“In January 1968 Jimi and I were invited to the press launch of a band called Grapefruit, who were associated with John Lennon and named after Yoko Ono’s book Grapefruit.
“Jimi and I were not going to go, but at the last minute Brian Jones turned up at our flat and went to great lengths to persuade us to attend. I wasn’t happy because my hair was a mess and I hadn’t washed it but Brian was so keen for us to go that I decided to put a wig on and make it look as good as I could.
“We got in a taxi and went to the reception rooms just off Hanover Square. They were at the Mayfair Suite of the Hanover Grand Hotel. Brian, Jimi and I sat in a line on uncomfortable chairs. I really didn’t want to be there and the wig, which was driving me crazy, kept sliding down and I repeatedly had to try to set it straight.
“As well as us, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Donovan, and Cilla Black attended the press launch. Jane Asher was there also. Grapefruit went on to record for the next couple of years, but I hated that wig so much I never wore it again.”
[Kathy Etchingham, Jimi Hendrix’s girlfriend, www.kathyetchingham.com ]
Photos from the launch party for Apple band, Grapefruit attended by Paul and Jane, John and Cynthia, Ringo and Maureen, Jimi Hendrix and girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham, Cilla Black, Donovan and Brian Jones among others (but not George, who was in India at the time).
The party was held on the 18th January , 1968 in the Mayfair Suite of the Hanover Grand Hotel, London for Grapefruit’s new single, Dear Delilah which was due to be released on Apple Records the following day. Jane was showing off her diamond engagement ring in many photos, given to her by Paul at Christmas.
Pics: Redferns / Mark and Colleen Hayward / Rex Features / Press Association / PA Wire / Kathy Etchingham