Band of Gypsys | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Band of Gypsys |
| Origin | United States |
| Genres | Rock |
| Years active | 1969 - 1970 |
| Labels | Reprise records, Polydor Records |
| Past members | Jimi Hendrix Billy Cox Buddy Miles |
Band of Gypsys was a short-lived rock trio led by Jimi Hendrix. The group represented a new musical direction that he was taking.
The band was comprised of Jimi Hendrix, Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. The band represented a new musical direction for Jimi Hendrix. [1] Another new feature was that Hendrix was now in all-black musical ensemble. [2] It's likely that Michael Jeffery, Hendrix's manager played a part in the ensemble's demise. [3]
The Band of Gypsys album that was released was actually an obligation fulfillment. Hendrix had to give Capitol Records an album to resolve a legal issue stemming from his 1965 contract with Ed Chalpin. [4]
The group made their live debut at the Fillmore East on New Years Eve 1969. This was the first of the two-night, four-show appearances that they were booked for. [5] The band hadn't made a record at that time. They started the show off with "Power of Soul". The next song was "Lover Man" and was followed by "Hear My Train A Comin’". The music was a had combination of R&B, rock, and some jazz. The audience was surprised at this music they were playing, and according to Billy Cox, the audience was amazed. Some had their mouths open. [6]
They faced major problems. One of them was Mike Jeffrey's dislike for Buddy Miles and his desire to get the Jimi Hendrix Experience back together. Another problem was Hendrix's drug use.
The Band of Gypsys played their last concert at the Winter Festival for Peace at Madison Square Garden on 28 January 1970. The show was a disaster with Hendrix messing up on "Who Knows" and leaving the stage. Buddy Miles accused Jeffrey of shipping acid tabs to sabotage the show. [7] Miles was then fired by Jeffrey. [8]
Three months after the shows, an album Band of Gypsys was released in the United States, where it peaked at No. 5 on the charts. [9]
It was reported by Billboard in 2003 that Buddy Miles was suing the estate of Jimi Hendrix over unpaid royalties. Miles stated that he had hardly received any money for his work with the band nearly thirty years prior. [10]
In 2006, Miles and Cox reunited and with guest artists, they recorded material that would appear on the 2008 album, The Band of Gypsys Return . [11] [12]
In June 2013, Billy Cox, the sole surviving Band of Gypsys member embarked on a tour, paying tribute to Hendrix. The four-piece ensemble included two guitarists, Dani Robinson and Byron Bordeaux. [13]