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Four years ago, The Hendrix Project performed at the Mangawhai Tavern to rave reviews. One Facebook commentator said the show was truly epic: “These guys really can play Hendrix as it should be played.”
But lead singer and guitarist Phil Roberts says a plethora of problems have kept the band from returning until now.
“Touring, lineup changes, illnesses, a break with management – pretty much every excuse in the book,” he says.
Nevertheless, since 2015 they have played shows and festivals up and down the country. Most recently at the Reminisce Festival in Tauranga performing to around 5000 attendees.
When the project was founded, Phil was initially terrified by the prospect of assuming the Hendrix mantle. “I didn’t sleep much – it was a big deal to me to get it right or ditch the whole thing. But after three months of rehearsal – much to my relief – things came together. It probably took another three months after that to settle in completely and actually enjoy what we were doing.”
Fifty-nine years have passed since Hendrix’s death, but Phil says interest in his musical legacy shows no signs of abating.
“Along the way we’ve seen Hendrix tattoos, Hendrix number plates, Hendrix lookalikes. They all come out of the woodwork for these gigs. Jimi’s memory and music is very much alive all over New Zealand.”
An important milestone was meeting American Hendrix impersonator Randy Hansen during the New Zealand leg of Hansen’s 2017 Hendrix Revolution tour.
“Randy’s bass player Ufo Walter saw one of our performances on YouTube and told us, ‘You guys rock, we should meet in NZ’, so we did. It was very humbling. Randy is the only Hendrix impersonator endorsed by the Hendrix Estate, so you know he’s the real deal.”
In The Hendrix Project, Phil is joined by Paul Fisher on bass and drummer Peter “Rooda” Warren (ex-DD Smash, The Narcs, Graham Brazier Farewell) in what promises to be a suitably electrifying performance.
The Hendrix Project play the Mangawhai Tavern on Saturday, April 20, at 9pm. Tickets $20 from iticket.co.nz
Ticket Giveaway
Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to The Hendrix Project to give away. To enter the draw, email your contact details to editor@localmatters.co.nz. Competition closes on April 15.
