What was the best concert (or two) you've ever been to and one that you wished you had been to?

[Bobstandard]

131. Jimi Hendrix, Queens Surf, Red House

Jimi Hendrix was scheduled to play two shows at the Waikiki Shell. The first night there was a power problem that put an unholy buzz in the sound system. On stage he called off the show promising a make up date two nights hence. My brother was a musician and said there was sure to be a sound check the next day. We decided to be there.

The Waikiki Shell is right across from the beach. A surf spot named Queens is off the beach. There was a south swell, waves were really good. We’re surfers so we figured we’d surf until we heard the sound check crank up.

We’re out surfing when Hendrix plugs in and tries to blow out the sound system. He’s on his guitar, giant rack of Marshall’s at full volume going, depot doo, depot doo. Mitch Mitchell’s snare sounded like rifle fire.

The Waikiki Shell is an outdoor venue with a stage surrounded by an actual shell shaped structure—like a speaker horn. We could hear him easily over the sound of the surf. No need to go in. After a while he stopped making ragged sounds testing the sound system was ok.

And then he kicked into Red House. They worked it for like an hour. While we surfed perfect 4-6’ lefts, full sun, blue green water.