The last surviving member of the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience, drummer Mitch Mitchell, was found dead in his hotel room early Wednesday. He was 61 years old.
Noel Redding – Jimi Hendrix – Mitch Mitchell
Englishman, Mitchell was a powerful force on the Hendrix band’s 1967 debut album “Are You Experienced?” as well as the trio’s albums “Electric Ladyland” and “Axis: Bold As Love.” He had an explosive drumming style that can be heard in hard-charging songs such as “Fire” and “Manic Depression.”
Hendrix died in 1970. Bass player Noel Redding died in 2003.
Mitchell had been drumming for the Experience Hendrix Tour, which performed Friday in Portland. It was the last stop on the West Coast part of the tour.
“He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend. His role in shaping the sound of the Jimi Hendrix Experience cannot be underestimated.” – Janie Hendrix, chief executive of the Experience Hendrix Tour and Jimi Hendrix’ stepsister.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 1992. According to the Hall of Fame, Mitchell was born July 9, 1947, in Ealing, England.
Terry Stewart, chief executive of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, said Mitchell transformed his instrument from a “strictly percussive element to a lead instrument.”
“His interplay with Jimi Hendrix’s guitar on songs like ‘Fire’ is truly amazing,” Stewart said Wednesday. “Mitch Mitchell had a massive influence on rock ‘n’ roll drumming and took it to new heights.”
Rock On Mitch, we hope you, Noel and Jimi are Jammin again!
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