Jimi: All Is by My Side

Cast

Production

The film does not include any songs written by Hendrix, as the filmmakers' request to use them was denied by Experience Hendrix LLC (Hendrix's estate). Instead, the film set in London in 1966 and 1967 includes the songs that Hendrix performed during those years, shortly before the release of his debut album, Are You Experienced. All musical parts were played by Waddy Wachtel (guitar), Leland Sklar (bass), Kenny Aronoff (drums). Wachtel wrote bits of music for the film that sound similar to the Experience's early songs.

Controversy

The film has caused controversy as several of Hendrix's friends, including Kathy Etchingham, have vocally decried the film as largely fictitious. This includes scenes depicting a fictionalized Hendrix violently and repeatedly beating Etchingham (played by Hayley Atwell). In interviews given at the time of the film's release, Etchingham described Hendrix as a gentle man, and the time she spent with him some of the best years of her life.

Box office

Jimi: All Is by My Side has grossed $340,911 in the United States and Canada and $586,163 in other territories for a worldwide total of $927,074.

Critical response

Jimi: All Is by My Side received a rating of 67% on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 6/10 based on 78 reviews. The site's consensus states: "It's uneven—and it lacks the primal power of its subject's classic recordings—but Jimi: All Is By My Side offers a well-acted alternative take on the Hendrix myth." On Metacritic, the film has a rating of 66 out of 100, based on 27 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".