Thurrock Nub News is pleased to bring you the first in a series of articles recalling iconic moments in Thurrock's musical history by Allie Cooper. She starts with a recollection of a performance by the legendary Jimi Hendrix at Blackshots.

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IT wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Jimi Hendrix is one of the most influential figures in modern music. You can't talk about the greatest rock guitarists of all time without mentioning Jimi Hendrix, as he's known for many historic moments in rock and roll history.

People who think about Jimi Hendrix remember his wild theatrics, such as ramming his iconic Fender Stratocaster into an amplifier or lighting it ablaze in the middle of a set.

Indeed, Hendrix has had a deep effect on both rock music and rock culture. So much so that people have tried to emulate him. Whether it's through his eclectic fashion choices or through his sound with a Fender, accompanied by his famous Vox V846 Wah Pedal to match, everyone just can't seem to get enough of Jimi Hendrix.

This is why everything that Hendrix touched turned to gold. In fact, Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios still stands to this day and has housed the greatest modern musicians within its hallowed halls.

Even the places where Hendrix has played are beloved and honoured. Statues and commemorative plaques are scattered all over the globe, a reminder that Jimi Hendrix once set foot within these venues and gave audiences a show that they would never forget.

In fact, The Court in London has a commemorative blue plaque that marks Hendrix's first performance there. Fans from all over the world visit these spots, a pilgrimage to the altars of rock and roll that Hendrix himself established during his active years.

Now, local fans of Jimi Hendrix will be glad to know that there's actually a spot that they can visit where Hendrix and the Jimi Hendrix Experience played back in the day.

What many people may not know (especially younger Hendrix fans) is that Jimi Hendrix actually visited Thurrock during the early years of his career.

So how did Hendrix end up here in the first place?

Well, the United States wasn't as receptive to Hendrix's music especially during the start of his career. Because of this, Hendrix travelled across the Atlantic to do shows abroad.

In fact, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was actually formed in London back in 1966.

One year later and the rock trio found themselves in Civic Hall housed in the Blackshots Complex. The Jimi Hendrix Experience played on February 14th, 1967 to kick off a string of shows that would have them travel across the country and culminated in Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff at the Pop Festival where they played alongside the top acts in the UK.

While not one of his more popular shows, local fans will no doubt still want to drop by and walk where Hendrix once walked. So if you have the time, and travel restrictions allow for it, why not drop by the Blackshots Complex and soak up some rock and roll history?