London Shoes loves doing a bit of the old “Then & Now” themed blogs, especially when they relate to London streets – as it always fascinates me to see the changes and differences of the background views and scenery.
Shoes’ also gets a buzz attempting to identify the exact spot a ‘Then’ photo was taken from or the exact spot where the subject of the photo stood (I know…I really should get out more).
Anyway – this week Shoes had the opportunity to go out and do a ‘Then & Now’ topic – which initially started life as a simple straight forward task – but upon conducting a little bit of research on the subject matter, this task suddenly expanded into a far greater/wider topic – a topic, which in itself, has its own ‘place in time’ in London’s historic music legacy.
So – the title of this week’s blog is: –
“Jimi Hendrix & the Montagu Square London W1-experience”
Now – I have always been a big fan of Jimi Hendrix and the influence his music has had on future generations of musicians. As a young teenager I used to have this massive Hendrix poster on my bedroom wall and his first 3 albums were regularly spinning away on my record deck.
Anyway – there was one particular promo photo of Jimi Hendrix, that I always liked – probably because I could relate to it, as it was taken on a London street – Montagu Passage to be exact – a small West End street leading into the impressive Montagu Square – London W1.
This particular photo was taken in 1967 as part of a photoshoot where all the photos were centred around Montagu Square – and in particular, mainly outside no.34 Montagu Square – (an address that becomes a very significant part of this blog).
Montagu Square was and still is, located in a very posh and expensive part of London – where the houses/apartments sell for £millions.
The Square was built in 1810 – and was named after a very popular socialite of the times ‘Elizabeth Montagu’ – who just so happened to be the one-time mistress of the Square’s builder.
Back then (and even now), you’d have to be worth a few bob to be able to live in and around Montagu Square.
Fast forward to the early to mid-1960’s – Beatles drummer ‘Ringo Starr’ leased a basement flat at no. 34 Montagu Square.
Ringo’s reason for renting it was because he had just got married to his first wife Maureen Cox – and Montagu Square was just 1.9 miles from St. John’s Wood, where the Abbey Road studios were located – the studio where the Beatles recorded the majority of their amazing and influential work.
Ringo’s basement flat at 34 Montagu Square – wasn’t some tiny bedsit – it had a number of rooms, and en-suite bathrooms and could be accessed from the main front door of no. 34 or by going down a few steps from the street into the basement area.
In 1965 Ringo had moved out of London to the Surrey stockbroker belt – and fellow Beatle ‘Paul McCartney’ rented the basement flat off Ringo.
Whilst there, McCartney converted one of the basement rooms into a little home-recording studio. It is said that Paul worked on the iconic Beatles song ‘Eleanor Rigby’ whilst residing at 34 Montagu Square.
The basement flat was handy for Paul McCartney – because of its close proximity to the Abbey Road studio in St. John’s Wood – and also because his then girlfriend ‘Jane Asher’ was, at that time, living at her parents place in nearby Wimpole Street.
However – Paul didn’t live at Ringo’s basement flat for long – and in Sept 1966 he moved out into a new home he had bought in St. John’s Wood – where he still resides today.
In December 1966, with Paul McCartney having moved out – Ringo sub-let his 34 Montagu Square basement flat to the now all-time guitar legend ‘Jimi Hendrix’.
Hendrix – with only $40 dollars in his pocket, and on a promise of meeting Eric Clapton – arrived in the UK from the States – just a couple of months earlier in September 1966.
In desperate need of a place to live, that was central to the London ‘scene’ – Jimi Hendrix and his then manager, former Animals bassist ‘Chas Chandler’ – rented Ringo’s basement flat at no.34 Montagu Square and moved in with their respective girlfriends – Jimi’s being ‘Kathy Etchingham’ – paying Ringo a weekly rent of £30.
It is said that one of Jimi’s most popular songs “The Wind Cries Mary” was composed at 34 Montagu Square – and was written following a big bust up Hendrix had with Etchingham – over the quality of her cooking.
