Jimi Hendrix Convention.

This is the moment I brought Jimi's dad and step mother out onto the stage at my Jimi Hendrix Convention in Retford, North Nottinghamshire, UK on September 15th, 1984. I kept this as a closely held secret and only a few people knew that I had arranged for Al Hendrix and his wife to be flown over to England for the first time. He was secretly booked into a hotel in Retford, 2 miles from the convention site. When I came to pick him up from the hotel to bring him to the convention at Eaton Hall, I was followed by a film crew with my permission. I had asked my helpers to arrange for everyone at my convention to meet in the main hall for a very special surprise guest. I had an exhibits room and a video lounge and various other places for people to enjoy Jimi's music, life and belongings. Some folks weren't interested in coming to see a surprise guest as they were enjoying all the rare videos of Jimi, certainly for that time. However everyone was assured that they wouldn't regret it if they came to see this surprise guest. When I brought Al Hendrix out onto the stage the place erupted and I was told that everybody's day was made. Maybe some of you who were at the convention may recognise yourselves, in which case please let me know. The 15 hour convention was a great success and we will upload part 2 later on when we had a question and answer session with Al.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jimi Hendrix Convention
• Jimi Hendrix
• Al Hendrix
• John Berry
• Father
• Dad
• Retford
• Nottinghamshire
• Greatest Electric Guitarist

[jmsbk12345]

If you were at my convention there is a special Jimi Hendrix Convention page on Facebook for you to share your memories and experiences of this amazing day.

[ellonysman]

What was Al's relationship like with his son? ANyone know?

[jmsbk12345]

@ellonysman When Jimi was a child and growing up through his teen years Al was very strict with him and would quite often give him a beating. There was much strife, poverty and in the case of his mother drunkeness in the family and this anger would come out on Jimi quite often. However later on Al was incredibly proud of his son and musical achievements and the relationship became very loving.

[JimiBax68]

Amazing is an understatement my friend...you've been to Al's house!!!Oh how i would have loved to have been able to sit down with this man and tell him how much his son's music means to me;i actually live by Jimi's message..i met so many great people with jimi being the binding factor it is truly amazing..It's so very sad they are all gone now(besidesBilly)It must be a great great memory.All the best,God bless.JimiBax68(Jeroen)

[jmsbk12345]

@JimiBax68 Hi there Jeroen. If you are ever in the UK you are welcome to come over and have a great music session. Please visit my channel here on Youtube and check out my videos - various bands I've been in over the years. Please feel free to leave some comments. I wish you and your family a very happy and meaningful CHRISTmas. John.

[JimiBax68]

THANK YOU for posting this,that was very moving;a shining example of how much Jimi is still loved by every-one,he is forever in our hearts...Peace and Love,JB68

[jmsbk12345]

@JimiBax68 You are very welcome. It was an amazing day even though it took me a year to organise. I used to collect everything to do with Jimi and I also visited Al at his home in Seattle.

[waydeepinside]

This is awesome !

So emotional for me to see Jimi's Father,

his tears move my Spirit.

Very nice post,

Thank You !

[seloustz]

i watch again and again... always gratefully moved to tears. THANKS JOHN!

i couldn't help but love all stuff about JIMI... even after the day i die.

JIMI Lives on forever!

[Junnarin]

What a precious vid John!

[BazBazza]

Hi John, I saw you mention on another post that you can do DVD's of the convention. I'd love a copy! As I said my VHS from Turner Video was faulty. Hope to hear from you. Baz.

[ellonysman]

@jmsbk12345 hey jmsbk, thanx for taking time to answer my question.

[thaiman1111]

awesome! :_-D they should be proud