HANDWRITTEN lyrics penned by rock legend Jimi Hendrix are to go under the hammer at the London hotel where he stayed during his final months, and which is the address listed on his death certificate.

The lyrics are to Straight Ahead, a song only released six months after his death, and which had been intended for his fourth album. And they are expected to realise up to £80,000 at the auction.

The lyrics are among several Hendrix items for sale in Propstore’s Music Memorabilia Live Auction on October 23 and 24, which will include more than 550 lots linked to the likes of Hendrix, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and others estimated to be worth more than £3 million.

“Filled with Hendrix’s distinctive handwriting and revisions, the lyrics offer a rare window into the mind of one of rock’s greatest guitarists and are among 14 Hendrix pieces to return to the Cumberland Hotel,” says the auction house. 

“Their homecoming, more than 50 years later, creates an extraordinary full-circle moment, with Hendrix’s lyrics once again housed in the very hotel he called home.”

Original concept art, cassette tapes of recording sessions and conversations, art prints and autographed items complete the Hendrix haul, some of which will go on public exhibition ahead of the sale.

The auction house has selected 100 lots to go on show at the hotel, opening on Tuesday October 21. The Hendrix items will go under the hammer on October 23, with in-room, phone and online bidding.

The second day, meanwhile, will be a special Oasis sale, with bidding for 100 items of memorabilia linked to the band for sale online only. Registration is now open, and the full catalogue is available to view here.

Lead image: Limited Edition 1/1 Proof Screenprint Signed and Numbered by Gered Mankowitz est. £2,000 – £4,000. Images courtesy Propstore.