sep 17, 1970, Eric Clapton was browsing in a Music Shop in London. He saw a Left-Handed Fender Stratocaster Guitar. He bought it, planning on giving it to Jimi later that night. Eric & Jimi were both going to the Sly & the Family Stone Concert that night at the Lyceum Theatre. Jimi never showed up.

Everyone learned the next day that Jimi had died, Choking on his Vomit, after he had Passed Out from Downers.

But back to 1966. In late 1966, Chas Chandler matched Jimi up with a Backing Band. Jimi was never really happy with his new Band, but was ecstatic to finally be given a chance.

Bassist Noel Redding, was born in Folkestone, Kent, UK. He was 24yo in 1969. He was a Guitarist, but switched to Bass for Jimi’s new Band. Jimi was never happy with Noel on Bass.

John Graham Mitchell, “Mitch,” was 23yo in 1969, being born in Ealing, Middlesex, UK. Jimi was happier with Mitch on Drums, than Noel on Bass.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience, would put out 3 Records, all fantastic.

1. Are You Experienced. It was Recorded from Oct 23, 1966-Apr 4, 1967. It was Released, May 12, 1967, becoming an instant Hit. In the UK at least, it would take the Monterrey Pop Festival later in 1967, before Jimi became famous in the USA.

3 Songs were Released as Singles:

-Hey Joe, with the Flip-Side, Stone Free

-Purple Haze with 51st Anniversary

-The Wind Cries Mary with Highway Chile

1. Axis: Bold as Love. Recorded May-Jun, 1967 & Oct, 1967. It was Released Dec 1, 1967. I loved the Space Themed Songs. Trippy Man.

1. Electric Ladyland. It was to be Jimi’s last Studio Album during his lifetime. It was Recorded between Jul-Dec, 1967 & Jan-Apr, 1968 & Aug, 1968. It was a masterpiece.

Jimi hadn’t put out any material, between Aug, 1968, & Dec 31, 1969,. He was in flux, trying to find his Style, while at the same time, trying to get back Control of his Life. He was being pulled apart by all the Pressures he was under. Of course, most of it was Self-Inflicted by his poor choices.

But all of us are bogged down by our Past. That is until we realize there is nothing wrong here. Now what do you WANT to do? We have CHOICES. Just make a better Choice next time.

I was already working with Jimi on redirecting his Negative Thoughts & Actions into Positive ones. Cognitive Therapy works folks. I would say it is a Miracle new way of thinking.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience, performed their 1st Gig, Oct 13, 1966, at the Novelty Club, in Evreux, Normandy, France.

The Monterey Pop Festival, was held Jun 16-18, 1967. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin & Otis Redding became famous, in America, after it.

Otis Recorded (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay, just three days before his death in a Plane Crash, December 10, 1967. Otis never saw the wonderful impact Dock of the Bay, had on all of us. To learn he had just died in a Plane Crash, so sad. Wish I was around back in 1967, to save him.

Pete Townshend, was 24yo in 1969. He’d been the Lead Guitarist & Lyricist for The Who since 1964. He had started to end his Shows by Smashing Up a Guitar, causing it to Create weird sounds before it died.

Jimi didn’t want to be an afterthought, so he said he needed something special himself. Jimi had been Showing Off Onstage too, as he Played his Guitar behind his Head, even using his Tongue as a Guitar Pick. Bet his Girlfriend liked that.

It was then suggested to Jimi that he Light his Guitar On-Fire at the End of his Set. A Can of Zippo Lighter Fluid was produced. Jimi smiled & said “Thanks.”

As Jimi was ending his Performance of Wild Thing, he kneeled down on the Stage, Laid his 1965 Fender Stratocaster Guitar down, pulled out the Zippo Can, then poured the Can on his Guitar. He made a big production out of then pulling out his Zippo Lighter, then he lit his Guitar. Eric Clapton cringed, as he cherished every one of his Guitars, even naming them. Like when Pete busted up his Guitar, Jimi lit his Guitar on Fire as it was still Plugged-In. That produced distorted sounds until his Guitar gave up the ghost.

It worked though, as Jimi because instantly famous at Monterey.

