Drumming legend Mitch Mitchell found dead

By Matt Dickinson, PA
Thursday, 13 November 2008

Tributes poured in today after the death of drummer Mitch Mitchell, the last surviving member of the one of the most influential rock bands.
The 61-year-old former member of powerhouse trio The Jimi Hendrix Experience was found dead in a US hotel room yesterday.
He appeared to have died from, natural causes, the authorities said.
Mitchell, from Ealing in west London, secured his place in rock and rock history after joining legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and bass player Noel Redding in 1966.
The group went on to record several classic albums including Are You Experienced? and make a series of memorable performances.
Hendrix's stepsister Janie Hendrix said of the drummer: "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 was known for his explosive drumming technique. Just before his death he had been drumming for the Experience Hendrix Tour. It performed last Friday in Portland, Oregon, on the last stop on the West Coast part of the tour.
Bob Merlis, a tour spokesman, said Mitchell had stayed in Portland for a four-day holiday and planned to leave yesterday.
"It was a devastating surprise," Mr Merlis said. "Nobody drummed like he did."
Tributes also flooded in on websites including mitchmitchell.de.
One from fan Chris Flores said: "A lot of drummers are great but there is only one Mitch Mitchell. Mitchell held it all together for Hendrix.
"How do you play drums like that? He's the best I ever heard! That's the way real drums should sound like!"
Another added: "So saddened by the news of Mitch's passing...I believe he was One of the 3 best drummers of the 60's. There has been no one like him since."
Hendrix dissolved the Experience in 1969, but Mitchell continued to play with him before his death aged 27 in 1970. They performed together at the Woodstock festival in the US.
Mitchell also played with a host of other rock legends including Eric Clapton, John Lennon, the Rolling Stones, Jack Bruce, Jeff Beck and Muddy Waters.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 1992, and Redding died in 2003.

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