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Memories of the day Jimi Hendrix played in Shields
GUITAR hero Jimi Hendrix's visits to North East England struck such a chord with a South Tyneside music buff he has set up a website all about them.
Mike Darling has launched an Internet site chronicling the rock legend's various appearances in the region in the mid-1960s.
They include a performance at the New Cellar Club in South Shields in February 1967.
Mr Darling, 44, of Lambley Crescent, Hebburn, is hoping more secrets will be uncovered after fans who saw him perform back then have logged on to the site, www.hendrix northeast.co.uk
Legend has it that Hendrix first came to Newcastle in late 1966, with Animals star Chas Chandler, his manager at the time. It is rumoured he even busked in Heaton, Newcastle, during that visit.
In the first few months of 1967, he performed at a host of venues in the region – including gigs in Middlesbrough, Darlington and Newcastle – with his band the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
His final appearance in the north east came in December 1967 when he headlined a show at Newcastle City Hall.
Mr Darling, a bassist with Hendrix tribute band Sundance, said: "I've been a fan of Hendrix since I was 17, when I started to learn the guitar.
"I'd love to hear from anyone with memories of his time in the region.
"I've already learned one story about his appearance at the Cellar Club. Apparently, he put his guitar through the ceiling at the venue, leaving a big hole.
"It wasn't repaired for months and became known as Jimi's Hole.
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Weather for South Shields
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
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