Jimi Hendrix literally set the music world on fire at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Hendrix concluded his now historic set with "Wild Thing". In dramatic fashion Jimi dropped to his knees and proceeded to pour lighter fluid over his guitar and set it ablaze! If he was just a theatrical player Hendrix would not have prevailed but Jimi was a rising star who broke boundaries in feedback, feeling, talent and techniques. Jimi also penned visual lyrics to complement his vivacious guitar style. Sadly, Hendrix burned out fast and was dead by 1970. Yet, Jimi is still very much alive thorough his music and the countless guitar players who have followed in his footsteps.

The Experience Hendrix Tour rolled into Richmond in November 2010.

The Experience Hendrix Tribute Tour is a testimony to the legacy of Jimi Hendrix and the Fall 2010 line-up featured many highly regarded rock and blues players such as Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Susan Tedeschi, Jonny Lang, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Ernie Isley, Living Colour, Chris Layton (Double Trouble), Billy Cox (the bassist from Jimi's Band of Gypsies) and The Slide Brothers (Chuck and Darick Campbell of Sacred Steel).

Fender Musical Instruments Corp. was the tour's lead sponsor as was the case with last spring's Experience Hendrix concerts. Participating sponsors also included Dunlop Effects Pedals, Hal Leonard, RockBand, and IK Multimedia. The 2010 Fall Tour visited 19 markets in a three week period with a stop at the ornate Landmark Theater in Richmond, Virginia on November 12, 2010. The classic venue also hosted Hendrix himself back in the 60's.

Ernie Isley, Billy Cox and Chris Layton started the show off with a frenzied version of "Stone Free" melding into "Message To Love" flowing on good grooves and gushing rhythms. Ernie reminisced about Jimi hanging out at the Isley home in 1965 and crafting riffs and in particular the notes for "Manic Depression". A good lead in for a menacing cover of the classic featuring Will Calhoun from Living Colour on drums.

Steve Vai, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Noah Hunt added heat to the already hot event.

The other members of Living Colour joined Will for "Power of Soul" and "Crosstown Traffic". Lead vocalist Cory Glover worked the whole stage as he enticed the crowd to clap along while weaving his way out into the audience to sing hooks as the band jammed.

Eric Johnson was armed with a red Fender and handled lead and vox on a blazing version of "House Burning Down". "Burning Of The Midnight Lamp" was also hot with racing riffs - some of which that were played behind Eric's head Hendrix-style. Other musicians joined Johnson for an expansive "Are You Experienced?"

Susan Tedeschi brought passion and poise to "If 6 Was 9" before segueing into a captivating "Spanish Castle Magic". Susan invited Eric Johnson to join her for a sweeping and swirling "One Rainy Wish". Mato Nanji of Indigenous and company performed an engaging "Hey Joe" and "Them Changes" was energized with Corey Glover pacing the stage and prompting the crowd to participate.

We also experienced Living Colour, Billy Cox and the Slide Brothers.

Jonny Lang and Brad Whitford of Aerosmith put their own unique spin and sass to "All Along The Watchtower", "Wind Cries Mary" and a fiery version of "Fire " with Susan Tedeschi assisting on vocals and tambourine.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Noah Hunt (vocals) took an already sizzling show to a higher level with a smoking "I Don't Live Today" followed by a captivating "Come On". The capstone was the varied and vibrant "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)". KWS was spellbinding on his leads with licks played behind his head on his well worn Fender.

Living Colour supporting Steve Vai elevated the already amazing Experience with "Midnight", "May This Be Love" and "Foxy Lady". Steve was animated and agile in his movements and playing. Wild wammy work interspersed with insane leads added to Vai's electrifying performance with Steve adding more tricky techniques and tunings to the mixes.

The encore "Red House" was performed by Mato Nanji, Vernon Reid of Living Colour, Darick Campbell, Billy Cox and Chris Layton. The 2010 Experience Hendrix Tour not only paid homage to one of the most respected guitar players of our times but also brought together an array of talented artists to collaborate and continue the legacy of Jimi.

Eric Johnson and Brad Whitford of Aerosmith provided even more sizzling six string.

Related Links: For more information on the EXPERIENCE HENDRIX TOUR and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- ExperienceHendrixTour.com | LandmarkTheater.net