Leeds lecturer tunes into Hendrix vibes with gig at rock legend's old flat

A Leeds Arts University lecturer had a Jimi Hendrix experience to savour when he played a gig in the rock legend's old flat.
Dr Tom Attah in Jimi Hendrix's old flat.Dr Tom Attah in Jimi Hendrix's old flat.
Dr Tom Attah in Jimi Hendrix's old flat.

Dr Tom Attah, a respected blues musician in his own right, attracted a sell-out crowd to the show at Hendrix’s one-time London home, which is now the site of an exhibition celebrating the late singer and guitarist’s life and work.

“Playing a set in Hendrix’s London home was an incredible experience,” said Tom.

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“He was at the height of his powers when he lived in the UK, and the songs he wrote when he lived there changed the course of music.

“His contribution to music and culture is immeasurable – just about every musician making music today will have been influenced by Jimi Hendrix or his legacy in some way.”

Tom has previously played shows in countries such as Greece, Germany and the US – and has even performed at the Glastonbury Festival.

He is also the course leader of the new BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree starting at Leeds Arts University next September.

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Based in the £22m university expansion currently taking shape in Woodhouse, the course will let students get to grips with state-of-the-art music facilities and collaborate with animators, fashion designers and film-makers.

Tom said: “My research has focused on the effects of technology on popular music and society, so it seems appropriate that I had the chance to play in a place that has had such a marked impact on music and society in general.”

The third-floor flat, which is on Brook Street in Mayfair, was Hendrix’s home from July 1968 to March 1969.

It opened to the public last year after being restored to its full 1960s glory at a cost of more than £2m.