1967: Jimi Hendrix Burned His Guitar on Stage
Burning a guitar may be considered disrespectful, but when Jimi Hendrix burned his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival on June 18, 1967, it was a moment that entirely defined the festival. He got on the stage, and after playing the song entitled “Fire,” in which he delivered one of the best performances on an electric guitar, he knelt down and set the guitar ablaze.
Source: forbes.com
It was most likely done purely for the effect it would have on the audience. And it’s also safe to say that the flaming guitar may also have been a consequence of too many drugs or some ‘in-the-moment’ ceremonial madness. But whatever the reason, it is still remembered as one of the most iconic moments in rock music and music festival history.