HE IS one of the greatest rock stars ever – but 50 years ago today Jimi Hendrix was performing in the modest surroundings of the University of Sussex’s refectory.

The legendary musician played as part of a line-up that also included Pink Floyd in November 1967, three years before his death.

While hundreds of students rocked out at the concert, one giggoer was left underwhelmed by Hendrix’s performance.

Jeff Alterman, who studied at the university from 1965 to 1970, has told The Argus how he remembers the icon appearing distracted at the show.

He said: “He seemed very grumpy and didn’t play for long. He came on late, too.”

Perhaps he got caught in Crosstown Traffic getting to the venue.

He added: “He didn’t stay on stage long because he didn’t seem to be enjoying it. Apparently he didn’t play a full set and I don’t know exactly why.”

Andrew Forrest, another alumni of the university, said Hendrix “was in a bad mood and kept sticking his tongue out at the audience.”

Despite the apparently disappointing gig, Mr Alterman said everyone at the university was thrilled to see Hendrix play as he was considered a “God”.

In 1967, Hendrix had not yet become an international superstar. He and his band The Jimi Hendrix Experience had only just released their debut record Are You Experienced?

Mr Alterman said: “We were still pleased to see him here but we realised he hadn’t been in the best of humour.”

Mr Alterman was privy to the negotiations that took place to get Hendrix to the university as he had a friend who worked for the promotion company. He remembered that it cost £450 to attract the rock idol to Sussex.

Hendrix’s University of Sussex show was in stark contrast to his concert at Brighton Dome just a month later, according to Mr Alterman. The star returned to the city for the second gig on December 2.

Mr Alterman said: “The Dome performance was much better. “Hendrix is still the best guitarist I’ve ever seen. I have never seen such talent.”

Hendrix also played in Crawley and Hastings in October 1967.