Why Was Jimi Hendrix Arrested in Sweden in 1968?

Jimi Hendrix at the amusement park Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Sweden, May 24, 1967. Public domain.

Jimi Hendrix was one of the most famous and influential guitarists in rock music history. Known for his incredible talent and unique style, Hendrix is best remembered for his unforgettable performances, like his legendary appearance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, where he played the “Star-Spangled Banner” in a way no one had ever heard before. Fans also knew Hendrix for his mid-performance antics, such as setting his guitars on fire on stage. But in 1968, some of his wild behavior caught up with him in Sweden - resulting in a serious hand injury and his arrest.

Jan. 3, 1968

The Jimi Hendrix Experience arrived in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Jan. 3 for a short four-show tour of Sweden and Denmark. After checking into the Hotel Opalen, the band decided to head out to a club. They partied at Klubb Karl and returned to the hotel around 2 a.m. The night didn’t end there, though. The group continued to hang out and party in the hotel room of their drummer, Mitch Mitchell, with some friends. At 4 a.m., a guest staying on the floor below was disturbed by the loud noise coming from Hendrix and his friends. Concerned, a hotel employee went to check on the situation. With a key in hand, they entered the room where the noise was coming from. What they found was a shocking sight. Hendrix was lying on the bed, surrounded by blood. The room was a mess, with broken glass scattered around, showing signs of a violent outburst.

What Happened?

Hendrix had broken a plate glass window and injured his hand while destroying the room in a wild outburst, likely caused by a mix of drugs and alcohol. The damage around him was the result of a frantic and uncontrollable rage. Because the situation was so serious, the police were called to the scene. After arriving, they arrested Hendrix and took him to the hospital to get the medical care he needed for his injuries. At the hospital, Hendrix received stitches in his right hand. The injury temporarily affected his ability to play guitar.

Legal Issues

The police immediately placed a travel ban on Hendrix, keeping him in custody for two weeks. They ordered him to check in at the police station every day at 2 p.m. until his court date on Jan. 16, 1968. Despite this, Jimi Hendrix and the Experience were still allowed to perform their shows in Sandviken and Stockholm. After those shows, band members Noel Redding and Mitchell went back to England while Jimi returned to Gothenburg. On Jan. 16, he appeared in court and was fined 3,200 Swedish Crowns.

Other Arrests

The exact number of times Hendrix was jailed is unclear because of different reports and incidents, but one notable incident occurred in Toronto in 1969. On May 3, Hendrix was detained at Toronto International Airport when customs officials found heroin and hashish in his luggage. He was arrested and charged with drug possession but was later released on bail and eventually cleared of the charges. In September of the same year, Hendrix was arrested in New York for heroin possession. He claimed the drugs were planted in his bag by someone else. The case was eventually dismissed.

Jimi Hendrix’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Photo courtesy of Gorodilova under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Hendrix’s 1968 arrest in Sweden was a tough moment in his life. After his court appearance, he was fined but was able to move forward with his life and music. This event was just one of many challenges he faced, but it didn’t take away from his legendary status as a rock musician.

References: When Jimi Hendrix was Arrested and Detained for Weeks in Sweden | Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Hotel Incident