However – Jimi’s stay at no.34 Montagu Square was also short lived – as the landlord would constantly be on at Ringo, about complaints he was continually receiving from the other residents of no.34 and neighbours – the complaints being all about the constant ‘noise’ (music & parting) coming the basement flat.
The final straw was when Jimi (allegedly – whilst ‘tripping’ on LSD) – threw a full tin of whitewash all over one of the walls of the flat – leaving Ringo with no option than to instruct Jimi to leave vacate flat with immediate effect.
Although Ringo was now living in upmarket Weybridge-Surrey, he still kept his basement flat at 34 Montagu Square going.
By 1968 John Lennon had started his relationship with Yoko Ono – and when it all kicked-off, Cynthia Lennon and son Julian moved out of John’s Surrey mansion – and relocated to the basement flat at 34 Montagu Square.
However, after 3 months – John & Yoko decided that they didn’t like the isolation of living in Weybridge-Surrey – and wanted to be in the middle of the London ‘scene’ – and so they moved in to 34 Montagu Square – with Cynthia Lennon and Julian going in the opposite direction.
John & Yoko remained living at Ringo’s Montagu Square basement flat, throughout the entire recording of the Beatles ‘White Album’ at Abbey Road studios in St. John’s Wood.
Eyewitnesses who visited the couple at that time –described the flat as very untidy and conditions were squalid – this may have been because John & Yoko were supposedly heavily into drugs at that particular time.
The controversial front & back covers of the 1968 released John & Yoko album “Two Virgins” who’s controversial front and back covers – were photographed in the basement flat at 34 Montagu Square.
The album’s front cover shows John & Yoko completely naked, from the front view – and the back cover shows them completely naked from the back view.
Apparently – the story goes that John & Yoko were a bit embarrassed about having to strip naked for the assigned photographer – and so were shown how to operate the time lapse delay mechanism of his camera and then sent the photographer away – and did the album cover shots themselves.
In October 1968 the basement flat at 34 Montagu Square was raided by the infamous Sgt. Norman Pilcher of the Scotland Yard Drugs Squad.
Pilcher became well known for ‘busting’ all the high profile musicians/performers of that era – and the Beatles and the Rolling Stones certainly got their share of drug busts, attracting massive media attention.
When Sgt.Pilcher and his team raided 34 Montagu Square – they were in plain clothes and gained access from the front and from the back of the building.
Apparently, John could see people approaching from the back of the basement flat – whilst Yoko, who was pregnant at the time – was trying to stop these unknown unannounced men from rushing through the front door. They thought that they were being ambushed by some overzealous and obsessed Beatles fans, or some sort of cult, as there was some weird stuff happening during those times.
It is said that John had received a tip-off some 3 weeks earlier – that he was likely to get raided by Pilcher and his men – and because Jimi had left a load of stuff lying around everywhere when he left the flat – and because John & Yoko had ‘dabbled’ – John had apparently arranged for the flat to undergo a deep clean in anticipation of getting raided.
After going over the flat with a fine toothed comb – all Sgt.Pilcher and his men could find was a tiny little bit of cannabis hidden in the bottom of a binoculars case.
Sgt. Pilcher arrested John and charged him with possession – and he also charged John & Yoko with the ‘Obstruction of Justice’, because they had put up a bit of resistance when the police rushed in.
John pleaded guilty and was fined £150 – and Yoko was let off. Sadly, Yoko suffered a miscarriage just a few weeks later.
*In 1973 Sgt, John Pilcher was arrested on conspiracy charges and perjury – and was jailed for 4 years.
After the Montagu Square raid in 1968, the landlord had had enough and took an injunction out against Ringo Starr – forbidding anyone except Ringo’s family, to live at no.34 Montagu Square – plus a proviso that there should be no music or instruments playing in the flat.
In February 1969 Ringo eventually got rid of his troublesome basement flat and sold the lease of 34 Montagu Square.
In 1987 – 34 Montagu Square was granted a Grade II Listed protection status.
In Oct 2010, following a 10-year campaign – Yoko Ono unveiled a Blue Plaque at 34 Montagu Square – the plaque read: –
“John Lennon 1940-1980 – Musician & Songwriter – Lived here 1968”.