After Monterey, Jimi Toured with The Monkees, as their Opening Act! What a Mish-Mash of Styles! Mickey Dolenz, of The Monkees arranged it. Jimi Toured with them from Jul 8, 1967, until he Quit the Tour, Jul 17, 1967. He saw it wasn’t working.

So now we get back to Dec 31, 1969. We had already gotten Jimi out of his f/u Record Deals. We had also helped Jimi Fire his Manager, Michael Jeffery, replacing him with David Geffen, as his new Agent. Jimi would become his own Manager for the time being. With PTR, Jimi would be looked after, nothing would be done to screw him like before.

Jimi, Billy Cox & Buddy Miles, had been frantically Practicing 12-18 Hours a Day for the past week. The 2 Shows that Night were OK, but no Songs from them were chosen for the Live Album, Band of Gypsys. The Guys just weren’t in sync. They hadn’t had enough time to really Jell yet.

Another problem was Jimi’s Guitar kept going Out Of Tune, due to his constant use of the Whammy Bar (Tremolo), that he used to Raise & Lower the Pitch of the Notes. He could make weird sounds that way. But overuse of the Whammy, caused his Strings to Stretch. He was having to Retune Mid-Song.

We all enjoyed ourselves though.

Thur, Jan 1, 1970 (New Year’s Day & New Decade Day)

We Ice Skated in Rockefeller Center. We then walked the block it took to get to Radio City Music Hall, at 6th Ave & 50th St. We attended the 1pm Matinee Show of RCMH’s Christmas Spectacular Show. It featured the Rockettes. Everyone had a great time.

I couldn’t wait to attend more shows there, although in 1969, it was looking kinda tattered. It was obvious that it had been neglected for some time.

The 2 Shows that night went off much better than the ones on the 31st. Jimi, Billy & Buddy were much more in sync. All the Songs chosen for the Live Record, Band of Gypsys, were taken from the 2 Shows on Jan 1, 1970.

I especially loved Jimi’s new Song, Machine Gun. It was his Anti-War Tome. Buddy Miles’ staccato Drumming, mimicking a Machine Gun, is relentless. Then Jimi’s Bomb Sounds were chilling. He tried to get across the utter stupidity of War.

“Evil Man make me kill you. Evil Man make you kill me.”

To be there in person was even better.

Oh, yeah, our USC-5 were there Filming it all. Ali & I were once again convinced to be Close-Up Cameramen.

The Fillmore East was electric both Nights. Bill Graham was in his element too, as he had Created it all. Since 1966, Bill Graham had influenced Rock Music like no other.

After the Shows, Jimi wanted to head back to London for awhile.

Keith & Mick were at the Concerts, & suggested Jimi move into Hever Castle with them. They had about decided to Live there Full-Time. Why not join them. It was only 1 hour to London, but they were living in Paradise. They were getting addicted to Golf too. Glyn Johns was Living there too. He had already set up Hever Sound Studios there.

Jimi said, sure. It was soon arranged for a Jet Aviation Charter Jet to fly Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Harrison & Pattie Boyd, from TEB to Gatwick A/P, outside London.

It had been great to see them all again. I’d make sure to pop in at Hever soon. I couldn’t wait to Play all 18 Holes of Golf there. Gavin Astor had said the Courses were being brought back On-Line, Hole by Hole. It would take awhile before it would be in great shape again though.

Fr, Jan 2, 1970

The rest of us decided to Fly up to Stowe, VT. The von Trapp Family had emigrated to Stowe, after they escaped from the Nazi’s, before WW2. They were made famous in the Film, The Sound of Music.

Both the Degenhardt’s & the Porsche’s had known the von Trapp’s before the War. They wanted to visit with them, besides they wanted to Ski America’s 1st Ski Resort too. It was located nearby, in Stowe, VT. They all loved to Ski.

Juan Trippe was still hanging out with L.C. Beckett, so he was joining us in Stowe too. He called his HQ & had a Pan Am Boeing 707 pick us up at TEB. It was a spare 707 that was held in reserve. Nice to have Powerful Friends.

It was a 90 minute Flight to Burlington, VT, the nearest A/P to Stowe. It was then a 50 minute drive from the Burlington, VT A/P to Stowe.