In the autumn of 1966, Jimi Hendrix found himself at a crossroads.
Having spent years on the US club circuit backing artists such as Little Richard and the Isley Brothers, the dazzling guitarist had finally arrived in London with a chance to build something of his own.
The 23-year-old had been brought to Britain by former Animals bassist and manager Chas Chandler, who was convinced Hendrix could become a star. There was just one problem: Hendrix needed a band.
Chandler quickly began searching for musicians who could match the newcomer's extraordinary talent. Drummer Mitch Mitchell soon emerged as an ideal fit, combining jazz-influenced dexterity with a willingness to follow Hendrix's adventurous musical instincts. The search for another guitarist, however, proved more complicated.
Among those who answered the call was a young musician from Folkestone who had been trying to make a name for himself on London's crowded club scene. He arrived at the audition on September 29, 1966 carrying a guitar and hoping to secure the role Chandler was advertising.
He wasn't right for the guitar... but he had something more valuable
It did not take long to become apparent that this candidate was not going to be Hendrix's new six-string partner.
The musician, Noel Redding, later recalled being struck by Hendrix's astonishing abilities almost immediately. Any ambitions he had of sharing lead-guitar duties quickly evaporated. Yet while he may not have been what Chandler was looking for on guitar, he possessed something arguably more valuable: the right attitude and a willingness to adapt.
Rather than send him away, Chandler had a different idea.
Redding had some previous experience on bass and, crucially, looked the part. With his distinctive curly hair and easy-going personality, he seemed likely to fit alongside Hendrix and Mitchell both musically and visually. Instead of leaving with a rejection, he was offered an entirely different position.
The would-be guitarist became the bassist.
The chemistry was undeniable
It was an unconventional decision. Redding was hardly regarded as one of Britain's great bass players, and he had not arrived expecting to audition for the instrument at all. Yet the chemistry between the three musicians was undeniable. What began as a failed guitar audition suddenly became the foundation of one of rock's most celebrated power trios.
Within weeks, the newly formed Jimi Hendrix Experience were turning heads around London. Their debut single, 'Hey Joe', arrived before the end of the year and became an immediate success. More groundbreaking recordings followed, including 'Purple Haze', 'The Wind Cries Mary' and the landmark album Are You Experienced.
Redding remained a key member of the Experience throughout its most influential period, playing on the records that established Hendrix as one of rock's defining figures. His route into the band may have been accidental, but his contribution was anything but.
Looking back, the events of October 1966 stand as one of rock's great twists of fate. A young musician turned up hoping to land a job as guitarist. He failed the audition he wanted, accepted one he never expected, and helped create a band that would change popular music forever.
Pics Getty Images
Top pic The Jimi Hendrix Experience, 1967. L-R Mitch Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding
