"When we go to play, you flip around and flash around and everything, and then they're not gonna see nothin' but what their eyes see. Forget about their ears"
About this Quote
Jimi Hendrix’s words offer insight into the interplay between spectacle and musicianship in live performance. He refers to the tendency of performers to engage in flashy stage antics, “flip around and flash around and everything”, which can captivate an audience visually. This showmanship, while entertaining, may inadvertently draw the crowd’s attention away from the music itself. Hendrix suggests that in such moments, audiences often “see nothin' but what their eyes see”, that is, their focus becomes consumed by visual elements, perhaps neglecting the more subtle, auditory components of the performance.
At its core, the statement raises questions about authenticity and the delicate balance required in artistry. There is a tension between delivering a visually stimulating show and ensuring that the music remains the primary focus. Hendrix laments that spectacle can sometimes reduce a performance to a superficial experience, where the artist's technical proficiency, emotional depth, and musical creativity are overshadowed by physical movement or visual drama. The artist’s genuine musical expression risks being lost, as the audience “forget[s] about their ears,” missing the nuances, intentions, and emotions embedded in the music.
His perspective is especially poignant, given his own reputation as an electrifying showman. Hendrix was known for playing guitar with his teeth, behind his back, and setting instruments ablaze. Yet, he appears keenly aware of the limitations and potentially hollow nature of such visual theatrics if they replace, rather than complement, musical substance.
Ultimately, Hendrix’s words serve as both a caution and a reflection. They challenge both artists and audiences to remember the power of listening and to appreciate depth over dazzle. The ephemeral thrill of spectacle is acknowledged, but the enduring value of music lies in what is heard, not merely what is seen. This insight continues to resonate, reminding performers to honor their art and inviting listeners to truly engage with the full sensory richness of live music.
At its core, the statement raises questions about authenticity and the delicate balance required in artistry. There is a tension between delivering a visually stimulating show and ensuring that the music remains the primary focus. Hendrix laments that spectacle can sometimes reduce a performance to a superficial experience, where the artist's technical proficiency, emotional depth, and musical creativity are overshadowed by physical movement or visual drama. The artist’s genuine musical expression risks being lost, as the audience “forget[s] about their ears,” missing the nuances, intentions, and emotions embedded in the music.
His perspective is especially poignant, given his own reputation as an electrifying showman. Hendrix was known for playing guitar with his teeth, behind his back, and setting instruments ablaze. Yet, he appears keenly aware of the limitations and potentially hollow nature of such visual theatrics if they replace, rather than complement, musical substance.
Ultimately, Hendrix’s words serve as both a caution and a reflection. They challenge both artists and audiences to remember the power of listening and to appreciate depth over dazzle. The ephemeral thrill of spectacle is acknowledged, but the enduring value of music lies in what is heard, not merely what is seen. This insight continues to resonate, reminding performers to honor their art and inviting listeners to truly engage with the full sensory richness of live music.
Quote Details
| Topic | Music |
|---|
More Quotes by Jimi
Add to List
