Was Barbecue 67, with a performance by Jimi Hendrix, the inaugural rock festival?
In a little-known shed in Lincolnshire, music history was made on Monday, May 29, 1967. The Tulip Bulb Auction Hall in Spalding, Lincolnshire, a place typically reserved for the selling of flower bulbs and other commodities, served as the stage for what would later be recognized as the first British rock festival. Despite its humble setting, iconic names such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and The Move took to the stage to perform for enthusiastic fans.
The significance of this event was not immediately recognized at the time. Bev Bevan, the drummer from Electric Light Orchestra and The Move, remarks, “It was the first British rock festival, really, although nobody knew it was at the time.” Barbeque 67 set the stage for what was to come in the music festival scene, establishing itself as a groundbreaking event.
Jimi Hendrix’s presence at the festival added to its allure, albeit with some challenges. Despite his legendary status, Hendrix faced sound issues that left him dissatisfied with his guitar’s performance. The guitarist’s frustration led to a memorable moment where he famously set fire to his guitar on stage. Unfortunately, this iconic guitar was disposed of and lost, a move that appears shortsighted considering its potential value today.
Not only did Barbeque 67 feature Hendrix’s guitar on fire, but it was also filled with peculiar moments. Pink Floyd’s performance was witnessed only by a few hundred fans due to entry delays, and fans had to resort to watching the acts through floorboard cracks. The novelty of the festival stemmed from the fact that it was uncharted territory at the time, resulting in a unique and unforgettable event.
Despite attracting a crowd of 4,000 to 6,000 attendees, Barbeque 67 did not receive as much attention as expected due to the overshadowing release of The Beatles’ iconic Sgt. Pepper album a few days prior. The festival, though memorable to those who experienced it, failed to garner widespread publicity, with many in Spalding today unaware of its musical legacy right under their noses.
The demolition of the auction room that housed Barbeque 67 marked the end of an era, with the area now occupied by modern businesses. The event’s historical significance, while not widely recognized, remains a crucial moment in music history that paved the way for future rock festivals. Though Barbeque 67 may have faded from public memory, its impact on the music industry endures, serving as a testament to the pioneering spirit of rock festivals.