One of the top rock guitarists ever and a pioneer of British blues and hard rock, even the likes of Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton were in awe of his skill and talent.
Most people will have heard of his band's hit single Hi Ho Silver Lining in March 1967.
Most people will have heard of his band's hit single Hi Ho Silver Lining in March 1967.
Less well known is Jeff and his fellow Yardbirds' appearance playing at a club in the David Hemmings cult film Blow-Up, which was released in the same month in the UK. It showcases Jeff's guitar skills and also his dramatic guitar smashing on stage! Here it is courtesy of You Tube.
As an aside and to add some context to Blow-Up at the height of the Swinging Sixties, here's the film's release date along with a few more dates in the pop culture world at the end of the decade.
- Blow Up released UK 16 March 1967
- Captain Scarlet air date September 1967
- Hong Trades Project SWORD toy display May 1968
- 2001 A Space Odyssey UK Release date May 1968
- Project SWORD expo at Hatchett's Night Club June 1968
- Joe 90 air date September 1968 UK
- Scream and Scream Again filmed partly at Hatchett's Night Club 1970
Rest in Peace Jeff. The guitar stays on.
I've probably told you this before, but I'm related to David Hemmings, through marriage, though I never met him.
ReplyDeleteHe was my brother's first wife's cousin.
As for that clip, I don't think I've ever seen a less enthusiastic audience at a gig in my life. They seem like students at a really dull lecture, until the guitar gets thrown at them.
Wierd !
Of course, you're family! I forgot Mish! I don't suppose any 'memorabilia' came down the family did it? The club scene in the video, I've read, was shot at Elstree studios and not at Windsor's Ricky Tick club itself. They recreated some of it for some reason as a set so it does look a bit stiff I agree! Even the smashed guitar is a cheapo copy. I wonder what happened to the neck David runs off with?
DeleteNo, no David Hemmings props or memorabilia came my way Woodsy. He was long gone from the family and the north east by the time my brother came into the Hemmings family view.
ReplyDeleteThat last comment was from me.
ReplyDeleteNo worries Mish. I must watch the whole film Blowup.
ReplyDelete