New Minglewood Blues: Jimi Hendrix vs Jimi Hendrix

Can you tell who is who?

Does the Jimi Hendrix Estate feel the upcoming Hendrix biopic, All Is By My Side, is not giving their beloved full justice?

Experience Hendrix, LLC, released a statement earlier this month condoning the production of the film, stating that it “has made it known many times in the past that no such film, were it to include original music or copyrights created by Jimi Hendrix, can be undertaken without [the company’s] full participation.”

I wonder if that would even matter in this particular biopic. The film depicts Hendrix early London years, spanning from 1966-1967, before he reached his pinnacle of fame, focusing mainly on his sudden rise to the top.

According to BET, “Experience Hendrix CEO Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister, and the EH have not ruled out a biopic in the future, though producing partners would, out of necessity, have to involve the company from the inception of any such film project if it is to include original Jimi Hendrix music or compositions.”

Was that a nudge at director John Ridley for not consulting with the estate before proceeding with the film?

Nonetheless, Andre ‘3000’ Benjamin, one half of OutKast, does hold an uncanny resemblance to Jimi Hendrix (as seen above and below). Supporting him are Hayley Atwell and Imogen Poots, both popular British actors. The former is playing Linda Keith, Keith Richard’s then-girlfriend and the woman who helped boost him to the spotlight.

Although the idea of All Is By My Side sounds legendary, especially the scenes utilizing-- albeit minimally-- authentic archival footage, I don’t know if it could become a thriving success without the consent of the Hendrix Estate. Truthfully, whether the songs are used or not may be a moot point, the film does take place before he was thrown into the mainstream. But for a film accounting the triumphs of Jimi Hendrix, it needs more. I don’t understand how you can not show any shows or live recordings, what he is most renown for. All I can say is this movie will be a hit or a miss, and I hope it is a hit.

Hendrix died in 1970 from a drug overdose at his girlfriend’s house in London. He is a member of the 27 club.

All Is By My Side will be released next year. Will you see it?