Concertwire.com

Although most of the artists on the Experience Hendrix tour have ties to Jimi Hendrix, legendary bassist Billy Cox had a remarkable history with the guitarist that didn’t begin on stage or in the studio. The two musicians became acquainted in 1961 while serving in the Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, but the camaraderie wasn’t cut short after their service. The two became and stayed close friends and musical collaborators throughout Hendrix’s life.

“I look at my relationship with Jimi Hendrix as destiny,” Cox said in a 2008 interview with Gibson Classic. “It was meant to be, and to a greater or lesser extent I had no control over it.”

Cox’s admiration for Hendrix is obvious; Cox recalls when Hendrix first left for London to pursue a music career.

“He asked me to come with him. I said, ‘Jimi I’ve fallen on hard times. I’m renting an amp. I got a bass with only three strings,’” Cox remembers.

“He said, ‘Okay, I’ll make it and send for you.’ Two-and-a-half years later he sent for me… I said, ‘Jimi, you made it. You can hire the best bass player in the world.’ He said, ‘That’s why I called you.’ It was the best compliment I’ve ever had.”

True Hendrix fans have likely grown familiar with Cox’s illustrious bass appearing on many of Hendrix’s most acclaimed recordings. Billy played with the Band of Gypsies and appears on many posthumously released Hendrix albums including Hendrix in the West, Cry of Love, Rainbow Bridge, and even the legendary Live at Woodstock.

Undoubtedly, the opportunity to see Billy Cox in concert is a chance to truly “Experience Hendrix.” You can catch him on March 7^th at the Greensboro War Memorial Auditorium, on March 8^th at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, or March 11^th at the North Charleston PAC.