‘Izabella’ Strat Jimi Hendrix played at 1969’s Woodstock joins the Experience Hendrix tour

 

 

 

Jimi Hendrix’s legendary Fender Stratocaster, famously named “Izabella,” which he played during his iconic 1969 Woodstock performance, is set to join the *Experience Hendrix* tour. This tour, a tribute to the musical genius and lasting legacy of Hendrix, now becomes even more special as fans will have the chance to see one of the most iconic guitars in rock history.

The Story Behind “Izabella”

The “Izabella” Stratocaster was Hendrix’s chosen weapon during one of his most defining and culturally significant performances at Woodstock in August 1969. He used this guitar to perform a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that would forever change the way the national anthem is viewed and heard. His use of distortion and feedback, alongside his profound improvisational skills, captured the turbulent social and political atmosphere of the era. The performance became an emblem of the anti-war movement, with Hendrix making sounds reminiscent of bombs and chaos, which many interpreted as a protest against the Vietnam War.

The guitar itself was named after a woman Hendrix admired, and it holds a special place in the guitarist’s extensive collection of iconic instruments. Following its performance at Woodstock, “Izabella” became not just a symbol of Hendrix’s genius but also a marker of a cultural shift in music, art, and politics. It remains one of the most famous instruments in the world.

Joining the Experience Hendrix Tour

The *Experience Hendrix* tour is an annual event created by Hendrix’s estate and has been celebrating the guitarist’s contributions to music for over two decades. Featuring a rotating cast of renowned musicians and guitar virtuosos, the tour has included the likes of Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Zakk Wylde, among others, who all perform Hendrix’s classic tracks.

The tour pays homage to Hendrix’s catalog, including songs like “Purple Haze,” “Foxy Lady,” “All Along the Watchtower,” and of course, his monumental performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The inclusion of “Izabella” adds a significant layer of historical depth to the tour, allowing fans to connect more intimately with Hendrix’s Woodstock legacy.

Although “Izabella” won’t be played live on stage, it will be displayed at various stops along the tour, giving fans an up-close look at the guitar that helped create one of rock’s most celebrated moments. The decision to include the guitar on the tour demonstrates the Hendrix estate’s dedication to preserving and sharing the history and magic of Hendrix’s career with new generations of music lovers.

A Living Tribute to Hendrix’s Genius

Jimi Hendrix’s influence on the world of music, particularly in rock and blues, is immeasurable. His inventive use of the guitar, which includes techniques such as feedback, distortion, and his iconic use of the wah-wah pedal, redefined what was possible with the electric guitar. For many, Hendrix is not only one of the greatest guitarists of all time, but a cultural icon whose music captured the spirit of a generation.

Bringing “Izabella” on the road for the *Experience Hendrix* tour allows a younger generation of fans, who may not have experienced Hendrix’s performances firsthand, to connect with his music in a meaningful way. Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister and the CEO of Experience Hendrix, LLC, remarked on the importance of showcasing this iconic guitar: “Izabella was with Jimi at one of the most pivotal moments in his career. Sharing this piece of history with fans allows them to experience a tangible connection to Jimi’s legacy.”

Hendrix’s Impact Lives On

The *Experience Hendrix* tour is much more than just a series of tribute concerts. It is a platform for celebrating Hendrix’s unmatched artistry, his innovative approach to guitar playing, and the profound cultural influence he had during the 1960s and beyond. Musicians on the tour not only perform Hendrix’s music but often reinterpret his songs, bringing their own styles while honoring his spirit of creativity.

“Playing Jimi’s music is always an honor, but having Izabella there takes it to another level,” said Kenny Wayne Shepherd, one of the long-time performers on the tour. “It’s like having a piece of Jimi with us, a reminder of the magic he created and how he changed the game for guitarists forever.”

A Legacy That Endures

As the *Experience Hendrix* tour continues to travel across the country, “Izabella” will stand as a reminder of Jimi Hendrix’s profound impact on both music and culture. Hendrix’s music has stood the test of time, and his techniques continue to inspire guitarists around the world. From rock to blues, from experimental to psychedelic sounds, Hendrix’s fingerprints can be found across nearly every genre of modern music.

As one of the most iconic guitars in rock history, “Izabella” symbolizes the creative brilliance and defiance that Hendrix embodied throughout his career. It remains an integral part of his legacy, just as relevant today as it was during those thunderous performances more than 50 years ago.

For fans attending the *Experience Hendrix* tour, seeing “Izabella” in person will be more than just a nostalgic moment—it will be a powerful connection to the man who changed the world of music forever.