Two Riders Were Approaching: The Life & Death of Jimi Hendrix

Jimmy Hendrix was a down-at-heel guitarist in New York who became Jimi in England and became the cream of swinging London. He was a legend who made Eric Clapton consider quitting, Bob Dylan defer to him on his song All Along the Watchtower, and forced Miles Davis to reconsider his buttoned-down ways. Two Riders Were Approaching is a psychedelic and kaleidoscopic exploration of his life and death, and a journey into the dark heart of the sixties.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Jimmy, a struggling guitarist in New York, found solace in the support of his latest lovers as he pursued his dream of emulating his hero, Bob Dylan. Despite facing societal challenges as a black man playing white rock music, he yearned to be all things to all people. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he arrived in England and transformed into Jimi. In the vibrant city of London, the cream of swinging society fell under the spell of this extraordinary musician. It wasn't just Jimmy's unique playing style, which included playing with his teeth and guitar behind his back, that captivated audiences. It was his exceptional talent that truly set him apart.

As Jimi traversed the tumultuous sixties, he left an indelible mark on the world of music. His influence extended far beyond his own compositions, as he inspired legendary artists like Eric Clapton to contemplate quitting and even prompted Bob Dylan to defer to him on his song "All Along the Watchtower." Miles Davis, known for his conservative approach to music, was compelled to reevaluate his ways after encountering Jimi's brilliance. Perhaps most iconic, Jimi's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock defined an era and became a symbol of unity and peace. Tragically, his star burned too brightly, extinguished at the young age of 27. However, his legacy lived on in the music he created and the intrigue surrounding his untimely death.

Two Riders Were Approaching, a novelistic exploration of Jimi Hendrix's life and death, departs from the traditional rock-biography format. Author Mick Wall, acclaimed for his work on When Giants Walked the Earth, has drawn upon extensive research and personal interviews to present a definitive portrait of the Guitar God. This captivating book delves into the heart of the sixties, a period characterized by the rise.

The groupies lined up, the drugs became increasingly heavy, and the dream of the sixties burned in the fire and blood of the Vietnam War, the assassination of Martin Luther King, and the election of President Richard Nixon. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, Jimi Hendrix's story unfolds, a tale that has been told many times before, but never quite like this.

Two Riders Were Approaching offers a psychedelic and kaleidoscopic perspective on the life and death of Jimi Hendrix, providing a unique and inimitable narrative. Wall's novelistic approach brings the reader into the world of the sixties, immersing them in the cultural, political, and social landscape that shaped Hendrix's journey. The book explores the complexities of his character, from his struggles with addiction and personal demons to his profound impact on the world of music.

Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Wall paints a vivid portrait of Jimi Hendrix, capturing his essence and the essence of the sixties. The book is filled with memorable quotes and anecdotes, offering a glimpse into the private life of the musician and the people who surrounded him. Wall's writing is accessible and engaging, making it a must-read for music enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history and culture of the sixties.

In conclusion, Two Riders Were Approaching is a captivating and definitive exploration of the life and death of Jimi Hendrix. Author Mick Wall's novelistic approach brings the reader into the heart of the sixties, immersing them in the cultural, political, and social landscape that shaped Hendrix's journey. The book offers a psychedelic and kaleidoscopic perspective on the musician's life, capturing his essence and the essence of the era. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Wall paints a vivid portrait of Jimi Hendrix, making it a must-read for music enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history and culture of the sixties.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781409160311