Mitch Mitchell Dies...

Thomas from Presence · 13-11-2008 11:34am #1

The last surviving member of the Jimi Hendrix has died, drummer Mitch Mitchell. He was only 61. Buddy Miles went this year as well so Billy Cox is the last band member still alive.

Hendrix's drummer Mitchell dies
Mitch Mitchell circa 1968
The band was one of the most influential of the 1960s

Mitch Mitchell, the British drummer in the seminal 1960s band the Jimi Hendrix Experience, has been found dead in his US hotel room, authorities say.

The 61-year-old was discovered in the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon, in the early hours of Wednesday.

A medical examiner told Associated Press news agency the death appeared to be from natural causes but that there would be an autopsy.

Hendrix died in 1970 and the band's bassist Noel Redding died in 2003.

Mitchell, from Ealing in west London, had been touring with the Experience Hendrix Tour.

'Rock 'n' roll hero'

Janie Hendrix, chief executive of the tour and step-sister of Jimi Hendrix, paid tribute to Mitchell.

"He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend," she said.

Jimi Hendrix and Mitch Mitchell at Heathrow Airport in London on 21 August 1967
Mitchell drummed for Hendrix at his legendary Woodstock performance

He performed on Hendrix classics such as Are You Experienced? Electric Ladyland and Axis: Bold As Love.

The top session drummer also played with the likes of Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Keith Richards and Muddy Waters.

A musical pioneer, he is credited with helping to develop a "fusion" drumming style that combined rock with jazz.

He joined the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1966 and backed the rocker for his legendary performance at Woodstock three years later.

Bob Merlis, a spokesman for the tour, said his death was "devastating".

He had seen Mitchell perform two weeks ago in Los Angeles and the drummer appeared healthy and upbeat, he said.

Blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who is part of the tour, said Mitchell was to drums what Hendrix was to guitar.

"Today many of us have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a rock 'n' roll hero," he said.

Dord · 13-11-2008 11:39am

Yeah, I heard that last night.

R.I.P. Mitch Mitchell

Doctor J · 13-11-2008 1:04pm

R.I.P. Mitch, an amazingly skilful drummer

johnboy8 · 13-11-2008 4:45pm

very sad.i was only watching him the other night playing with john lennon,eric clapton,keith richards as the 'dirty mac'(part of the rolling stones rock n roll circus)its on utube definetly worth a watch.