If there was ever any doubt that Jimi Hendrix was the greatest rock guitarist to have ever lived, his incandescent performance with The Experience at the Monterey Pop Festival in California in 1967 surely kicks that doubt in the balls. We attended the launch at Leicester Square’s Hippodrome last night for the DVD commemorating the 40th anniversary of Jimi’s triumphant return to the US and his legendary Monterey set, where we were treated, together with roughly 300 assorted industry types, press and fans, to an evening of electrifying rock.

Jimi’s breakthrough into mainstream America couldn’t have come at a more auspicious time: the Monterey gig is largely heralded as the first major rock festival of the hippie era and set the stage (so to speak) for Woodstock and others like it. I don’t think I need to paint the picture any more psychadelic than you can imagine it was. Introduced to rousing applause by the Rolling Stones’ Brian Jones, Hendrix and The Experience followed another legendary set by archrivals The Who, who had finished their stint by demolishing their equipment and large chunks of the PA system, setting Jimi an imposing precedent. Nevertheless, Jimi made history, iconically burning his guitar in homage to the crowd and his homecoming reception after an OTT cover of The Troggs’ “Wild Thing”. Masterful! Although The Who’s Pete Townsend would contest the originality of Hendrix’s destructive antics, but the history books speak for themselves, don’t they?

The screening of the DVD was followed by a spectacular tribute concert featuring a revolving band of acclaimed musicians, led by the imposing figure (and supersonic fingers) of Northern Irish rocker Gary Moore (who, incidentally, is also left-handed, although he plays right-handed). David Bronze and Billy Cox shared duty on bass, while drum duty was split between the impressive Darrin Mooney (Primal Scream) and original, surviving Experience member and all-round amusing character, Mitch Mitchell. The set was a delight. Indeed, it was scrumtrellescent. Although at times it felt more like “The Gary Moore Experience”, the seasoned axeman led a set that would have made Hendrix bop his head. The musicians powered their way through classics like “Purple Haze”, “Foxey Lady”, “Fire”, “The Wind Cries Mary” and “Hey Joe”, more often than not punctuating the tunes with overembellished, self-indulgent solos and improvs…although I guess that’s the Hendrix spirit.

Here’s Moore, Bronze and Mooney shredding “Foxey Lady”. Wicked, wicked stuff.

In all, the evening was good fun. The DVD is well-compiled, featuring loads of interesting and relevant interviews (including Jimi himself) and culminating with the finest – or at least best remembered – 40 minutes of Hendrix’s career. And, of course, the live band was brilliant. Big up to the organisers, label, sponsors and musicians for pulling off a splendid event.