At the End of the Night, Tuning-Wise It Was Wild”: Andy Fairweather Low on Touring with Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix is often remembered as one of the most groundbreaking and influential guitarists in music history. His larger-than-life performances, innovative techniques, and genre-defying music cemented his legacy as a cultural icon. For those who had the privilege of sharing the stage with Hendrix, the experience was unforgettable—sometimes chaotic, always electrifying, and deeply inspiring. One such artist is Andy Fairweather Low, a guitarist and singer known for his time with the band Amen Corner and his connections  with Eric Clapton and Roger Waters.

In a recent interview, Fairweather Low opened up about what it was like supporting Hendrix on tour and recounted a remarkable encounter at one of London’s iconic music venues. His anecdotes offer a rare glimpse into the human side of Hendrix and the frenetic energy of those transformative years in rock music.

A Dream Tour: Sharing the Stage with Hendrix

In the late 1960s, Amen Corner was riding a wave of success with hits like “If Paradise Is Half as Nice” and “Bend Me, Shape Me.” As one of Britain’s hottest acts, the band was invited to support Jimi Hendrix on a string of shows—a dream opportunity for any musician of the era. For Fairweather Low, the experience was equal parts exhilarating and intimidating.

The Genius of Hendrix

“At the end of the night, tuning-wise it was wild,” Fairweather Low joked, referencing Hendrix’s habit of pushing his guitars to their absolute limits during performances. Hendrix’s physicality—bending strings, smashing guitars, and setting them on fire—often left his instruments in complete disarray. “He didn’t just play the guitar; he wrestled it, loved it, and destroyed it all at once. It was mesmerizing.”

Watching Hendrix perform night after night was an education in itself. Fairweather Low described how Hendrix’s improvisation and technical prowess created an atmosphere that felt almost otherworldly. “He was in a different realm. You’d think he was finished with a solo, and then he’d pull out something even more mind-blowing.”

The Challenge of Following Hendrix

While it was an honor to share the stage with Hendrix, it was also a daunting challenge. “Imagine going on after that,” Fairweather Low said with a laugh. “The audience would be so overwhelmed by what they’d just seen that anything we did felt like a warm-up act—even after his set!”

Despite the pressure, the experience pushed Amen Corner to elevate their own performances. “We learned to give everything we had on stage because we knew Hendrix was doing the same. It was exhausting but unforgettable.”

A Memorable Encounter at The Speakeasy

One of Fairweather Low’s most vivid memories of Hendrix took place at The Speakeasy, a legendary London club that hosted some of the biggest names in rock music during the 1960s. The venue was a favorite haunt for artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, and it became a hub for late-night jam sessions and impromptu collaborations.

The Human Side of Hendrix

Fairweather Low recalled meeting Hendrix at The Speakeasy one night after a show. “Jimi was sitting in a corner, completely relaxed, just watching the scene. He had this incredible presence—even when he wasn’t on stage, you couldn’t take your eyes off him.”

Hendrix was known for his generosity and humility despite his meteoric rise to fame. “He asked about our set, gave us advice, and talked about how much he admired other musicians,” Fairweather Low said. “It was surreal—this guy who seemed larger than life was genuinely interested in what we were doing.”

The Jam Session That Never Was

At one point during the night, Hendrix suggested a jam session. Fairweather Low, still starstruck, hesitated. “I froze. I was so overwhelmed by the idea of playing alongside him that I just mumbled something about needing to check my guitar.” While the jam session never happened, the moment left an indelible mark on Fairweather Low.

Life Lessons from Hendrix

Touring with Hendrix wasn’t just a musical experience—it was a life lesson. For Fairweather Low, one of the most striking aspects of Hendrix’s personality was his work ethic and dedication to his craft.

The Perfectionist

“Jimi was always experimenting, always pushing boundaries,” Fairweather Low explained. “Even when he was the best in the world, he never stopped trying to get better.” Watching Hendrix obsess over details like tone, phrasing, and dynamics inspired Fairweather Low to approach his own music with the same level of commitment.

Balancing Stardom and Humility

Despite his superstardom, Hendrix remained grounded. “He was a rock god on stage, but off stage, he was just Jimi,” Fairweather Low said. “He wasn’t trying to prove anything to anyone—he just loved music.”

The Chaos and Beauty of the 1960s Rock Scene

Fairweather Low’s reflections on touring with Hendrix also capture the broader chaos and beauty of the 1960s rock scene. It was a time of unbridled creativity, where musicians were breaking free from traditional norms and redefining what was possible in music.

A Revolution in Sound

The late 1960s saw the rise of experimental techniques, from feedback and distortion to multi-track recording and genre fusion. Hendrix was at the forefront of this revolution, and his influence permeated the entire scene. “Every night felt like you were witnessing history,” Fairweather Low said. “There was this sense that we were all part of something bigger.”

The Toll of Fame

But the era also had its darker side. The relentless touring schedules, pressure to succeed, and temptations of the rock lifestyle took their toll on many artists, including Hendrix. “You could see how much he gave on stage—it drained him,” Fairweather Low noted. “I think that’s why he valued the quiet moments, like sitting in a corner at The Speakeasy. He needed that balance.”

Hendrix’s Lasting Legacy

Decades after his untimely death in 1970, Hendrix’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. For Fairweather Low, the experience of touring with Hendrix remains one of the highlights of his career.

“Every time I pick up a guitar, I think about him,” he said. “Not just because of the way he played, but because of the way he lived—with passion, creativity, and an endless curiosity for what music could be.”

Final Thoughts

Andy Fairweather Low’s memories of touring with Jimi Hendrix and their brief but meaningful encounter at The Speakeasy offer a rare glimpse into the life of a legend. From the wild, unpredictable energy of Hendrix’s performances to his quiet moments of humility, these stories remind us why Hendrix remains a towering figure in music history.

For Fairweather Low and countless others, Hendrix wasn’t just a guitarist—he was a force of nature, a creative pioneer who redefined what it meant to be an artist. “At the end of the night, tuning-wise, it was wild,” Fairweather Low said, summing up the beautiful chaos of Hendrix’s world. “But that’s what made it magic.”