Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock

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Jimi Hendrix's performance at Woodstock on August 18, 1969, was a pivotal moment in music history. Originally scheduled to close the festival on Sunday, Hendrix took the stage at 9 a.m. on Monday due to delays. He performed with his new band, Gypsy Sun & Rainbows, featuring Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Larry Lee, and percussionists Juma Sultan and Jerry Velez. The setlist included iconic songs like "Foxy Lady," "Fire," and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" before culminating in a legendary rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Hendrix's version of the national anthem was a masterful display of guitar work, evoking the turmoil of the era. Despite being part of a larger medley, it stood out as a powerful statement. Following this, Hendrix played "Purple Haze" and "Villanova Junction" before closing with "Hey Joe." This performance marked a turning point in Hendrix's career and cemented his status as a guitar icon. It remains one of the most iconic moments in rock history, symbolizing the cultural and musical upheaval of the 1960s.