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Mitch Mitchell, Drummer for Jimi Hendrix, Found Dead

by amyjudd | November 12, 2008 at 07:13 pm

466 views | 9 Recommendations | 8 comments

Jimi Hendrix Drummer Mitch Mitchell Dead at 61

Mitch Mitchell, the drummer for the late, great, Jimi Hendrix was found dead in his hotel room in the early hours of this morning.

Mitchell performed only two weeks ago in Los Angeles and appeared full of energy and healthy. Aside from Jimi Hendrix, he had also played with Eric Clapton, Johnn Lennon, Keith Richards, Jack Bruce, Jeff Beck and Muddy Waters, among others.

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."

The Englishman 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.

Hendrix died in 1970. Bass player Noel Redding died in 2003.

An employee at Portland's Benson Hotel called police after discovering Mitchell's body.

Erin Patrick, a deputy medical examiner, said Mitchell apparently died of natural causes. An autopsy was planned.

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Paschen

at 19:18 on November 12th, 2008

I never heard of his drummer before even though I heard much off JH.

Maybe JH took up to much off the stage to allow a light being shined on any one else.

amyjudd

at 19:20 on November 12th, 2008

Maybe - apparently he was legendary

Blue Crush

at 06:37 on November 13th, 2008

Last of Hendrix band .... sad!

MikeGeezle (not verified)

at 14:53 on November 13th, 2008

if you heard alot of jimi,

theres no way you shouldnt have known about mitch.

since he became a part of the experiment, he was a huge contributing factor in hendrixs music. (even when he wasnt playing)

and still to this day, many believe hendrix never had a better drummer...

i tend to agree.

RIP mitch, you'll be missed.

Shame (not verified)

at 14:58 on November 13th, 2008

If you paid any attention to Jimi's career you would know about Mitch Mitchell. RIP

VVoodee (not verified)

at 21:13 on November 13th, 2008

I'm with Shame and Mike Geezle.

Mitchell was a pioneer in fusion drumming, who contributed enormously to the sound and character of Jimi's early recordings with the Experience. Hendrix, if he were alive today, would be Mitch's most fervent defender.

Maybe Paschen you should delete your comment to avoid further embarassment.