Imagine a world where Jimi Hendrix joined forces with other rock legends to form a supergroup. It’s an intriguing thought—one that feels almost too good to be true. While Hendrix spent most of his career with the Experience, there was a moment when this incredible possibility was closer to reality than anyone could have imagined.
The idea of Hendrix stepping into the lineup of a supergroup isn’t just a fantasy. In fact, plans were in motion for the guitarist to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music. It was an ambitious project that could have redefined rock history.
This nearly forgotten story revolves around the legendary trio Emerson, Lake & Palmer. As it turns out, they came remarkably close to recruiting Hendrix, a decision that was only halted by tragic timing. Here’s a look at what could have been one of rock’s most electrifying bands.
The Birth of the Jimi Hendrix Experience
When Jimi Hendrix arrived in London, Chas Chandler wasted no time assembling a band to showcase his extraordinary talent. He quickly recruited Mitch Mitchell as the drummer and Noel Redding as the bassist, forming the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Chandler’s connections helped launch Hendrix’s career, including introducing him to Eric Clapton.
Hendrix’s first three albums, featuring Mitchell on drums, became his most commercially successful. Mitchell stayed with Hendrix even after the Experience disbanded, continuing to work alongside him. But during this time, a new idea began to form.
Keith Emerson and Greg Lake had their own plans for a collaboration involving Mitchell and Hendrix. This concept marked the early stages of what could have been a groundbreaking supergroup, though the timing was ultimately not in their favor.
The Supergroup That Never Was
In the early days of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, founders Keith Emerson and Greg Lake discussed bringing Mitch Mitchell on board as their drummer. The plan was for Mitchell to bring Jimi Hendrix along, hoping to form the ultimate supergroup. While they ultimately chose Carl Palmer as their drummer, the idea of “HELP”—Hendrix, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer—remained an exciting possibility.
Before Palmer joined, Emerson and Lake had hoped to enter the studio with Hendrix and Mitchell. Unfortunately, their dream session never materialized. Tragedy struck when Hendrix passed away on September 18, 1970, cutting short the opportunity for this iconic collaboration.
After Hendrix’s death, Mitchell continued his career with other artists, but the world never got to hear what this potential supergroup could have sounded like. Hendrix’s guitar style, combined with Emerson and Lake’s unique musical vision, would have surely created something legendary.