The Band rivary between Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, Hendrix Controversial statement believed to have said about morrison and The Doors

 

Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison were two towering figures of the 1960s counterculture—both rebellious, wildly creative, and unapologetically self-destructive. They came to define the spirit of their generation in vastly different ways: Hendrix through his masterful guitar work and groundbreaking sonic experimentation, and Morrison through his poetic provocations and onstage unpredictability. But despite their shared fame and cultural weight, the two never saw eye to eye. In fact, Hendrix reportedly *hated* Morrison—and didn’t shy away from saying so.

*“They don’t sound like nothing,”* Hendrix is believed to have said about *The Doors*, the band fronted by Morrison. It was a rare moment of overt criticism from Hendrix, who generally avoided public feuds. But his distaste wasn’t just musical—it was deeply personal, shaped by two now-infamous encounters between the rock icons.

The Scene Club Incident

The most legendary of their meetings happened in 1968 at The Scene, a popular Manhattan nightclub known for its after-hours jam sessions and regular celebrity chaos. On this particular night, Hendrix was jamming onstage with a few musicians when Morrison, heavily intoxicated and under the influence of multiple substances, stumbled into the venue.

Instead of simply watching the performance—or joining in musically—Morrison grabbed a microphone and began

behaving erratically. He dropped to his knees in front of Hendrix, shouting explicit comments and mimicking obscene gestures. Onlookers recall him slurring, *“I wanna suck your—”* before being pulled away by stunned observers. The room, already on edge, turned chaotic.

Janis Joplin, also in the club that night and reportedly disgusted by Morrison’s behavior, smashed a bottle over his head in a fit of anger. A brawl broke out, effectively ending the jam session in a haze of broken glass, blood, and disbelief. Hendrix, furious, reportedly stormed out of the venue and later vowed never to share a stage—or a room—with Morrison again.

Creative Differences or Culture Clash?

While the drama of the night is often the focal point, it also revealed deeper creative and philosophical differences between the two artists. Hendrix was known for his deep dedication to his craft. Even amid the psychedelic haze of the era, he remained a focused musician obsessed with tone, structure, and innovation.

Morrison, on the other hand, embraced chaos as part of his artistic identity. He saw music as performance art—provocative, primal, and theatrical. His unpredictability may have thrilled fans, but it irritated peers who valued musical cohesion and respect onstage.

To Hendrix, Morrison’s outburst was more than just an embarrassing moment—it was a breach of artistic integrity.

### Two Legends, One Tense Legacy

While the rivalry between Hendrix and Morrison wasn’t long-lived, it’s a fascinating footnote in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Both men died within a year of each other—Hendrix in 1970, Morrison in 1971—each at the age of 27, cementing their places in the tragic “27 Club” of lost musical legends.

Today, their work continues to influence generations of musicians. But their infamous clash at The Scene remains a wild, cautionary tale of ego, excess, and the explosive nature of two legends who simply couldn’t stand one another.