From the Archive

Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze venue to receive heritage plaque

On Boxing Day 1966 Jimi Hendrix wrote the lyrics to Purple Haze before he performed at the Upper Cut Club, Woodgrange Road in Forest Gate.

A plaque had been placed on the gate at the entrance where the club was located, but it was taken down during refurbishment of the area.

When I discovered this I decided that I wanted to replace the plaque and also have a wall mural on the road where the Upper Cut Club used to be.

I made a start on my project on the anniversary of his death in September 2019 I was in the process of having meetings and putting together all the official paper work, when Covid- 19 happened and put a stop to it.

But I got to thinking, maybe it’s not possible to go ahead with the wall mural this year but I am going to try and at least get a new plaque made. Especially as this year marks the 50th anniversary of his passing (September 18th 1970).

I made some enquiries and found out that I could apply to get Jimi Hendrix’s song Purple Haze a Newham Heritage Blue plaque.

I was so happy when it was confirmed to me that Jimi Hendrix could receive one.

It’s in the process of being made at present. When it’s finished there will be a small socially distanced ceremony for the unveiling.


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