Hendrix drummer found dead
13/11/2008 08:16
Los Angeles - British-born drummer Mitch Mitchell, the last surviving member of legendary 1960s band The Jimi Hendrix Experience, was found dead on Wednesday in a hotel room in Oregon, officials said. He was 62.
Mitchell, whose innovative drumming was regarded as a crucial component of the Hendrix-led group's success, was discovered in the early hours of Wednesday at his hotel room, a county coroner's office spokesperson told US media.
No cause of death was immediately available, but a statement on the official Jimi Hendrix website run by the late guitarist's estate said Mitchell died from natural causes.
"We're all devastated to hear of Mitch's passing," Janie Hendrix, chief executive of Experience Hendrix said. "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."
Mitchell had just completed an 18-city tour of the United States with Experience Hendrix, a concert series featuring guest performers playing tributes to the 1960s group's music.
"Over the course of the recent tour (Mitch) seemed delighted with the interchange with the other musicians and the audiences. There is no question that he was doing what he loved," Janie Hendrix added.
Jimi Hendrix died in mysterious circumstances in London in 1970 at the age of 27, cutting short a ground-breaking rock career notable for his extraordinary guitar sound on albums Are You Experienced and Electric Ladyland.
The third member of the group, English bass guitarist Noel Redding, died in 2003 aged 57.
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This guy was so great. Especially on bongo type drums .... he also lost himslf in the music, and made such a huge addition the the Experience.
Lot of these old timers going now .... the world is poorer for their passing.
2 comments:
Mitch died at the Benson Hotel in Portland. That's an hour and fifteen minutes North of me. The official autopsy report confirms natural causes.
Mitch kept playing because he needed the money and loved making music. Too bad he didn't get royalties from the Hendrix connection.
Thanks for that irondad ... Hey, natural causes are the way to go.
Damn shame he didnt get any ... sure as hell deserved it. I always think of the way Pink Floyd looked after Syd Barrett, making sure he was financially looked after.
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