So – as you can see – my initial task of simply retracing the locations of a 1967 photoshoot of Jimi Hendrix that took place in and around Montagu Square, and then amusingly attempting to replicate the photos – ended up being a whole lot more!!!
Who would have thought that a simple promo photo of Jimi Hendrix and posh little basement flat in the west end – could have such a massive place in London’s music history.
So – having spent a good couple of hours wandering up and down the pavements of Montagu Square and attracting a lot of concerned attention from the residents of no. 34 – I fancied a little liquid refreshment before heading off back home.
On my stroll from Montagu Square to Bond Street tube station, I popped into ‘The Three Tuns’-a cosy little 18th century-built pub in Portland Mews – not that far from Hyde Park Corner.
The term ‘Tun’ is an old brewing reference for the barrels/casks used in the ale making .
Anyway – The Three Tuns is a very snug cosy rub-a-dub tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street – and it was the ideal place to knock back a ‘cheeky’ couple of pinot’s and a bowl of chunky chips.
So – all in all – a very enjoyable Shoes’ day
Hope you enjoyed this little story and it’s accompanying photos
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See below the full gallery of photos taken/downloaded to accompany this blog
Montagu Square was and still is, located in a very posh and expensive part of London – where the houses/apartments sell for £millions.
There was one particular promo photo of Jimi Hendrix, that I always liked – probably because I could relate to it, as it was taken on a London street – Montagu Passage – a small West End street leading into the impressive Montagu Square – London W1. (imaged sourced from another website)
Me – replicating the 1967 promo photo of Jimi Hendrix alongside the railings in Montagu Passage – which leads into Montagu Square – London W1
Jimi Hendrix on the front steps of 34 Montagu Square – where he rented the basement flat in 1967. (imaged sourced from another website)
Me – replicating the 1967 photo of Jimi on the front steps of 34 Montagu Square
Another photo of Jimi Hendrix on the steps of 34 Montagu Square – but this time in colour (imaged sourced from another website)
Me – replicating the photo of Jimi Hendrix on the front steps of 34 Montagu Square – this one’s in colour too :-))
Jimi Hendrix on the front steps of 34 Montagu Square – where he rented the basement flat in 1967. (imaged sourced from another website)
Me -(badly) replicating the 1967 photo of Jimi on the front steps of 34 Montagu Square
A shot from the 1967 photoshoot – of Jimi Hendrix alongside the front railings of 34 Montagu Square. (imaged sourced from another website)
Me – trying to replicate the 1967 photo of Jimi Hendrix alongside the front railings of 34 Montagu Square
A photo from the 1967 photoshoot in Montagu Square – this one’s captures Jimi Hendrix strolling away from 34 Montagu Square. (imaged sourced from another website)
Me – attempting to replicate a photo from the 1967 photoshoot of Jimi Hendrix walking down Montagu Square
Montagu Passage as it is today – the streety sign is now displayed on an external wall – not on the railings, as it was in the 1967 Hendrix photo
The entrance to Montagu Square from Montagu Passage. No.34 Montagu Square, where Ringo Starr / Paul McCartney / John Lennon & Jimi Hendrix once lived – is indicated in red.
no. 34 Montagu Square – where where Ringo Starr / Paul McCartney / John Lennon & Jimi Hendrix all once lived – in its basement flat.
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr & his 1st wife Maureen Cox – in his basement flat at no.34 Montague Square. (imaged sourced from another website)
Another view of no. 34 Montagu Square – where where Ringo Starr / Paul McCartney / John Lennon & Jimi Hendrix all once lived – in its basement flat.
