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

Author Mick Wall is a renowned British journalist who emerged in 1976 when he began writing stories for music publications. His knowledge and “inside the industry” insights have evolved to where, as a biographer, has written nearly two dozen books on artists ranging from Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath to Prince, Lemmy, the Foo Fighters and others. Now we get “The Life and Death of Jimi Hendrix.” Wall has certainly done his research. There’s only one problem. He tries to tell the story firsthand, taking those factual bits and pieces, embellishing them to try to feel like it is a first-person recounting of Jimi’s story. Couple that with the vulgarity of some of his writing, which is shocking considering the author’s background, and it makes it hard to determine whether he is actually telling the truth or exaggerated fiction. Chapter by chapter, he delves into the different chapters of Jimi’s musical life (he doesn’t dwell on family history much), each in its own time capsule, although not necessarily chronologically. Overall he does little to unveil any new information. We do learn a lot more about the background of manager Michael Jeffery. There’s an extensive transcribed interview with Kathy Etchingham, although for the most part simply reinforces what she had written in her book Through Gypsy Eyes. One point of the interview, she does not try to implicate that Jimi was murdered, more a tragedy of the time, even though she acknowledges there are those who have more inside information regarding the day of September 18 but refuse to speak. There’s also a transcribed interview with Soft Machine drummer Robert Wyatt, talking mostly of the time they toured together, yet doesn’t even mention the recording session Hendrix sat in on with Wyatt. Probably the most interesting part of the book for Hendrix completists is a 17 page transcribed interview with Eddie Kramer, done shortly after the release of People, Hell & Angels. Kramer really delves into their partnership in the studio and the creation of Jimi’s music and production. While we heard dozens of interviews with Kramer over the years, it is probably one of the most perceptive understandings of Jimi and his music. For the Hendrix completists, there’s enough to warrant adding the book to the library. To a novice wanting to read a Hendrix biography, there are better to choose from.

I've read just about every tome regarding Jimi that's available but this latest Mick Wall effort is something else. Like previous reviewers have mentioned it's written in a slang style and totally captures the zeitgeist of the time. Including a revealing interview with Kathy Etchingham it is clear Mick has carried out some extensive research in the writing of this book. I found it absolutely compelling and definitely gives a good insight into what Jimi was all about and the people in his life such as Mike Jeffery , Chas Chandler etc. This book is totally recommended to any Jimi enthusiast. It's a good idea to have some Jimi playing in the background whilst reading , you feel you're there!! A great account of one of the most original musicians of all time . You must read this book if you're a Hendrix devotee. Nice one Mick, you've done it again.

I usually stay away from book reviews even though I read lots & having read When Giants Walked the Earth by Mick Wall, I knew I was onto a winner. I was impressed by the way he approached writing this book, small chapters of verses in Jimi Hendrix life, other musicians, his friends, his friends of friends, his management & generally the trials & tribulations of being a superstar guitarist of in the early years of his career. Buy it, you won't regret your investment 🎙️🎧🎸

Not a traditional music biog, it’s far, far better than that. This reads more like a pulp fiction novel at times and Mick Wall has put in huge amounts of work to tell us stuff we didn’t know

It's a strange way the novelist has put to paper.....the detail's of Jimi's Story.....Very hard to follow at time's, and confusing to say the least.Some interesting interview's, that have been published before.Nothing new, to be found here....Nice Cover though......