If you don’t know John McDermott, he’s been the guardian of Jimi Hendrix’s musical legacy for nearly 30 years. He’s the kind of guy with stories you can’t Google, insights you can’t fake, and a lot of passion for preserving one of rock’s greatest icons.
We talked about everything from Hendrix’s unreleased gems to their upcoming Experience Hendrix tour coming to the Fox Theatre on March 22nd.
The Magic of the Fox Theatre
First, McDermott talked about his upcoming concert at the Fox Theatre. John said it’s one of the best places to perform. “We’ve played the Fox five times, and the crowd’s energy is just incredible, it’s not like playing a generic performing arts center where it’s just another stop on a subscription series. These fans are passionate. They show up because they love the music.”
A Lifelong Journey with Jimi
Now, how exactly does one become the catalog director for Jimi Hendrix? I asked John, and he dove right in. It started in 1992 when he co-wrote a book called Hendrix: Setting the Record Straight with Eddie Kramer. A year later, John helped produce a tribute album, Stone Free, which raised scholarship funds in Jimi’s name through the United Negro College Fund.
In the mid-1990s, John helped the Hendrix family win a long legal battle to regain control of Jimi’s music. “When they finally won the rights, they asked me to manage the catalog,” he explained. “Our first release was in 1997, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
From curating historic releases to creating documentaries, John’s helped make sure Hendrix’s music remains timeless.
How Many Hendrix Songs Are Still Unreleased?
Every Hendrix fan has wondered: Is there anything left in the archives? According to John, the answer is, “Yes, but not as much.” Over the years, his team has dug deep to release unreleased tracks, documentaries, and live sessions. “We’re definitely closer to the end of the archive than we were 20 or 25 years ago,” he admitted, “but every now and then, something new surprises us.”
Case in point? A few years ago, they uncovered a never-before-heard 1967 recording of Hendrix at the Hollywood Bowl. Want to know how early this was? It happened beforeAre You Experienced? It even dropped in the U.S. That’s serious history right there.
Why Hendrix Still Resonates
When I asked about Hendrix’s lasting legacy, John said, “Every generation rediscovers him.” From Prince to Stevie Ray Vaughan to John Mayer, Hendrix’s influence is woven into the DNA of music. “Jimi’s music is timeless,” John said. People hear it in movies, commercials, or even on the radio and are driven to find out more. His music speaks for itself—you don’t have to hard-sell it.”
Even in pop culture, Hendrix’s impact is everywhere. Quick example? Hulk Hogan famously strutted into the ring to “Voodoo Child.” And John lit up when I threw that out there. “Yeah, that’s a great example! And people like Paul McCartney still tell stories about their friendship with Jimi on stage. It’s amazing how his influence just keeps going.”
The Experience Hendrix Tour
Here’s the part you need to know about—the Experience Hendrix tour. If you’re even remotely into guitar legends, this is the show for you. John explained why it’s such a hit. “It’s not just a loose jam session,” he said. “It’s collaborative. You’ll hear the Hendrix songs you know and love, but you’ll also discover new artists who bring their own energy to the legacy.”
The lineup is stacked—think Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson, and Marcus King, just to name a few. “These artists come because Jimi inspired them in different ways,” John added. “It’s a common denominator for audiences. People might come in because they’re fans of one artist, but by the end of the night, they leave blown away by others.”
Oh, and if you happen to be at the Fox Theatre on March 22nd? Keep an eye out for surprise appearances. John flat-out said they love throwing unexpected guests into the mix.
Hendrix Memorabilia: What’s Left?
John said Jimi was more of an “off-the-rack” kind of guy when it came to guitars. “He usually had a black Strat, a white Strat, and a Flying V,” he shared. “Sometimes a Gibson Les Paul Jr. for blues numbers.”
Many of Jimi’s personal items and stage gear now reside in museums, including the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Seeing them up close makes Hendrix feel real. “His dad, Al Hendrix, wanted these items shared with fans,” John said. “It’s incredible to see someone connect with a piece of Jimi’s history in person.”
What’s Next For The Hendrix Estate?
John said the Electric Lady Studios project has been a big focus, “If we find more material that deepens fans’ appreciation of Jimi, we’ll explore ways to share it.”
If you’re in Detroit on March 22nd, do yourself a favor and Experience Hendrix (literally) at the Fox Theatre. Trust me, this tour isn’t just a concert—it’s a celebration of a legend.
See you there!