The Beatles ‘Ringo Starr’ & ‘Paul McCartney’ – on the steps of no.34 Montagu Square – where they both lived in the property’s basement flat
Me – with my copy of “Through Gypsy Eyes” – a book by Jimi Hendrix ex-girlfriend ‘Kathy Etchingham’ – which recounts her times living with him, in the basement flat at 34 Montagu Square
A photo from my copy of Kathy Etchingham’s ‘Through Gypsy Eyes’ – which see’s Jimi swigging from a bottle of what looks like Mateus Rose
Another photo from my copy of Kathy Etchingham’s ‘Through Gypsy Eyes’ – which see’s Jimi & Kathy in the Montagu Square basement flat – Xmas 1967
Me – with my old vinyl ‘single’ – “Voodoo Chile” – released by Jimi Hendrix in 1970
Me – with the back cover of my vinyl ‘single’ – “Voodoo Chile” – released by Jimi Hendrix in 1970 – I was 13 and that record cost me 6 shilling of my hard earned pocket money !!
Another view of no. 34 Montagu Square – where where Ringo Starr / Paul McCartney / John Lennon & Jimi Hendrix all once lived – in its basement flat. – The Blue Plaque dedicated to John Lennon – was unveiled by Yoko Ono in 2010
The controversial front cover of John & Yoko’s 1968 released “Two Virgins” album – the photo was taken at the 34 Montagu Square basement flat
The controversial back cover of John & Yoko’s 1968 released “Two Virgins” album – the photo was taken at the 34 Montagu Square basement flat
Me – outside 34 Montagu Square – with the Blue Plaque commemorating John Lennon’s occupancy – in the background
John Lennon on the steps of no.34 Montagu Square in Oct 1968 – being led away, following his arrest by Sgt. Pilcher’s Drug Squad
Hampden Gurney Street – W1 – the site of another photo of Jimi Hendrix – Hampden Gurney Street is located between Montagu Square and Oxford St.
Hampden Gurney Street – W1 – the site of another photo of Jimi Hendrix – taken a little later than the Montagu Square photo session. The photo includes fellow Jimi Hendrix Experience band mates Noel Redding (bass) & Mitch Mitchell (drums) – like Jimi, both now deceased.
Me – trying to replicate the photo of Jimi Hendrix taken in the late 1960’s
‘The Three Tuns’ – a cosy little 18th century-built pub, located in Portland Mews – not that far from Hyde Park Corner – and my choice of boozer to stop for a couple of ‘cheeky’ vino’s before heading off back home following my own ‘Jimi Hendrix’ experience !!
Me – outside The Three Tuns pub in Portland Mews – London W1
Inside the cosy and friendly Three Tuns pub in Portland Mews-W1
Just one of the ‘narratives’ on the walls of The Three Tuns pub
Another of the ‘narratives’ on the walls of The Three Tuns pub
Me – (with some serious ‘barnet’ issues) – sinking a cheeky pinot in The Three Tuns pub – W1
A nice story .. well done .
I assumed Lennon had use of all the house …but with others involved I guess the basement was the primary residence.
Thanks Adrian – glad you enjoyed it – it was certainly an enjoyable one to research and put together
Cheers….GEOFF
Especially magnificent edition of London Shoes, Geoff. Terrific stories and photos. Makes you think of that (much later than Hendrix and rather different genre) – ”If Walls Could Talk”.
Many thanks Jeff…..glad you enjoyed it – I certainly enjoyed putting it together.
Absolutely loved this blog Geoff – 2 heroes of mine Hendrix and Lennon and great re-enactments that I would have loved to have joined you on . Great research and a fascinating history
Seems unjust to only recognise Lennon on the blue plaque- that should be addresssed
Great story. In a quiet moment (or two) some years ago, I once tracked down all the places Syd Barrett lived in London and promised myself that one summer’s day I’d do the route.
London Shoes – Reply
Peter Dorer – if you still know the locations, then I’m more than happy to bung it on my ‘To Do List’👍
I appreciate the time and effort that went in to collate this very interesting source of information. Cheers 🍻
Excellent as always!
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing 👍
Good job, as usual 👍
Fantastic stuff as always. I also had a Hendrix poster in pride of place flanked by Jimmy Page and Alvin Lee 😁
Geoff, thanks for taking us down memory lane. Apparently, the iconic photo of Jimi with arms on railings was taken in front of the Embassy of Sweden building under the three gold crowns. Regards, Shaun the Sheep (prone to wander).