Roadie hears Hendrix’s final words as Hells Angels break his last gig

**Jimi Hendrix’s Final Concert on the Isle of Fehmarn and the Aftermath**

The legendary guitarist performed on September 18, 1970, at the Isle of Fehmarn in Germany. The event was intended to be a small festival stop for Hendrix and his band before heading back to London. However, the night was interrupted by an unexpected takeover by a large group of Hells Angels.

Barrett, Hendrix’s roadie from 1968 to 1970, later chronicled the incident in his memoir “Experienced.” He described how hundreds of bikers descended on the venue, and security was forced to retreat. The crowd was left in a state of chaos, with reports of fans being beaten and robbed.

After the melee, Hendrix returned to the stage for what would become his last official performance. He faced boos from a hostile audience but maintained his trademark composure, delivering a brief farewell before leaving the venue. The next day, paramedics found him unresponsive in London, where he died at age 27.

Barrett’s memoir also addresses the rumors that have surrounded Hendrix’s death for decades. He rejects claims that the musician was murdered and insists the official cause was asphyxiation while intoxicated with barbiturates.

Barrett stresses that his own memories paint a picture of a man who struggled with drugs but remained grounded in his art.

## Hells Angels Takeover at Fehmarn

The festival on Fehmarn was intended as a low‑profile stop for Hendrix and his band. Barrett recalled that security was overwhelmed when the Hells Angels arrived in large numbers, forcing them to abandon their posts.

The bikers reportedly set up makeshift control points around the venue, creating a tense environment for both performers and fans.

Barrett, many festival attendees were physically assaulted or robbed during the chaos. He noted that the road crew had two cars ready to ferry them back to London, but the bikers blocked their exit. The confrontation escalated into violence that left several people injured.

The night’s turmoil directly impacted Hendrix’s state of mind during the subsequent performance. Barrett described how Hendrix retreated to his room after witnessing the mayhem, staying alone and sober. He returned to the stage the next evening with a measured demeanor that belied the day's earlier chaos.

Barrett also noted that the incident left a lasting impression on the crew. He said that after the bikers left, the venue was left in disarray, with damaged equipment and scattered personal items. The experience reinforced for Hendrix’s team the importance of security measures at future shows.

Barrett believes that the bikers’ presence influenced Hendrix’s set list that night. He recalls Hendrix choosing more subdued songs, perhaps as a concession to the tense crowd. This shift highlighted the guitarist’s adaptability under pressure.

## The Final Performance and Aftermath

On the day after the biker incident, Hendrix took the stage at Fehmarn with a brief set that was met with boos from an angry audience. He responded to the hostility by delivering a curt comment about their behavior before concluding his appearance with a simple, “Thank you, goodbye. Peace!”

Barrett recalled that after the show he guided Hendrix and the rest of the band toward the waiting cars. The bikers soon surrounded them, forcing the crew to act quickly to avoid confrontation. Barrett said a Hells Angel was about to strike tour manager Gerry Stickells with a baton, and he stepped in front of him to absorb the blow.

During the exchange, Hendrix reportedly asked Barrett repeatedly if he was alright. Barrett described that Hendrix’s concern was genuine, and that his last words to him were a simple check on his well‑being. Those remarks remain the final conversation between the two after Hendrix’s death.

Following Hendrix’s departure from Fehmarn, his management team began the process of arranging his return to London. They coordinated with local authorities to secure transportation and ensure safety for the remaining crew members. The incident added a layer of complexity to an already demanding tour schedule.

During the brief concert, Hendrix also interacted with a handful of local fans who had managed to escape the chaos. He offered them encouragement and a few words of reassurance before leaving. These moments have become part of the lore surrounding his final show.

## Barrett’s Reflections and the Legacy

Barrett later reflected on Hendrix’s drug use, stating that he had avoided publicizing his struggles to protect the guitarist’s reputation. He has consistently denied allegations that Hendrix was a heroin user, noting that he saw no evidence of such usage during his tenure on tour.

The official autopsy concluded that Hendrix died of asphyxiation while intoxicated with barbiturates, a fact that Barrett has reiterated in his memoir. He described the paramedics’ attempts to revive Hendrix in London’s Samarkand Hotel and the subsequent transport to hospital where the fatal outcome was confirmed.

Barrett also touched on Hendrix’s artistic vision during his final months. He describes how the guitarist remained focused on perfecting his sound, despite the chaotic environment. Barrett reflects that Hendrix’s commitment to music persisted even as personal struggles intensified.

Jimi Hendrix’s last night on stage remains a stark reminder of the volatility that surrounded the icon's career. His death, officially attributed to barbiturate intoxication, has continued to spark debate among fans and historians alike.

Barrett’s candid account offers a rare glimpse into the backstage world of one of rock’s most enigmatic figures.