4 Moments From the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival That I’ll Never Forget

I was admittedly not alive when the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival took place in sunny California. However, the footage of the festival has met the eyes (and ears) of several generations after that famed fest took place. Seeing Jimi Hendrix light his guitar on fire for the first time can be a life-changing experience for a young audiophile. Let’s take a look at just four Monterey Pop Festival moments that I personally wish I could have seen in person.

Videos by American Songwriter

1. “Wild Thing” by Jimi Hendrix

Arguably the defining moment of Monterey Pop Festival 1967, the whole of Jimi Hendrix’s performance was on another level. However, the most memorable moment of the entire set had to be its finale. After closing out a killer performance of “Wild Thing”, Jimi Hendrix pours lighter fluid on his guitar and lights a match, drenching his guitar in flames. 

The whole debacle felt like a ritual or hex. To put it simply, it was like a spiritual experience for those who got to witness it in person.

2. “Chimes Of Freedom” by The Byrds

A slightly underrated entry on our list of Monterey Pop Festival moments, you just can’t beat The Byrds’ performance of “Chimes Of Freedom”. 

The whole of The Byrds’ performance really set off the audience. I’d be bold enough to say it was one of their best career performances ever. The band’s cover of the Bob Dylan classic “Chimes Of Freedom” was just one example of The Byrds’ genre-defining talent.

3. “Paint It Black” by The Animals

Another shining cover to hit the speakers at Monterey Pop Festival 1967, The Animals performed a dazzling cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black”. With the huge shadow of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin’s performances over the festival, few remember this particular legendary set. 

It’s kind of unfair, honestly. This live performance rivals the recorded version that made it to The Animals’ 1967 album Winds Of Change.

4. “Ball & Chain” by Janis Joplin + Big Brother And The Holding Company

One of the most memorable Monterey Pop Festival moments of the whole dang thing, Janis Joplin’s vocal performance throughout Big Brother And The Holding Company’s set was, simply putting, arresting. 

She showed the world how powerful her pipes and passion were, and one of the best songs from the set has to be “Ball & Chain”. It just can’t be compared to anything else. 

Photo via YouTube screenshot from “Wild Thing” (1967) 

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.