A MUSIC fan has launched a campaign to have a North- East concert by guitar legend Jimi Hendrix officially recognised.

The Purple Haze star played to a sell-out crowd at The Imperial Hotel, in Darlington, with his band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, in February 1967.

The concert, at the Grange Road venue, saw Hendrix play a two- hour set – with the gig also remembered for the rumoured theft of one of his guitars after the show.

His performance has since remained part of folklore among North-East followers, but now Alastair Waugh, of Hurworth, near Darlington, has re-ignited interest by applying for an English Heritage blue plaque at the hotel in Hendrix’s honour.

The 31-year-old charity training officer, said: “This all came from an event at The Imperial when I spoke to someone about Hendrix who had no idea he had played there.

“They were really taken aback and it showed me that Darlington needs to celebrate this historic moment.

“Hendrix was, and still is, such an influential figures to millions of music fans.

“I cannot think of anyone hugely significant in the industry, apart from Elton John who played Darlington Arena, to have come to the town, which shows just how special Hendrix’s appearance was.”

Mr Waugh said his application with English Heritage could take up to three years.

Darlington Borough Council already acknowledges the gig and venue on its Heritage Trail route, with a brochure saying: “The late Jimi Hendrix played in the Bolivar Bar of the hotel. Don’t you wonder what the Quakers would have made of that?”

However, Mr Waugh hoped more could be done to highlight the event.

He added: “It doesn’t matter how old you are – Hendrix’s music is timeless. He was only really at his peak for four years, but had such an impact.

“If Darlington could do something special in his honour, it would be a great tribute to him and his musical legacy, and great for the town.”