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Death of Mitch Mitchell
The Death of Jimi Hendrix’s Drummer
Mitch Mitchell the drummer in the Jimi Hendrix Experience has passed away aged sixty one. The only surviving member of the band he was found dead in a hotel room after finishing a tour with a Hendrix tribute band in America. He passed away on the day he was due to return to England.
Following bass player Noel Redding’s death in 2003 and obviously Jimi’s well documented passing in 1970 this draws a curtain on quite possibly the most important rock band of all time. Everyone will have their own views on who was the biggest influence, be it the Stones, Zeppelin , The Who, Beatles etc but nobody has had a greater impact on rock guitar based music than the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
It’s hard to see now but back then Hendrix shocked the blues and pop world in much the same way that Elvis shocked the entire planet and his current record sales are testament to his influence. Mitch Mitchell was a trained jazz drummer and his contribution to the band should be given its full credit. Anyone who has a copy of Axis: Bold as Love or Electric Ladyland will understand what a fantastic band they really were.
Mitch Mitchell 1947-2008
Miles
they left a legacy that will not be forgotten !
A 15 year old lad was telling me the other week how Hendrix was his hero !
That says it all for me.
Nobody has had a greater influence on rock guitar, so ultimately how rock music sounds, than Jimi Hendrix.
Mitch Mitchell was part of that so will not be forgotten.
Rod
November 14, 2008 @ 9:10 am
Rod,
You’re quite right, it’s not suprising the music is still popular given the quality of it and it’s important that Mitchell and Redding are acknowledged for their contribution.
Miles
November 14, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
“Fire” for me, was the song Jimi let the other two shine. When I heard MM died I immediately thought of that song - has anyone ever sounded so crisp and clean while playing that fast? I used to go see Tito Puente, Max Roach, and Buddy Rich (unfortunately only once before he died) play just up the street from me. Mitchell was their natural heir and protege. I think had Hendrix lived, Mitchell would have surpassed them. The Experience fed off each other - just crazy stuff they came up with - and it all worked. Redding’s playing in the band was classic as well - as much as Jimi is regarded as a god, those three made some absolutely brilliant music together.
November 15, 2008 @ 3:03 am
Dave,
I knew this would prompt a comment from you, you’re right, I think, The Experience and Band of Gypsies would have taken the jazz-rock scene at the time to another level. It’s a real shame.
Miles
November 15, 2008 @ 7:56 am